What is an essential characteristic of the orthogonal array?

An essential characteristic of the orthogonal array is that it provides comprehensive coverage of combinations. Orthogonal arrays are specifically designed to systematically sample combinations of factors in testing, ensuring that all possible interactions between different levels of input factors are adequately examined. This allows for efficient testing while ensuring that important interactions between variables are not missed. By creating a balanced set of test cases with optimal coverage, it enables testers to identify potential issues and ensures a more robust assessment of the system under test.

The focus on combinations is crucial because it addresses the testing of multiple factors simultaneously, which is often necessary in complex systems. This characteristic significantly enhances the effectiveness of testing strategies by minimizing redundancy while maximizing insight into system behavior across diverse scenarios.