1. What is software testing?

Software testing is the process of evaluating a software application or system to identify defects or errors. It involves executing test cases, comparing actual and expected results, and ensuring that the software meets quality standards.

2. What are the different levels of testing?

The different levels of testing include unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing. Unit testing verifies individual components, integration testing checks the interaction between components, system testing evaluates the entire system, and acceptance testing ensures that the system meets user requirements.

3. What is the difference between functional and non-functional testing?

Functional testing validates the functional requirements of the software, focusing on what the system does. Non-functional testing verifies aspects like performance, security, usability, and reliability, which are not directly related to the system's functionality.

4. What is regression testing?

Regression testing is conducted to ensure that changes or modifications in the software do not introduce new defects or negatively impact existing functionality. It involves retesting previously tested features to ensure they still function correctly.

5. What is the difference between verification and validation?

Verification focuses on checking if a system or component adheres to specifications and requirements. It involves reviews, inspections, and walkthroughs. Validation, on the other hand, confirms that the system satisfies user needs and is fit for its intended purpose.

6. What is a test case?

A test case is a documented set of conditions, inputs, and expected results developed to verify specific functionality or features of a software application. It provides step-by-step instructions for testers to execute and validate the behavior of the system.

7. What is the difference between a test plan and a test strategy?

A test plan outlines the approach, objectives, scope, and schedule of testing activities for a specific project. It provides details about the test environment, test deliverables, and resources required. A test strategy, on the other hand, defines the overall testing approach, methodologies, and tools used across multiple projects or organizations.

8. What is black-box testing?

Black-box testing is a technique where the tester has no knowledge of the internal workings of the system being tested. The focus is on validating inputs and outputs, and the test cases are derived from the system's specifications or requirements.

9. What is white-box testing?

White-box testing, also known as structural or glass-box testing, is a technique where the tester has knowledge of the internal structure and implementation details of the system. Test cases are designed to test individual components, paths, and conditions within the code.

10. What is boundary value analysis?

Boundary value analysis is a testing technique that focuses on testing the boundaries or extreme values of input variables. It helps identify errors that occur at the boundaries of acceptable input ranges. Test cases are derived using values just below, at, and just above these boundaries.

11. What is the difference between smoke testing and sanity testing?

Smoke testing is a quick and shallow test performed to ensure that the critical functionalities of a software application are working before proceeding with detailed testing. It is typically performed after a new build or release. Sanity testing, on the other hand, is a narrow and focused test that checks whether the defects reported in a particular area or module have been fixed and if the area/module is now functioning properly.

12. What is the role of a test plan in software testing?

A test plan serves as a comprehensive document that outlines the testing approach, objectives, scope, and schedule for a particular project. It describes the test environment, resources, test deliverables, and the techniques and tools to be used. A test plan helps in ensuring that the testing activities are well-organized, efficient, and effective.

13. What is a test environment?

A test environment refers to the setup and configuration of hardware, software, and network components necessary to conduct testing. It aims to mimic the production environment as closely as possible to ensure accurate and reliable test results. The test environment includes servers, databases, operating systems, networks, test tools, and any other components required for testing.

14. What is defect life cycle?

The defect life cycle represents the different stages that a defect goes through from its identification to its closure. It typically consists of stages like new, open, assigned, fixed, retested, verified, and closed. The defect progresses through these stages as it is reported, assigned to developers, fixed, retested by testers, verified by stakeholders, and finally closed if it meets the specified criteria.

15. What is the purpose of test data?

Test data is the input data used to execute test cases. Its purpose is to validate the behavior of the software application under different scenarios, including normal and abnormal conditions. Test data helps uncover defects, identify boundary value issues, and evaluate the system's response to various inputs.

16. What is the difference between static testing and dynamic testing?

Static testing is a technique that examines the software artifacts (requirements, design, code, etc.) without executing the program. It aims to identify defects early in the development life cycle. Dynamic testing, on the other hand, involves executing the software and validating its behavior. It checks if the software meets functional and non-functional requirements.

17. What is exploratory testing?

Exploratory testing is a testing technique where the tester simultaneously designs and executes test cases based on their domain knowledge, experience, and intuition. It is not scripted in advance but is performed dynamically, allowing testers to uncover defects that might not be discovered through traditional scripted testing.

18. What is the difference between a defect and a failure?

A defect is an error or flaw in the software that causes it to deviate from its expected behavior. It is a mistake made by the development team. A failure, on the other hand, is the inability of the software to perform its intended function or deliver the expected results. It is observed by the end user.

19. What is the purpose of a test summary report?

A test summary report provides a summary of the testing activities performed during a testing phase or the entire project. It includes information about the test objectives, test results, test coverage, defects found, and any risks or issues encountered. The report helps stakeholders assess the quality of the software and make informed decisions.

20. What is the role of a test lead?

A test lead is responsible for managing the testing activities within a project. Their role includes defining the test strategy, planning and scheduling testing tasks, allocating resources, tracking progress, reporting test status, managing defects, and ensuring that the testing goals and objectives are met. They collaborate with the development team, stakeholders, and other project members to ensure effective and efficient testing.

21. What is the difference between static and dynamic analysis?

Static analysis is a method of analyzing software without executing it. It involves reviewing the code or other software artifacts for potential defects or issues. Static analysis tools are used to identify coding standards violations, potential bugs, security vulnerabilities, and other quality-related concerns. Dynamic analysis, on the other hand, involves executing the software and analyzing its behavior during runtime. It includes techniques like debugging, profiling, and performance monitoring to identify issues such as memory leaks, performance bottlenecks, and runtime errors.

22. What is the purpose of a test harness?

A test harness is a set of tools, libraries, and frameworks used to facilitate the automation of test cases. It provides an environment for executing tests, capturing test results, and managing test data. The purpose of a test harness is to streamline the testing process, enhance test coverage, and improve the efficiency and repeatability of testing activities.

23. What is a test oracle?

A test oracle is a mechanism used to determine the expected outcome of a test case. It can be a set of rules, algorithms, or specifications that define the correct behavior of the system being tested. Test oracles are used to compare the actual outputs of the system with the expected outputs to determine the success or failure of a test case.

24. What is the difference between positive and negative testing?

Positive testing, also known as "happy path" testing, involves validating the system's expected behavior by providing valid inputs and verifying correct outputs. It focuses on ensuring that the system functions as intended under normal operating conditions. Negative testing, on the other hand, involves validating the system's ability to handle invalid or unexpected inputs. It aims to uncover defects or vulnerabilities in the system's error handling and exception handling capabilities.

25. What is load testing?

Load testing is a type of performance testing that evaluates the system's behavior under expected and peak load conditions. It involves simulating a high volume of concurrent users or transactions to assess the system's response time, throughput, and resource utilization. The goal of load testing is to identify performance bottlenecks, capacity limits, and any degradation in system performance under heavy load.

26. What is the difference between load testing and stress testing?

Load testing involves testing the system's performance under expected and peak load conditions to assess its response time and throughput. It focuses on evaluating the system's behavior within its specified limits. Stress testing, on the other hand, involves testing the system's ability to handle extreme or beyond-normal load conditions. It aims to determine the system's stability and robustness by pushing it to its limits or breaking points.

27. What is the purpose of a defect tracking system?

A defect tracking system, also known as a bug tracking system, is a tool used to capture, manage, and track defects or issues discovered during testing. It provides a centralized repository to record defect details, assign them to the appropriate individuals, track their status, and facilitate communication and collaboration among team members. The purpose of a defect tracking system is to ensure that defects are properly documented, resolved, and retested before the software is released.

28. What is test coverage?

Test coverage is a metric used to measure the extent to which the software or system has been tested. It determines the percentage of code or functionalities that have been exercised by the test cases. Test coverage helps assess the thoroughness and effectiveness of testing by identifying areas that have not been adequately tested and may still contain defects.

29. What is the difference between test scenarios and test cases?

A test scenario is a high-level description of a particular functionality or feature to be tested. It outlines the objectives, conditions, and expected outcomes for testing. Test cases, on the other hand, are detailed steps or instructions that specify how a particular test scenario will be executed and what inputs will be used, what actions will be performed, and what expected results should be observed. Test scenarios provide a broader view of the testing scope, while test cases provide specific details for executing and validating the behavior of the system.

30. What is monkey testing?

Monkey testing is a random and ad hoc testing technique where the system is subjected to random inputs or actions without following any specific test cases. It aims to identify unexpected or unpredictable system behavior, errors, or crashes that may occur due to unanticipated usage patterns or input combinations. Monkey testing helps uncover defects that may not be discovered through scripted testing.

31. What is usability testing?

Usability testing focuses on evaluating the ease of use, efficiency, and user-friendliness of a software application. It involves observing and gathering feedback from end users as they interact with the system to perform specific tasks. Usability testing helps identify user interface issues, navigational problems, and areas where the system can be improved to enhance user experience.

32. What is the difference between retesting and regression testing?

Retesting is the process of rerunning test cases that previously failed or encountered defects after they have been fixed. It ensures that the specific defects have been resolved and the associated functionality now works correctly. Regression testing, on the other hand, is the process of retesting the entire system or relevant parts of it to ensure that the fixes or changes have not introduced new defects or caused unintended side effects.

33. What is the difference between alpha testing and beta testing?

Alpha testing is conducted by the development team within a controlled environment to validate the software application before it is released to external users. It focuses on verifying the system's functionality, reliability, and overall performance. Beta testing, on the other hand, involves releasing the software to a selected group of external users to gather real-world feedback. It aims to identify any issues, collect user feedback, and assess the software's suitability for a wider audience.

34. What is the role of a quality assurance (QA) engineer?

A quality assurance engineer is responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of the software being developed. Their role includes developing and implementing testing strategies, creating test plans and test cases, executing tests, analyzing test results, and reporting defects. QA engineers collaborate with the development team to identify and address quality issues, improve processes, and ensure that the software meets the specified requirements and user expectations.

35. What is the difference between manual testing and automated testing?

Manual testing involves executing test cases manually, following a predefined set of steps, and verifying the system's behavior. It requires human intervention and observation. Automated testing, on the other hand, involves using tools and scripts to automate the execution of test cases. It can simulate user actions, validate expected outcomes, and generate test reports. Automated testing is faster, more efficient for repetitive tasks, and can be used for regression testing, but it requires upfront investment in automation frameworks and script development.

36. What is risk-based testing?

Risk-based testing is an approach where testing efforts are prioritized based on the identified risks associated with the software. Risks are assessed by considering factors such as the probability of occurrence, potential impact, and level of criticality. Test cases and test coverage are then determined and prioritized based on the identified risks, ensuring that testing efforts focus on the most critical areas of the system.

37. What is the difference between ad hoc testing and exploratory testing?

Ad hoc testing refers to unplanned and unstructured testing where the tester randomly explores the system without following any specific test design techniques. It is often done without formal documentation or test scripts. Exploratory testing, as mentioned earlier, is a structured approach where the tester actively designs and executes test cases while simultaneously learning about the system and its behavior. It involves using domain knowledge, intuition, and prioritizing areas to test. While ad hoc testing is more spontaneous and unstructured, exploratory testing is a systematic and planned approach to uncover defects and gain a deeper understanding of the software being tested.

38. What is the difference between test script and test case?

A test script is a set of instructions or code that automates the execution of a test case. It includes specific actions, inputs, and expected outputs to validate the behavior of the system. A test case, on the other hand, is a document that describes the specific test scenario, including the preconditions, test steps, and expected results. Test cases can be executed manually or automated using test scripts.

39. What is the role of a test manager?

A test manager is responsible for managing the overall testing activities within a project or organization. Their role includes planning and defining the testing strategy, allocating resources, setting goals and objectives, tracking progress, managing risks and issues, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality software. Test managers also oversee the test team, provide guidance, and ensure that testing activities align with project timelines and objectives.

40. What is the difference between positive and negative test cases?

Positive test cases validate the expected behavior of the system by providing valid inputs and verifying correct outputs. They ensure that the system functions as intended under normal operating conditions. Negative test cases, on the other hand, focus on invalid or unexpected inputs to test the system's ability to handle errors, exceptions, and boundary conditions. They aim to uncover defects or vulnerabilities in error handling, boundary checks, and exception handling.

41. What is a test log?

A test log is a detailed record of testing activities performed during the execution of test cases. It includes information such as the date and time of execution, test case name, test data used, actual results, expected results, and any deviations or observations made during the test. A test log helps in tracking and documenting the progress of testing, analyzing test results, and providing evidence of testing performed.

42. What is the difference between functional testing and non-functional testing?

Functional testing verifies the functional requirements of the software, focusing on what the system does. It ensures that the software behaves correctly and meets user expectations in terms of functionality. Non-functional testing, on the other hand, focuses on the quality attributes of the software, such as performance, security, usability, reliability, and scalability. It evaluates the system's behavior and performance under different conditions, apart from its core functionality.

43. What is a test harness in automation testing?

A test harness in automation testing refers to the framework or set of tools, libraries, and utilities used to support and facilitate the automation of test cases. It provides an environment for designing, executing, and managing automated tests. The test harness includes components for test case creation, test data management, result reporting, and integration with other testing tools or systems.

44. What is the difference between validation and verification in software testing?

Validation and verification are two distinct activities in software testing. Verification focuses on checking if a system or component adheres to specifications and requirements. It involves reviews, inspections, and walkthroughs to ensure that the design and implementation are correct. Validation, on the other hand, confirms that the system satisfies user needs and is fit for its intended purpose. It involves actual testing of the system to ensure that it behaves as expected and meets the user's requirements.

45. What is the purpose of a test deliverable?

A test deliverable is a document or artifact that is produced during the testing process and delivered to stakeholders. The purpose of a test deliverable is to provide comprehensive and accurate information about the testing activities, results, and progress. Test deliverables include test plans, test cases, test scripts, test logs, defect reports, test summary reports, and any other documentation related to testing. These deliverables serve as evidence of the testing performed, help stakeholders assess the quality of the software, and support decision-making processes.

46. What is the difference between entry criteria and exit criteria in testing?

Entry criteria, also known as preconditions, define the set of conditions or prerequisites that must be met before testing can commence. These criteria ensure that the testing environment, test data, and necessary resources are in place and ready for testing to begin. Exit criteria, on the other hand, specify the conditions that must be fulfilled for testing to be considered complete and the project to proceed to the next phase. These criteria typically include measures such as the number of test cases executed, the defect closure rate, and the level of test coverage.

47. What is the purpose of a test completion report?

A test completion report is a document that summarizes the testing activities performed throughout the testing phase or project. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of the testing efforts, including the test objectives, test coverage, test results, and any significant findings or observations. The report also highlights the achievements, challenges, and recommendations for future testing. The test completion report helps stakeholders assess the overall quality of the software and make informed decisions about the release or further testing activities.

48. What is the difference between a test script and a test scenario?

A test script is a set of instructions or code that specifies the steps to be executed to perform a test case. It defines the actions, inputs, expected outputs, and any assertions or validations to be performed during the test. A test scenario, on the other hand, is a high-level description of a particular functionality or feature to be tested. It outlines the objectives, conditions, and expected outcomes for testing. A test scenario can encompass multiple test scripts or test cases related to that particular functionality.

49. What is the role of a test environment manager?

A test environment manager is responsible for managing and maintaining the test environment throughout the testing lifecycle. Their role includes setting up the required hardware, software, and network configurations for testing, ensuring the availability and stability of the test environment, managing test data and test assets, coordinating with system administrators and infrastructure teams, and troubleshooting any environment-related issues that may impact testing activities.

50. What is the difference between a test stub and a test driver?

A test stub is a dummy or placeholder component that simulates the behavior of a dependent module or system during testing. It is used when the module or system under test relies on external interfaces or dependencies that are not yet available or are difficult to invoke during testing. A test stub provides predefined responses or outputs to the module being tested, enabling it to proceed with the testing process. In contrast, a test driver is a component or program that controls the execution of test cases and coordinates the interaction between the test environment and the module or system under test. It provides the necessary inputs and triggers the execution of test cases, capturing and analyzing the results.