Chapter 4 – Test Analysis & Design
Path Testing – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
A white-box test design technique in which test cases are designed to execute paths through the control flow graph.
In simple words
Design tests so each independent path from entry to exit of a function is executed.
Exam tip
Full path coverage is usually infeasible because loops create infinite paths.
Related terms
- Basis Path TestingTest only the minimum set of paths that combine to form all other paths — that count equals cyclomatic complexity.
- Cyclomatic ComplexityA metric that counts branches in code — higher number means the code is harder to test.
- Control Flow AnalysisStatic analysis that maps every possible execution path to check for unreachable or infinite loops.
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