Which testing principle states that exhaustive testing is not possible?

The principle that asserts exhaustive testing is not possible recognizes the practical limitations inherent in software testing. Exhaustive testing would require testing all possible inputs and configurations, which is often impractical due to the vast number of potential scenarios, especially in complex systems.

This principle emphasizes that, given the infinite combinations of inputs, conditions, and states a system can have, it is unfeasible to test every single scenario. Therefore, testers must prioritize their efforts based on risk, functionality, and other factors to ensure effective coverage while managing time and resources efficiently.

This understanding helps guide testers in developing strategies that focus on identifying the most critical areas of the application, rather than attempting to cover every possible case, thus leading to more efficient testing processes.