What is a key characteristic of boundary value analysis?

Boundary value analysis is a testing technique that specifically concentrates on the values at the extremes of input ranges, which are often where defects are found. This method emphasizes the significance of testing the limits of input data to ensure the system operates correctly at its boundaries.

By focusing on the values just below, just above, and at the exact boundaries of input ranges, along with any special cases associated with these values, boundary value analysis identifies potential errors that can occur due to edge conditions. For example, if a valid input range is from 1 to 10, boundary value analysis would involve testing 0, 1, 2, 9, 10, and 11. This ensures that the software handles limit conditions appropriately, which may not be evident when only testing within the normal operational range.

Other methodologies, such as generating random data or creating tests derived from user stories, do not specifically target edge conditions in the same way as boundary value analysis. Focusing on middle values might overlook critical errors that occur at the boundaries, thus neglecting essential testing aspects.