└── README.md /README.md: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 | # 100 Fundamental Testing Interview Questions in 2025 2 | 3 |
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5 | 6 | web-and-mobile-development 7 | 8 |

9 | 10 | #### You can also find all 100 answers here 👉 [Devinterview.io - Testing](https://devinterview.io/questions/web-and-mobile-development/testing-interview-questions) 11 | 12 |
13 | 14 | ## 1. What is _software testing_, and why is it important? 15 | 16 | **Software testing** refers to all procedures driving, guiding, and evaluating system and application development. It ensures the quality of both the software being developed and the processes involved. 17 | 18 | ### Importance of Software Testing 19 | 20 | - **Error Detection**: Identifies bugs, discrepancies, or deviations from expected behavior. 21 | - **Risk Mitigation**: Reduces the probability or impact of a software failure. 22 | - **Quality Assurance**: Ensures the product aligns with users' expectations and business requirements. 23 | - **Customer Satisfaction**: Allows for a reliable, user-friendly experience. 24 | - **Cost-Efficiency**: Early defect detection is essential, as fixing errors becomes more costly over time. 25 | - **Process Improvement**: Testing provides invaluable data for refining software development processes. 26 | 27 | ### Positive Feedback Loops 28 | 29 | - Prompting Fixing of Defects 30 | - Building Confidence 31 | - Learning from Mistakes 32 | - `Continuous Improvement` 33 | 34 | ### Areas of Testing 35 | 36 | 1. **Unit Testing**: Involves testing individual components or modules in isolation. 37 | 2. **Integration Testing**: Ensures that different parts of the system work together smoothly. 38 | 3. **System Testing**: Validates the product as a whole, usually in an environment closely resembling the production setting. 39 | 4. **Acceptance Testing**: Confirms that the system meets specific business requirements, making this the final validation phase before release. 40 | 5. **Performance Testing**: Assesses how the system performs under various load conditions. 41 | 6. **Security Testing**: Checks for vulnerabilities that could lead to breaches or data compromises. 42 | 7. **Usability Testing**: Focuses on how user-friendly the system is. 43 | 44 | ### Common Misconceptions about Testing 45 | 46 | 1. **Role Misinterpretation**: Often seen as the epithet for Bug Tracking, Testing digs deeper into Risk Management, Requirement Analysis and Customer Feedback Handling. 47 | 48 | 2. **Test Setup Cost**: Initial test setup may appear costly. It is worth investing to avoid higher costs due to system crash or customer retention issues. 49 | 50 | 3. **Defect Discovery Fallacy**: **Zero Defect** assertion after testing is unrealistic. A critical awareness is: "*We can't ensure the absence of all defects, but we work tirelessly to minimize these occurrences.*" 51 | 52 | 4. **Static Analysis Pitfall**: Automated scans and code reviews offer a wealth of data but doesn't replace dynamic testing that mimics and inspects live executions. 53 | 54 | 5. **Elimination of Manual Testing**: While Automated Testing is robust, the human intellect from exploratory tests gives an edge in uncovering unexpected anomalies. 55 | 56 | 6. **Sprint or Time-Based Delimitation**: Testing is viewed as an ongoing process, steadily integrated with Development, investing in every unit engineered. 57 | 58 | ### Skillset Proficiency 59 | 60 | 1. **Test-Driven Development (TDD)**: Composing tests even before building the code can steer a clear development path, magnifying code quality and reduction of bugs. 61 | 62 | 2. **Agile and DevOps Synthesis**: Seamless interaction among Development, Testing and Deployment is possible through such cohesive environments. 63 | 64 | 3. **Domain Knowledge Fundamentals**: Such expertise aids in meticulous scenario outlining and certification of systems. 65 |
66 | 67 | ## 2. Define the difference between _verification_ and _validation_ in software testing. 68 | 69 | Let's define **verification** and **validation** in the context of software testing and distinguish between the two. 70 | 71 | ### Core Distinctions 72 | 73 | - **Verification**: Confirms that the software adheres to its specifications and requirements. 74 | - It answers "Are we building the product right?" 75 | - Examples: Code reviews, inspections, and walkthroughs. 76 | 77 | - **Validation**: Ensures that the software meets the user's actual needs. 78 | - It answers "Are we building the right product?" 79 | - Examples: User acceptance testing, alpha and beta testing. 80 |
81 | 82 | ## 3. Explain the _software development life cycle_ and the role testing plays in each phase. 83 | 84 | The **Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)** is comprised of several distinct phases that lay the foundation for a successful software project. 85 | 86 | ### Key Phases 87 | 88 | 1. **Requirement Analysis & Planning**: 89 | - **Stakeholder Consultation**: Engaging with stakeholders to fully understand their needs and expectations, and to establish clear project objectives. 90 | - **Testing Role**: Requirement validation via techniques like Prototype Evaluation and Use Case Analysis. 91 | 92 | 2. **Design & Architectural Planning**: 93 | - **Document Creation**: This involves creating the Software Requirement Specification (SRS) and the High-Level Design document. 94 | - **Testing Role**: Design Reviews and Structural Testing ensure the project's design aligns with the defined requirements. 95 | 96 | 3. **Implementation & Coding**: 97 | - **Core Functionality**: The focus here is on writing code to cater to validated and approved requirements. 98 | - **Unit Testing**: Small, independent units of code are tested to confirm they meet their expected behaviors, ensuring reliable building blocks for the larger system. 99 | 100 | 4. **System Testing**: The integrated system is tested as a whole, to ensure all features work together cohesively. 101 | - **Phase Segmentation**: This is often divided into Alpha & Beta Testing before release. 102 | - **Stress Testing**: Conducting experiments in extreme conditions helps assess the system's limits. 103 | 104 | 5. **Deployment & Maintenance**: 105 | - **Deployment Verification**: Post-deployment tests are conducted to ensure that the system functions correctly in its live environment. 106 | - **Regular Checks**: Ongoing maintenance includes periodic checks and updates to keep the software optimized and secure. 107 | 108 | ### Code Example: Unit Testing 109 | 110 | Here is the Python code: 111 | 112 | ```python 113 | def add(a, b): 114 | return a + b 115 | 116 | def subtract(a, b): 117 | return a - b 118 | 119 | # Unit Tests 120 | assert add(1, 2) == 3 121 | assert subtract(5, 2) == 3 122 | ``` 123 | 124 | ### Code Example: Integration Testing 125 | 126 | Here is the Python code: 127 | 128 | ```python 129 | def add_and_subtract(a, b): 130 | return add(a, b), subtract(a, b) 131 | 132 | # Integration Test 133 | result = add_and_subtract(5, 3) 134 | assert result == (8, 2) 135 | ``` 136 |
137 | 138 | ## 4. What are the different _levels of software testing_? 139 | 140 | Let's look at the various **levels of software testing** across the development life cycle. 141 | 142 | ### Unit Testing 143 | 144 | - **What is it?** Focuses on testing separate functions and methods. 145 | - **When is it Done?** At the time of coding. 146 | - **Level of Testing**: Isolated. 147 | - **Role in Testing Pyramid**: Forms Base. 148 | - **Tools**: JUnit, NUnit, PyTest. 149 | - **Key Benefits**: Early Error Detection. 150 | 151 | ### Component Testing 152 | 153 | - **What is it?** Tests software components, often defined at a high level. 154 | - **When is it Done?** After unit testing and before integration testing. 155 | - **Level of Testing**: Limited Context. 156 | - **Role in Testing Pyramid**: Foundational. 157 | - **Key Benefits**: Verifies that units of code work together as expected in defined scenarios. 158 | 159 | ### Integration Testing 160 | 161 | - **What is it?** Focuses on the combined units of the application. 162 | - **When is it Done?** After component testing and before system testing. 163 | - **Level of Testing**: Moderate Context. 164 | - **Role in Testing Pyramid**: Focal. 165 | - **Tools**: Apache JMeter, LoadRunner. 166 | - **Key Benefits**: Identifies issues in interfaces between software modules. 167 | 168 | ### System Testing 169 | 170 | - **What is it?** Evaluates the complete and integrated system. 171 | - **When is it Done?** After integration testing. 172 | - **Level of Testing**: Comprehensive. 173 | - **Role in Testing Pyramid**: Primary. 174 | - **Key Benefits**: Validates system requirements against its delivered functionalities. 175 | 176 | ### Acceptance Testing 177 | 178 | - **What is it?** Validates if the system meets specified customer requirements. 179 | - **When is it Done?** After system testing. 180 | - **Level of Testing**: External. 181 | - **Role in Testing Pyramid**: Apex. 182 | - **Key Benefits**: Ensures the system is acceptable to end-users. 183 | 184 | ### Alpha & Beta Testing 185 | 186 | - **When is it Done?** After acceptance testing; often includes phases after the product launch. 187 | 188 | ### Alpha Testing 189 | 190 | - **For What**: Validates the system in a controlled, in-house environment. 191 | - **Role in Testing Pyramid**: Initial User Feedback Provider. 192 | 193 | ### Beta Testing 194 | 195 | - **For What**: Verifies the system in a live, real-time environment, often receiving feedback from a select group of external users. 196 | - **Role in Testing Pyramid**: Early User Feedback Provider. 197 |
198 | 199 | ## 5. Describe the difference between _static_ and _dynamic testing_. 200 | 201 | **Static testing** and **dynamic testing** complement each other to deliver comprehensive code verification. Whereas **static testing** focuses on examining software without executing it, **dynamic testing** verifies software in an operational environment. Let's explore these two approaches in more detail. 202 | 203 | ### Core Focus 204 | 205 | - **Static Testing**: Analyzes code or documentation to identify issues without executing the program. 206 | - **Dynamic Testing**: Involves code execution to identify and evaluate program behavior. 207 | 208 | ### Timing 209 | 210 | - **Static Testing**: Typically conducted earlier in the development cycle, aiding in identifying issues at their root. 211 | - **Dynamic Testing**: Typically performed later in the development cycle, after code integration, to assess system functionality and user interaction. 212 | 213 | ### Tools and Techniques 214 | 215 | #### Static Testing 216 | 217 | - **Manual Reviews**: Human experts manually inspect code and documentation. 218 | - **Automated Tools**: Software applications are used to analyze code or documentation for possible issues. Examples include code linters, IDE integrations, and spell-checkers for documentation. 219 | 220 | #### Dynamic Testing 221 | 222 | - ** Unit Testing**: Evaluates the smallest units of code, such as individual functions or methods, in isolation. 223 | - **Integration Testing**: Validates that modules or components work together as expected. 224 | - ** System Testing**: Assesses the complete, integrated software product to ensure it meets predefined requirements. 225 | - **Acceptance Testing**: Determines if a system meets a set of business requirements and/or user expectations. It often involves end-users executing the system. 226 | 227 | ### Code Coverage 228 | 229 | - **Static Testing**: Offers some line coverage to ensure that all code is correct and complete, but does not guarantee execution. 230 | - **Dynamic Testing**: Provides comprehensive execution, ensuring that code is run as intended under different scenarios. 231 | 232 | ### Test Objectives 233 | 234 | - **Static Testing**: Primarily aims to identify issues such as code violations, design errors, and documentation problems. 235 | - **Dynamic Testing**: Seeks to validate system functionality and user interaction in a real or simulated environment. 236 |
237 | 238 | ## 6. What is a _test case_, and what elements should it contain? 239 | 240 | A **test case** represents a single lookup procedure for issues and errors. 241 | 242 | Each test case should encompass specific attributes to ensure its efficacy as a validation tool in the **software testing** process: 243 | 244 | - **ID**: Unique identifier, possibly generated by an automated system. 245 | - **Title**: Descriptive summary of the test case. 246 | - **Description**: Detailed account of the test case purpose, prerequisite steps, and expected outcomes. 247 | - **Steps to Reproduce**: Procedural guide to replicate the test environment and provoke the expected result. 248 | - **Expected Outcome**: Clearly defined desired or optimal test result or post-test state. 249 | - **Actual Outcome**: Recorded results from test execution for comparison with the **expected outcome**. 250 | - **Comments**: Space for the addition of ancillary information relating to the test case or its particular actions. 251 | - **Assigned To**: Identification of the tester or group responsible for executing the test case. 252 | - **Last Updated**: Timestamp noting the most recent alteration to the test case, including modifications to any of its elements. 253 | 254 | ### Code Example: Test Case Attributes 255 | 256 | Here is the Java code: 257 | 258 | ```java 259 | import java.util.List; 260 | import java.time.LocalDateTime; 261 | 262 | public class TestCase { 263 | private int id; 264 | private String title; 265 | private String description; 266 | private List stepsToReproduce; 267 | private String expectedOutcome; 268 | private String actualOutcome; 269 | private String comments; 270 | private String assignedTo; 271 | private LocalDateTime lastUpdated; 272 | 273 | // Constructor, getters and setters 274 | } 275 | ``` 276 |
277 | 278 | ## 7. Explain the concept of _coverage_ in testing and the main types of coverage (e.g., line, branch, path, statement). 279 | 280 | **Coverage testing** involves evaluating the extent to which pieces of code are executed. This assessment helps in identifying areas of code that are not tested. 281 | 282 | Key metrics for coverage include: 283 | 284 | - **Line coverage**: The percentage of executable lines of code that are exercised by a test suite. 285 | 286 | - **Branch coverage**: The percentage of decision points in the code where both possible outcomes have been tested at least once. 287 | 288 | - **Path coverage**: This is the ideal scenario where every possible path through a program has been executed at least once. Achieving comprehensive path coverage can be impractical for larger programs. 289 | 290 | - **Statement coverage**: The simplest type of coverage, evaluating if each statement in the program has been executed at least once during testing. 291 |
292 | 293 | ## 8. What is the difference between _white-box_, _black-box_, and _grey-box testing_? 294 | 295 | **White-box**, **black-box**, and **grey-box** testing serve different purposes and are often used in tandem. 296 | 297 | ### Black-Box Testing 298 | 299 | In **Black-Box testing**, the tester is unfamiliar with the internal workings of the system. Tests are designed based on the system's specifications or requirements, ensuring that both the functional and non-functional requirements are met. 300 | 301 | This type of testing is commonly performed during early development stages. 302 | 303 | 304 | ### White-Box Testing 305 | 306 | **White-Box testing** requires in-depth understanding of the internal structures of the system or software under test. 307 | 308 | It is a structural testing method that ensures all or most paths and operations within the software are tested. 309 | 310 | This testing method is also known as clear box testing, and glass box testing, and is more appropriate for later stages in the software development lifecycle. 311 | 312 | ### Grey-Box Testing 313 | 314 | In **Grey-Box testing**, the tester has access to some internal structures or algorithms of the software under test. 315 | 316 | This kind of testing strives to achieve a balance between test coverage and system functionality. It combines the benefits of both **white-box** and **black-box** approaches. 317 | 318 | Grey-Box testing is considered the most practical for real-world scenarios, especially when testing web applications, APIs, or distributed systems. 319 |
320 | 321 | ## 9. What is _regression testing_, and why is it performed? 322 | 323 | **Regression testing** is a specialized testing mechanism designed to ensure that recent code changes do not adversely impact the existing functionality of a system. 324 | 325 | ### Core Goals 326 | 327 | 1. **Stability Assurance**: Verifying that modifications don't introduce new defects and issues. 328 | 2. **Consistency Check**: Ensuring unchanged features maintain their intended behavior. 329 | 3. **Prevention of Software Degradation**: Identifying areas where changes break established features. 330 | 331 | ### Common Triggers for Regression Testing 332 | 333 | - **Defect Resolution**: Upon fixing a bug, testing other areas to confirm no new faults emerged. 334 | - **Feature Enhancements**: Implementing new functionality while certifying existing features continue to work unaltered. 335 | - **Code Refactoring**: Maintaining previous functionality after making structural or architectural modifications. 336 | 337 | ### Methods of Regression Testing 338 | 339 | #### Complete 340 | 341 | The exhaustive testing of all functionalities within an application. Although thorough, this method is time-consuming and often impractical for larger systems. 342 | 343 | #### Selective 344 | 345 | Targeting specific features or components known to interact with the newly modified code segments. This approach is more efficient but requires careful identification of relevant test scenarios. 346 | 347 | #### Unit-Test-Driven Regression 348 | 349 | Relies on the continuous and automated execution of unit tests. This ensures prompt detection of regressions during development, enabling quick rectification. 350 | 351 | The selective approach is common in industry as complete testing is often infeasible or unnecessarily time-consuming. 352 | 353 | ### Tools for Automation 354 | 355 | Various tools are available for automating regression testing, including: 356 | 357 | - **Jenkins**: A continuous integration server that can schedule and execute test jobs at specified time intervals. 358 | - **JUnit**: A popular unit testing framework for Java, often used in conjunction with build tools like Maven. 359 | - **Selenium**: A web application testing framework that can automate interactions with web browsers. 360 | - **GitLab CI/CD**: GitLab's integrated continuous integration/continuous deployment system that allows for the automated execution of tests. 361 |
362 | 363 | ## 10. Explain _unit testing_ and which tools you might use for it. 364 | 365 | **Unit testing** involves testing individual components or modules of a system to ensure they perform as expected. It's commonly done in the software development process, helping to identify and fix bugs early. 366 | 367 | ### Core Principles 368 | 369 | - **Isolation**: Each unit should be independent of the system, allowing verification in isolation. 370 | - **Repeatability**: Tests must be consistent over multiple test runs. 371 | - **Speed**: Running one test should be quick, enabling frequent runs. 372 | - **Consistency across Platforms**: Tests should produce consistent results, irrespective of the platform. 373 | 374 | ### Tools and Frameworks 375 | 376 | - **JUnit**: For Java-based testing. 377 | - **NUnit**: For .NET and C# developers. 378 | - **JUnit Jupiter API**: The latest version of JUnit, designed using Java 8 features. 379 | - **TestNG**: Java framework supporting multiple test levels. 380 | - **RSpec**: A BDD-style testing tool for Ruby. 381 | - **Google Test**: A test framework suitable for C++ projects. 382 | - **Mocha and Jasmine**: For JavaScript developers. 383 | - **PyTest** and **Unittest**: For Python testing. 384 | 385 | ### Code Example: JUnit 5 for Java 386 | 387 | Here is the Java code: 388 | 389 | ```java 390 | import static org.junit.jupiter.api.Assertions.assertEquals; 391 | import static org.junit.jupiter.api.Assertions.assertTrue; 392 | import org.junit.jupiter.api.Test; 393 | 394 | class MathFunctionsTest { 395 | MathFunctions mathFunctions = new MathFunctions(); 396 | 397 | @Test 398 | void testAdd() { 399 | assertEquals(4, mathFunctions.add(2, 2)); 400 | } 401 | 402 | @Test 403 | void testIsPrime() { 404 | assertTrue(mathFunctions.isPrime(7)); 405 | } 406 | } 407 | ``` 408 | 409 | ### Tools for Automation 410 | 411 | - **Maven** for Java: It's a build automation tool. Along with managing dependencies and building packages, it can run tests. 412 | - **Gradle** for Java, Groovy, and Kotlin: It's a build tool providing a domain-specific language to configure project automation. 413 | - **JUnit Platform Launcher**: A test execution engine used with build systems to run JUnit 5-based tests. 414 | - **Jenkins**: Often used for Continous Integration/Continous Deployment (CI/CD), it can automate test executions. 415 | - **GitHub Actions**: A CI/CD tool from GitHub focused on automating workflows, such as testing. 416 | 417 | ### Assertions and Test Cases 418 | 419 | - **Assert**: Provides methods to validate different conditions. For instance, `assertEquals(expected, actual)` checks if two values are equal. 420 | - **Test Cases**: Methods beginning with `@Test` mark the testing methods. 421 | 422 | ### Use of Annotations 423 | 424 | - **@BeforeAll and @AfterAll**: Methods annotated with these are executed once, before and after all test methods, respectively. 425 | - **@BeforeEach and @AfterEach**: Methods annotated with these run before and after each test method, ensuring a clean test environment. 426 | 427 | ### Integration with Development Tools 428 | 429 | - **IDE Tools**: Many modern integrated development environments, such as IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse, support unit testing directly in the UI. 430 | - **Version Control Systems**: Tools like Git can be integrated with unit testing for pre-commit and post-commit testing. 431 | - **Automated Build Systems**: Build systems such as Jenkins and TeamCity can be configured to trigger automated testing. 432 | 433 | ### Pitfalls to Avoid 434 | 435 | - **Inadequate Coverage**: The tests might not fulfill all requirements, leading to undetected bugs. 436 | - **Over-Reliance on External Systems**: External dependencies can fail, resulting in false positives. 437 | - **Tightly Coupled Tests**: This may complicate code refactorings, as even unrelated changes can break tests. 438 | - **Testing Redundancies**: Repeating test scenarios is inefficient and may lead to inconsistency. 439 | 440 | ### Benefits of Unit Testing 441 | 442 | - **Early Bug Detection**: Issues are identified early in development, reducing remediation costs. 443 | - **Improved Code Quality**: Dividing code into small testable units promotes cleaner and more maintainable code. 444 | - **Refactoring Confidence**: Allows for peace of mind when modifying existing code. 445 | - **Better Documentation**: The test suite can serve as living documentation, outlining the behavior of units. 446 |
447 | 448 | ## 11. What is _integration testing_ and what are its types? 449 | 450 | **Integration testing** evaluates the combined functionality of software components to identify any **interfacial issues** and ensure that they **work seamlessly** together. 451 | 452 | By testing groups of components as a unit, integration testing aims to: 453 | 454 | - Identify defects in component interactions. 455 | - Verify that messages/requests are passed correctly. 456 | - Assess systems for correct resource allocation and management. 457 | 458 | ### Types of Integration Testing 459 | 460 | #### Top-Down Strategies 461 | 462 | 463 | Advantages: 464 | 465 | - Easier to identify and rectify architectural issues early on. 466 | - Useful for monitoring the overall progress of the project. 467 | 468 | Disadvantages: 469 | 470 | - It may be complex to manage, especially in larger systems. 471 | 472 | #### Top-Down Testing 473 | 474 | Also known as "Big Bang Integration Testing," this strategy focuses on **testing upper layers of the application first**. 475 | 476 | It involves: 477 | 478 | 1. Relying on **stubs** to simulate lower-level modules (these are temporary stand-ins for actual lower modules). 479 | 2. **Successive integration** of lower-level modules, systematically reducing the number of stubs. 480 | 481 | #### Bottom-Up Testing 482 | 483 | This strategy, known as "Incremental Integration Testing," follows the **opposite** approach, testing lower layers first: 484 | 485 | 1. Form initial test bases using modules from **the bottom**. 486 | 2. Use **drivers** as temporary surrogates for higher-level components. 487 | 3. **Gradually integrate** modules upwards. 488 | 489 | #### Middle-Out Testing 490 | 491 | The "Sandwich" or "Middleware" strategy integrates modules **layer-by-layer**, starting with the core and expanding outwards. 492 | 493 | - Offers a balanced perspective. 494 | - Ensures the core is robust first. 495 | 496 | #### Hybrid Approaches 497 | 498 | In reality, integration testing often employs **several methodologies** to achieve the most comprehensive coverage: 499 | 500 | - **Federated**: Begins with vertical slices of the application, followed by vertical and horizontal integrations. 501 | - **Concentric**: Works from the inside out or outside in, focusing on specific zones or areas of the application. 502 | 503 | ### Code Example: Top-Down and Bottom-Up Testing 504 | 505 | Here is the Java code: 506 | 507 | ```java 508 | // Top-Down Testing 509 | public class SalesReportServiceTest { 510 | // Test dependency to CashierService 511 | } 512 | 513 | // Bottom-Up Testing 514 | public class CashierServiceTest { 515 | // Test core functionality 516 | } 517 | ``` 518 |
519 | 520 | ## 12. What is _system testing_, and how does it differ from other types of testing? 521 | 522 | **System Testing** ensures that an integrated system meets its design requirements. 523 | 524 | It differs from other testing techniques such as **unit testing**, **integration testing**, and **acceptance testing** in focus, testing scope, and test environment. 525 | 526 | ### System Testing vs. Unit Testing 527 | 528 | #### Focus 529 | 530 | - **Unit Testing**: Tests individual "units" or components in isolation. 531 | 532 | - **System Testing**: Evaluates the entire system as a whole, the way it will be used in its actual environment. 533 | 534 | #### Testing Scope 535 | 536 | - **Unit Testing**: Narrow-scope test mode. 537 | - Mock objects and stubs may be employed to isolate functionality for testing. 538 | - Such testing is usually automated and performed by developers. 539 | 540 | - **System Testing**: Broad-scope test mode. 541 | - No components are isolated during testing. 542 | - Typically, these tests are end-to-end, manual, and customer-oriented. 543 | 544 | #### Test Environment 545 | 546 | - **Unit Testing**: Relies on a controlled and simulated environment. 547 | - **System Testing**: Uses a real-world environment. 548 | 549 | ### System Testing vs. Integration Testing 550 | 551 | #### Focus 552 | 553 | - **Integration Testing**: Evaluates if the interaction and combined functionalities of system components are as expected. 554 | 555 | - **System Testing**: Ensures the entire system behaves per the given requirements. 556 | 557 | #### Testing Scope 558 | 559 | - **Integration Testing**: Medium-scope test mode. 560 | - Focuses on component interactions within the system more than broader system functions. 561 | 562 | - **System Testing**: Broad-scope test mode. 563 | 564 | #### Test Environment 565 | 566 | - **Integration Testing**: Uses a partially controlled environment where components are integrated. 567 | 568 | - **System Testing**: Conducted in an environment mirrorring real-world application use. 569 | 570 | ### System Testing vs. Acceptance Testing 571 | 572 | #### Focus 573 | 574 | - **Acceptance Testing**: Usually refers to testing performed by stakeholders for system approval. 575 | 576 | - **System Testing**: Primarily focuses on product quality assurance and compliance with specific requirements. 577 | 578 | #### Testing Scope 579 | 580 | - **Acceptance Testing**: Medium-scope test mode, often involving test cases created by business users. 581 | 582 | - **System Testing**: Broad-scope test mode, ensuring comprehensive system behavior. 583 |
584 | 585 | ## 13. Define _acceptance testing_ and describe its types. 586 | 587 | **Acceptance Testing** (AT) examines whether a system meets its business-related objectives. This serves as the final validation step before the product is released to its end-users or customers. 588 | 589 | ### Types of Acceptance Testing 590 | 591 | 1. **Alpha Testing**: 592 | - **Scope**: Performed by the in-house team before the product is made available to a few external customers. 593 | - **Goal**: Identifies any critical issues and refines features based on direct user feedback. 594 | - **Common in**: Software, gaming consoles, and application deployment in private organizations. 595 | 596 | 2. **Beta Testing**: 597 | - **Scope**: Executed by a select group of external users or customers. 598 | - **Goal**: Aims to uncover any final issues or glitches and understand user experience and acceptance. 599 | - **Common in**: Software, web applications, and broader consumer-targeted products. 600 | 601 | 3. **Contract Acceptance Testing**: 602 | - **Scope**: Typically occurs at the point of contractual agreement between two or more entities. 603 | - **Goal**: Guarantees the developed product, or service adheres to specified contract requirements. 604 | - **Common in**: Government projects, major client engagements, and legal agreements. 605 | 606 | 4. **Regulation Acceptance Testing**: 607 | - **Scope**: Required to ensure the product complies with specific industry or regional regulations. 608 | - **Goal**: Confirms the product satisfies set regulatory conditions or safety standards. 609 | - **Common in**: Industries like healthcare, finance, aviation, and pharmaceuticals. 610 | 611 | 5. **User Acceptance Testing** (UAT): 612 | - **Scope**: Carried out by stakeholders, often end-users or customer representatives. 613 | - **Goal**: Validates whether the system performs as per their given requirements and needs. 614 | - **Common in**: All industries, especially those with a strong focus on user needs and input. 615 | 616 | 6. **Operational Testing**: 617 | - **Scope**: Focuses on the operational aspects and the system's ability to perform tasks. 618 | - **Goal**: Validates the operational readiness of the system, often under real-world conditions. 619 | - **Common in**: Mission-critical systems, defense, emergency response, and large-scale industrial systems. 620 | 621 | 7. **Regulation Acceptance Testing**: 622 | - **Scope**: Ensures the product complies with industry or regional regulations. 623 | - **Goal**: Validates adherence to specific regulations or safety standards. 624 | - **Common in**: Sectors such as healthcare, finance, aviation, and pharmaceuticals. 625 |
626 | 627 | ## 14. What are the benefits of _test automation_? 628 | 629 | **Automated testing** provides numerous advantages, accelerating and enhancing the software development process across key areas. 630 | 631 | ### Key Benefits 632 | 633 | #### Reliability and Consistency 634 | 635 | - **Regular Execution**: Automated tests are swiftly run after code changes, ensuring ongoing functionality and reducing the likelihood of regressions. 636 | 637 | - **Consistency**: The absence of human error in test execution leads to more reliable and consistent results. 638 | 639 | - **Risk Mitigation**: Early detection of issues reduces the chances of critical bugs, security vulnerabilities, and downtimes. 640 | 641 | #### Time and Cost Efficiency 642 | 643 | - **Time Saving**: Automated tests substantially reduce the time needed for testing, especially in repetitive tasks. 644 | 645 | - **Cost Effectiveness**: The upfront investment in setting up automation is outweighed by long-term savings in manual testing efforts. 646 | 647 | #### Insights and Reporting 648 | 649 | - **Detailed Reports**: Automated tests generate comprehensive reports, pinpointing failures and exceptions for accelerated debugging. 650 | 651 | - **Code Coverage**: Automation tools can track the percentage of codebase covered by tests, ensuring thorough testing. 652 | 653 | - **Actionable Insights**: Data from automated tests informs decision-making on code readiness. 654 | 655 | #### Team Productivity and Collaboration 656 | 657 | - **Rapid Feedback**: Immediate test results enable developers to promptly address issues, fostering a more agile and iterative development process. 658 | 659 | - **Streamlined Communication**: Known issues are tracked centrally with tools like JIRA, promoting better team coordination. 660 | 661 | #### Codebase Integrity 662 | 663 | - **Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD)**: Automated tests are intrinsic to CI/CD pipelines, validating code for rapid, reliable releases. 664 | 665 | - **Version Control Integration**: Tools like Git integrate seamlessly with automated tests, ensuring code quality with each commit. 666 | 667 | - **Improved Code Quality**: Early error detection and the ability to enforce coding standards lead to cleaner, more maintainable code. 668 | 669 | #### User Satisfaction 670 | 671 | - **Enhanced UX**: By pinpointing issues before deployment, automated tests help deliver a smoother, more reliable user experience. 672 | 673 | #### Process Standardization 674 | 675 | - **Adherence to Standards**: Automation leaves little room for deviation, ensuring teams comply with testing procedures and industry best practices. 676 |
677 | 678 | ## 15. When would you choose not to automate test cases? 679 | 680 | Although **automated testing** is generally advantageous, there are specific scenarios where **manual testing** is more appropriate. Such instances are typically characterized by high initial setup costs, limited test repetition needs, or the benefit of human intuition and adaptability. 681 | 682 | ### When to Opt for Manual Testing 683 | 684 | - **Repetitive One-Time Scenarios**: If a test case is complex and unlikely to be repeated, manual testing might be more efficient. 685 | 686 | - **Data Sensitivity**: Cases involving sensitive data, especially in regulated industries, are often better suited for manual testing. 687 | 688 | - **Exploratory Testing**: This method is more about discovering software behaviors organically rather than confirming predetermined ones. It's hard to automate by definition and often benefits from human insight. 689 | 690 | - **Localized Testing**: Some scenarios, like minor changes or specific error resolution, can be more effectively checked through manual testing. 691 | 692 | - **Initial Test Automation Costs**: For projects with small scopes or where setup costs for automated testing are relatively high, manual testing can offer a streamlined alternative. 693 | 694 | ### Combined Approach: The Best of Both Worlds 695 | 696 | **Blended testing** approaches are becoming increasingly popular in the industry. By combining the strengths of both manual and automated testing, teams can achieve comprehensive test coverage and rapid feedback. 697 | 698 | - **Ground-Up Automation Post-Manual Testing**: This method lets testers understand the system, its domain, and the test needs before automating select areas. 699 | 700 | - **Automation-Assisted Exploratory**: Using automated testing tools to guide and streamline exploratory testing can yield more comprehensive coverage. 701 | 702 | - **Risk-Based Testing with Tools**: Prioritizing test cases based on risk and automating high-risk scenarios helps ensure critical functionalities are constantly tested. 703 |
704 | 705 | 706 | 707 | #### Explore all 100 answers here 👉 [Devinterview.io - Testing](https://devinterview.io/questions/web-and-mobile-development/testing-interview-questions) 708 | 709 |
710 | 711 | 712 | web-and-mobile-development 713 | 714 |

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