software testing interview questions (JNNC Technologies)

Top 150 Software Testing Interview Questions & Answers

1. What is the MAIN benefit of designing tests early in the life cycle?
It helps prevent defects from being introduced into the code.

2. What is risk-based testing?

Risk-based Testing is the term used for an approach to creating a Test Strategy that is based on prioritizing tests by risk. The basis of the approach is a detailed risk analysis and prioritizing of risks by risk level. Tests to address each risk are then specified, starting with the highest risk first.

3. What is the KEY difference between preventative and reactive approaches to testing?

Preventative tests are designed early; reactive tests are designed after the software has been produced.

4. What is the purpose of exit criteria?

The purpose of exit criteria is to define when a test level is completed.

5. What determines the level of risk?

 The likelihood of an adverse event and the impact of the event determine the level of risk.

6. When is used Decision table testing?

Decision table testing is used for testing systems for which the specification takes the form of rules or cause-effect combinations. In a decision table the inputs are listed in a column, with the outputs in the same column but below the inputs. The remainder of the table explores combinations of inputs to define the outputs produced.

7. What is the MAIN objective when reviewing a software deliverable?

To identify defects in any software work product.

8. Which of the following defines the expected results of a test? Test case specification or test design specification.

Test case specification defines the expected results of a test.

9. What is the benefit of test independence?

It avoids author bias in defining effective tests.

10. As part of which test process do you determine the exit criteria?

The exit criteria is determined on the bases of 'Test Planning'.

11. What is beta testing?

Testing performed by potential customers at their own locations.

12. Given the following fragment of code, how many tests are required for 100% decision coverage?

if width > length

   thenbiggest_dimension = width

     if height > width

             thenbiggest_dimension = height

     end_if

elsebiggest_dimension = length  

            if height > length 

                thenbiggest_dimension = height

          end_if

end_if

4

13. You have designed test cases to provide 100% statement and 100% decision coverage for the following fragment of code. if width > length then biggest_dimension = width else biggest_dimension = length end_if The following has been added to the bottom of the code fragment above. print "Biggest dimension is " &biggest_dimensionprint "Width: " & width print "Length: " & length How many more test cases are required?

None, existing test cases can be used.

14. Rapid Application Development?

Rapid Application Development (RAD) is formally a parallel development of functions and subsequent integration. Components/functions are developed in parallel as if they were mini projects, the developments are time-boxed, delivered, and then assembled into a working prototype. This can very quickly give the customer something to see and use and to provide feedback regarding the delivery and their requirements. Rapid change and development of the product is possible using this methodology. However the product specification will need to be developed for the product at some point, and the project will need to be placed under more formal controls prior to going into production.

15. What is the difference between Testing Techniques and Testing Tools?

Testing technique: – Is a process for ensuring that some aspects of the application system or unit functions properly there may be few techniques but many tools.

Testing Tools: – Is a vehicle for performing a test process. The tool is a resource to the tester, but itself is insufficient to conduct testing

16. We use the output of the requirement analysis, the requirement specification as the input for writing …

User Acceptance Test Cases

17. Repeated Testing of an already tested program, after modification, to discover any defects introduced or uncovered as a result of the changes in the software being tested or in another related or unrelated software component:

Regression Testing

18. A wholesaler sells printer cartridges. The minimum order quantity is 5. There is a 20% discount for orders of 100 or more printer cartridges. You have been asked to prepare test cases using various values for the number of printer cartridges ordered. Which of the following groups contain three test inputs that would be generated using Boundary Value Analysis?

4, 5, 99

19. What is component testing?

Component testing, also known as unit, module and program testing, searches for defects in, and verifies the functioning of software (e.g. modules, programs, objects, classes, etc.) that are separately testable. Component testing may be done in isolation from the rest of the system depending on the context of the development life cycle and the system. Most often stubs and drivers are used to replace the missing software and simulate the interface between the software components in a simple manner. A stub is called from the software component to be tested; a driver calls a component to be tested.

20. What is functional system testing?

Testing the end to end functionality of the system as a whole is defined as a functional system testing.

21. What are the benefits of Independent Testing?

Independent testers are unbiased and identify different defects at the same time.

22. In a REACTIVE approach to testing when would you expect the bulk of the test design work to be begun?

The bulk of the test design work begun after the software or system has been produced.

23. What are the different Methodologies in Agile Development Model?

There are currently seven different agile methodologies that I am aware of:

1. Extreme Programming (XP)
2. Scrum
3. Lean Software Development
4. Feature-Driven Development
5. Agile Unified Process
6. Crystal
7. Dynamic Systems Development Model (DSDM) 

24. Which activity in the fundamental test process includes evaluation of the testability of the requirements and system?

A 'Test Analysis' and 'Design' includes evaluation of the testability of the requirements and system.

25. What is typically the MOST important reason to use risk to drive testing efforts?

Because testing everything is not feasible.

26. What is random/monkey testing? When it is used?

Random testing often known as monkey testing. In such type of testing data is generated randomly often using a tool or automated mechanism. With this randomly generated input the system is tested and results are analysed accordingly. These testing are less reliable; hence it is normally used by the beginners and to see whether the system will hold up under adverse effects.

27. Which of the following are valid objectives for incident reports?

1. Provide developers and other parties with feedback about the problem to enable identification, isolation and correction as necessary.
2. Provide ideas for test process improvement.
3. Provide a vehicle for assessing tester competence.
4. Provide testers with a means of tracking the quality of the system under test.  

28. Consider the following techniques. Which are static and which are dynamic techniques?

1. Equivalence Partitioning.
2. Use Case Testing.
3. Data Flow Analysis.
4. Exploratory Testing.
5. Decision Testing.
6. Inspections.

Data Flow Analysis and Inspections are static; Equivalence Partitioning, Use Case Testing, Exploratory Testing and Decision Testing are dynamic.

29. Why are static testing and dynamic testing described as complementary?

Because they share the aim of identifying defects but differ in the types of defect they find.

30. What are the phases of a formal review?

In contrast to informal reviews, formal reviews follow a formal process. A typical formal review process consists of six main steps:

1. Planning
2. Kick-off
3. Preparation
4. Review meeting
5. Rework
6. Follow-up.

31. What is the role of moderator in review process?

The moderator (or review leader) leads the review process. He or she determines, in co-operation with the author, the type of review, approach and the composition of the review team. The moderator performs the entry check and the follow-up on the rework, in order to control the quality of the input and output of the review process. The moderator also schedules the meeting, disseminates documents before the meeting, coaches other team members, paces the meeting, leads possible discussions and stores the data that is collected.