What does branch coverage specifically assess in software testing?

Branch coverage is a specific type of code coverage metric used in software testing to assess whether each decision point in the code has been executed in both its true and false outcomes. This means that for every branch that a program takes—typically represented by control flow statements such as if-else conditions and switch-case statements—branch coverage ensures that all possible paths stemming from those decision points are tested.

By focusing on decision points, branch coverage helps identify parts of the code that may not have been tested at all, thus enabling testers to evaluate the robustness of decision-making operations within the application. Successful branch coverage contributes to revealing logical errors or underspecified behavior in the application, ensuring that all branches of the code are verified for correct execution.

While other coverage metrics such as statement coverage or path coverage assess different elements of the code execution, branch coverage specifically ensures that each branch of decision points is tested, making it an essential part of comprehensive software quality assurance.