Software Testing Questions and Answers
1. Need of Software Testing
Software testing is essential to ensure software quality, reliability, and security. It helps to:
- Detect and fix bugs early.
- Ensure the software meets business and user requirements.
- Improve performance and security.
- Reduce maintenance costs and risks.
2. Importance of Software Testing
Software testing is crucial because:
- It prevents defects before software release.
- It ensures functionality, performance, and security.
- It builds user confidence in the product.
- It reduces the cost of fixing bugs in later stages.
3. Types of Software Testing
1. Functional Testing - Tests the functionality of software based on requirements.
2. Non-Functional Testing - Tests performance, security, and usability.
3. Manual Testing - Executed by human testers without automation tools.
4. Automated Testing - Uses software tools to execute test cases.
5. Regression Testing - Ensures new changes do not break existing functionality.
6. Unit Testing - Tests individual components/modules.
7. Integration Testing - Tests interaction between integrated modules.
8. System Testing - Tests the entire system as a whole.
9. User Acceptance Testing (UAT) - Ensures the system meets business needs.
4. Objectives of Software Testing
- Identify defects and bugs before deployment.
- Ensure software meets business and technical requirements.
- Validate software against functional and non-functional requirements.
- Improve software reliability and security.
- Reduce maintenance and operational costs.
5. Software Review and Its Types
A software review is a process of evaluating software documents and code to improve quality.
Types include:
- Formal Technical Review (FTR) - A systematic evaluation of software.
- Peer Review - Review conducted by colleagues.
- Walkthrough - Informal step-by-step review.
- Inspection - A detailed analysis to identify defects.
6. Role of Formal Technical Review (FTR)
FTR is a structured process to ensure:
- Early detection of errors and inconsistencies.
- Improved software design and maintainability.
- Adherence to coding and documentation standards.
- Increased team collaboration.
7. Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)
STLC is a step-by-step process for software testing:
1. Requirement Analysis - Understanding testing requirements.
2. Test Planning - Defining scope, strategy, and resources.
3. Test Case Design - Creating test cases and test data.
4. Test Environment Setup - Preparing test environments.
5. Test Execution - Running test cases.
6. Test Closure - Analyzing results and reporting defects.
8. Five Principles of Software Testing
1. Testing shows the presence of defects - It can detect bugs but not prove there are none.
2. Exhaustive testing is impossible - Only selective testing is practical.
3. Early testing saves time and cost - Detecting defects early is cost-effective.
4. Defect clustering - A small number of modules contain most defects.
5. Testing is context-dependent - Different applications require different testing approaches.
9. Fundamentals of Testing
- Software testing ensures software quality.
- It involves both functional and non-functional aspects.
- It helps in preventing defects, not just detecting them.
- It should be conducted systematically and continuously.
10. Difference Between Black Box, White Box, and Grey Box Testing
- Black Box Testing: Tests functionality without knowing internal code.
- White Box Testing: Tests internal logic and structure.
- Grey Box Testing: Tests with partial knowledge of internal code.
11. Types of Integration Testing
1. Big Bang Integration Testing - All modules are tested together.
2. Top-Down Integration Testing - Testing starts from high-level modules to lower ones.
3. Bottom-Up Integration Testing - Testing starts from lower-level modules to higher ones.
4. Hybrid (Sandwich) Integration Testing - Mix of Top-Down and Bottom-Up approaches.
5. Incremental Integration Testing - Modules are tested one by one.
12. Software Testing Process
1. Requirement Analysis - Understanding software requirements.
2. Test Planning - Creating a strategy for testing.
3. Test Case Design & Development - Writing test cases.
4. Test Environment Setup - Configuring test environments.
5. Test Execution - Running test cases and logging defects.
6. Test Closure - Finalizing test results and reporting.
13. System Testing
System Testing verifies the complete application. Types include:
- Functional Testing - Validates system functions.
- Performance Testing - Evaluates speed and stability.
- Security Testing - Ensures data protection.
- Usability Testing - Checks user-friendliness.
- Compatibility Testing - Ensures software works on different platforms.
14. Inception and Walkthrough
- Inception: Initial phase where project goals, requirements, and feasibility are analyzed.
- Walkthrough: An informal review where a document or code is presented for feedback.
15. Difference Between Validation and Verification
- Verification: Ensures the product is being built correctly.
- Validation: Ensures the final product meets user needs.
Conclusion
Software testing ensures that software meets quality, security, and user expectations. A structured
testing approach helps reduce risks and deliver reliable software.
