Can anynoe tell me what "white box" means in IT?

[liwei]

Can anynoe tell me what "white box" means in IT?
Thanks!

LiWei from China

[bird]

When testing or using a module (software or hardware) you can just work with the interface specifications, ignoring how that module implements its functionality. Doing so would mean to treat that module as a "black box".

In contrast, when you test or use a module in a way that requires knowledge of specific implementation details, then you're following a "white box" model. This is sometimes necessary when the interface specifications aren't precise enough. But it also makes it harder to replace the module with one using a different implementation later.

[liwei]

Can you give me a single word or phrase to describe the situation?

[StanBo]

In a single phrase - if you have information of what happens in between input and output - it's a white box. If not - it's a black box

[bunltd]

White Box can also refer to a non-branded piece of hardware, say a non-branded white box computer system. (it's made of brand name components, but doesn't carry a brand name on the box - usually sells for less)

LisaB

[Shane]

White box means you know what is going on inside the "device", "module", ..... this allows you when testing to know at what points the actions should change (boundary value testing). For instance, if at an input of 3, the output should be a warning, you can test at 2.9, 3.0 and 3.1 and each know what to expect.

..... Shane

[rogerd]

I vote with Lisa on this... what used to be called "clones", i.e., unbranded computers or other products, are now commonly referred to as "white box". I guess we really need to know the context that the term is used in.