Top Software QA Tester Job Interview Questions

1

Explain some of the main different types of testing

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Integration Testing: Also known as I&T, integration testing tests individual components of a system combined, to ensure they work as a whole. Performance Testing: Performance testing ensures the software functions in line with user requirements, such as checking response time and stability under a high workload. Regression Testing: Regression testing checks that existing features and functionalities work following updates to code. Security Testing: Security testing focuses on software security, attempting to break the software and gain access to confidential data. This is particularly important for web-based apps, such as banking. Smoke Testing: Smoke testing is one of the most basic testing types, making sure that the software does not crash when it is started up. Originally, the name comes from hardware testing, where you would plug in a device and check to see if it smokes. Stress Testing: Stress testing puts a heavy load on software to make sure it doesn't break when under pressure, such as a high number of requests at one time. Unit Testing: Unit testing is a programmatic test that ensures a single unit of code functions correctly. A unit test should be automated and easily repeatable. Usability Testing: Usability testing checks how usable a software is. This type of testing usually involves a sample group of end-users who use the software and provide feedback. User-Acceptance Testing: User-Acceptance is typically the final test before going live that checks the software meets user requirements.

2

How do you prioritize test cases?

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It's important to focus testing efforts wisely. One way is to start with riskier areas of the software first. Other factors are test case relationships and business effects. Risk assessment guides course; areas posing greater hazards demand attention first. Dependencies and business impacts are also key considerations. Test cases interlink, so sequence matters. Assess how outcomes influence organizational goals, profits, and productivity.

3

What methodologies of QA testing have you used?

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Have you worked in agile or waterfall conditions? Does the word “scrum” mean anything to you? Do you make it to the finish line when you sprint? “The interview is where I learn if you've only had simple jobs,” says Egor Bulyhin, project manager and team lead at Smart IT. The interviewee may have been a QA tester for ten years, but that doesn't mean the candidate has the depth and breadth of experience your demanding company requires. Asking candidates to explain which methodology they prefer—and why—demonstrates how well they understand the benefits and drawbacks of each. Plus, it proves communication skills, and as we know, being able to clearly communicate is one of the few things that makes people superior to puppies.

4

What do you mean by Test Matrix and Traceability Matrix?

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Test Matrix: It is referred to as a testing tool that is used to capture actual quality, effort, resources, plan, and time required to capture all the phases of software testing. It only covers the testing phase of the life cycle. Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM): It is referred to as a document, usually present in the form table, that is used to trace and demonstrate the relationship between the requirements and other artifacts of the project right from start to end. In simple words, it maps between test cases and customer requirements.

5

What is security testing?

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Security testing involves identifying potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the software to ensure that it is secure from unauthorized access and attacks. I've found that this is especially important for applications that handle sensitive data.

6

What is 'testware'?

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'Testware' is a group of artifacts that testers create when they complete tests. Examples include documentation, teardown methods, databases, scripts, setup methods, and software. Testers create testware for multiple users to complete several quality assessment measures.

7

What was the best catch you ever made?

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This question gives your interviewee the opportunity to put on his bragging pants. Like the time when Colin Ma, who works at the OC Tech Alliance and is a former QA team leader, noticed that his system processed 8% fewer transactions than normal. He decided to investigate. “After three days, I found the culprit. Under a certain condition, a payment processor would shift over account numbers, which usually caused the account to not exist,” Ma says. “We fixed the bug by correcting an IF statement in the code.” Had Ma not found the error, it would have cost his company several hundred thousand dollars' worth of fines. That knowledge alone is enough to turn your interviewee into a fellow co-worker.

8

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

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Functional Testing vs Non-functional testing | Functional Testing | Non-functional Testing | |---|---| | What the system actually does is functional testing | How well the system performs is non-functionality testing | | To ensure that your product meets customer and business requirements and doesn't have any major bugs | To ensure that the product stands up to customer expectations | | To verify the accuracy of the software against expected output | To verify the behavior of the software at various load conditions | | It is performed before non-functional testing | It is performed after functional testing | | Example of functional test case is to verify the login functionality | Example of non-functional test case is to check whether the homepage is loading in less than 2 seconds | | Testing types are • Unit testing • Smoke testing • User Acceptance • Integration Testing • Regression testing • Localization • Globalization • Interoperability | Testing types are • Performance Testing • Volume Testing • Scalability • Usability Testing • Load Testing • Stress Testing • Compliance Testing • Portability Testing • Disaster Recover Testing | | It can be performed either manual or automated way | It can be performed efficiently if automated |

9

What is an API?

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API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a means of communication between two software components. An API abstracts the internal workings and complexity of a software program and allows the user of that API to solely focus on the inputs and outputs required to use it. When building software, developers rarely write software from scratch and make use of other third-party libraries. An API allows two software components to talk to each other by providing an interface that they can understand. Another use of an API is to provide data required by an application. Let's say you are building a weather application that displays the temperature. Instead of building the technology to collect the temperature yourself, you'd access the API provided by the meteorological institute.

10

What is the difference between functional and non-functional requirements?

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Functional requirements define the specific behaviors or functions of the software system. These requirements describe what the system should do, focusing on features, operations, and tasks. - Examples: - "The user must be able to log in using their email and password." - "The system should send an email notification when a new user registers." - "The application must support search functionality." Functional requirements are typically directly related to the business logic and core functionality of the software. Non-functional requirements, on the other hand, describe how the system performs a particular function or meets specific conditions. These requirements are more concerned with the system's overall behavior, quality attributes, and performance characteristics rather than specific functionality. - Examples: - "The system should respond to user queries within 2 seconds." - "The application must be able to handle 1,000 concurrent users." - "The system must ensure data is encrypted during transmission." Non-functional requirements usually focus on system performance, reliability, scalability, security, and usability. They are important for ensuring that the software operates effectively under various conditions.

11

Describe your experience with test automation. What have you automated, and what haven't you?

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I've automated regression suites for web applications using Selenium and Java. I've had great success automating our checkout flow—it's stable, runs frequently, and saved the team hours every sprint. I've also automated API tests with REST Assured. What I haven't automated successfully is our authentication flow because it changes frequently and has a lot of UI elements that are fragile to automate. For that, manual testing is more cost-effective. I've learned that the best candidates for automation are stable, frequently run tests where the ROI justifies the maintenance overhead. I try to keep automation frameworks simple and readable so future maintainers aren't cursing my name. I've also learned to resist the urge to automate everything—that's how you end up with brittle tests that need constant maintenance.

12

What is Error Seeding?

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Error seeding is a process of adding known errors intendedly in a program to identify the rate of error detection. It helps in the process of estimating the tester skills of finding bugs and also to know the ability of the application (how well the application is working when it has errors.)

13

Explain the role of testing in software development

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Testing plays a vital role in software development. The techniques used for software testing differ from one company to another. Below are some of the important roles played by testing in software development- - Examine the code for discovering problems and errors early in the system. - Testing evaluates the capabilities of the program over the entire product. - Testing helps in reviewing requirements and design as well as executing the code. - Testing is important in measuring the system functionality and quality of the product. - Testing plays a vital role in lowering the maintenance cost of the software product. - It helps in providing interaction between developers and users.

14

What is Localization Testing?

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Localization Testing checks whether the software supports different languages and cultures.

15

What to automate vs manual testing?

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I automate repetitive regression, smoke tests, API tests, and data-driven scenarios that run often in CI/CD. I keep exploratory, usability, and visual validation testing manual. I consider frequency, stability, ROI, and flakiness before automating. Not everything should be automated because maintenance cost can become high. Following the Test Automation Pyramid helps balance unit, integration, and E2E tests properly.

16

What is Black Box Testing?

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Black Box Testing evaluates software functionality without knowledge of the internal code.

17

How would you handle a critical bug found just before a release?

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I'd prioritize the bug based on its impact, communicate promptly with the team, and decide with stakeholders whether to delay the release or implement a quick fix. Clear communication and collaboration with developers are key to minimizing disruptions while maintaining quality.

18

How well do you handle ambiguity?

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Test cases are not always straight-forward and QA Engineers will need to act on their personal judgement. They need to feel comfortable with ambiguity.

19

What is exploratory testing?

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Imagine a tourist in a foreign city. There are two ways in which they can explore the city. - Follow a map, itinerary, or a list of places they should visit - Explore randomly, following the streets as they lead them to new places With the first approach, the tourist follows a predetermined plan and executes it. Though they may visit famous spots, they might miss out on hidden, more exciting places in the city. With the second approach, the tourist wanders around the city and might encounter strange and exotic places that the itinerary would have missed. Both approaches have their pros and cons. A tester is similar to a tourist when they are testing software. They can follow a strict set of test cases and test the software according to them, with the provided inputs and outputs, or they can explore the software. When a tester doesn't use the test scripts or a predefined test plan and randomly tests the software, it is called exploratory testing. As the name suggests, the tester is exploring the software as an end-user would. It's a form of black-box testing. In exploratory testing, the tester interacts with the software in whatever manner they want and follows the software's instructions to navigate various paths and functionality. They don't have a strict plan at hand. Exploratory testing primarily focuses on behavioural testing. It is effective for getting familiar with new software features. It also provides a high-level overview of the system that helps evaluate and quickly learn the software. Though it seems random, exploratory testing can be powerful in an experienced and skilled tester's hands. As it's performed without any preconceived notions of what software should and shouldn't do, it allows greater flexibility for the tester to discover hidden paths and problems along those paths.

20

What is Grey Box Testing?

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Grey Box Testing is a mix of Black Box and White Box testing where testers have limited knowledge of the internal code.

21

What is test coverage, and how do you ensure 100% test coverage?

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Test coverage refers to how much of the application's code is tested by a particular test suite. Ensuring 100% coverage involves testing all code paths, functions, and use cases.

22

What is Test-Driven Development?

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Test-driven development is the software development approach in which test cases are created for each functionality and tested first and if the test fails then a new code is written to pass the test, thus making the code bug-free. It is an iterative approach that involves combining the two processes, the creation of test cases, and refactoring. Some of the benefits of test-driven development are: - Cleaner and Better Design Code: TDD helps in better design decisions as it helps to understand how the code will work and how it will interact with other modules. It allows the writing of more maintainable and smaller codes. - Early Bug Detection: Through test cases, developers can test the functionality and if the test fails then a new code can be written. Thus, bug-free code can be achieved since bugs are detected early. - Good for Developers: Although developers have to spend extra time in writing the test cases eventually it will take a lot less time for debugging and developing the new features. - Confidence to Refractor: In the case of code refractors, there are chances of breaks in the code. With the help of a set of automated test cases, a proper warning can be given and breaks can be fixed before release. - Extensible Code: TDD can result in an extensible code with fewer bugs that can be updated with minimal risks.

23

Explain your attitude toward documentation. Do you believe more is better? Why or why not?

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This is a trick question because more documentation is not always better. In fact, it can be detrimental. Documentation needs to be thorough, but still efficient as possible. If there is too much documentation, important details can be missed.

24

What is Equivalence Partitioning?

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Equivalence Partitioning divides input data into valid and invalid partitions to reduce test cases.

25

What is the Difference Between Severity and Priority?

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- Severity refers to the impact a defect has on the system's functionality. It indicates how serious the defect is. - Priority defines the urgency of fixing the defect based on business needs. It helps determine the order in which issues should be resolved. Example: - High-severity, low-priority: A critical crash in a rarely used feature. - Low-severity, high-priority: A small typo in the company's logo on the main login page.

26

Can you explain the process of writing test cases?

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Writing test cases is a crucial step in the testing process that ensures each aspect of the application is validated. The process of writing effective test cases involves the following steps: - Understand the Requirements: Begin by thoroughly reviewing the functional and non-functional requirements to ensure you understand the application's behavior, features, and performance expectations. - Identify Test Scenarios: Identify the key functionalities that need to be tested. A test scenario is a high-level description of a particular test objective or feature to verify. - Define Test Case Title: Create a clear and concise title for each test case that reflects the feature being tested. - Describe Preconditions: List any prerequisites that must be in place before executing the test (e.g., specific user role, login requirements, test environment configurations). - Test Case Steps: Write clear, sequential steps to execute the test, detailing the actions to be performed (e.g., "Click on the 'Login' button after entering valid credentials"). - Expected Result: Define the expected behavior of the system for each step, such as "User is successfully logged in" or "Error message appears for invalid login". - Postconditions: State the expected state of the application after the test has been executed (e.g., user should be redirected to the dashboard). - Test Data: Specify the input data required for testing, such as usernames, passwords, form fields, etc. - Assign Priority and Severity: Assign priority and severity to each test case based on the business impact and defect likelihood. - Review and Refine: Review test cases to ensure they are clear, comprehensive, and traceable to requirements. Refine the test case as needed based on feedback from peers or test leads. Each test case should be precise, unambiguous, and repeatable. It's essential to cover both positive and negative scenarios to ensure robustness in the application.

27

Tell me about a time you had to learn a new testing tool or technology quickly.

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My company decided to migrate from Selenium to Cypress for frontend automation. I'd never used Cypress before. We had two weeks before the migration needed to start. I spent a day working through the official Cypress documentation and wrote a small test case myself. Then I paired with another engineer on our team who had some Cypress experience. Watching her write tests made patterns click that documentation alone hadn't explained. Within three days, I was comfortable enough to start writing real tests. I also created a small internal guide for the team documenting common patterns we'd use, which helped everyone else ramp up faster. The whole experience took about a week of dedicated effort, and I went from zero to productive pretty quickly.

28

What is risk-based testing in simple terms?

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It means focusing testing efforts on features most likely to fail or cause damage.

29

Describe a time you suggested a process improvement in QA. What was it, and how was it received?

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I noticed we were spending a lot of time re-testing bugs that developers had supposedly fixed. I realized there was no clear handoff process—developers would mark bugs ‘Fixed,' and I'd retest, but sometimes the fix wasn't complete or I'd retest the same thing twice. I suggested we implement a ‘Ready for QA' status where developers would leave a comment explaining what they fixed, and I'd retest based on those specifics. I also suggested brief sync calls when bug fixes were complex. We piloted it on one sprint, and it cut our bug retest time by about 25%. The team liked the clarity, and we rolled it out across all projects. It wasn't a major innovation, but it made everyone's life a little easier.

30

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your career so far?

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I like to allow candidates to introduce themselves at the beginning of interviews, as it can be an opportunity for them to tell their story, explain why they're looking to join our team, or showcase any particular research they've done into our company or industry. What I'm looking for here is honesty, and ideally a sense of personal directionality. I want to get the sense that this candidate is trying to move forward in their career and takes their work seriously. It's not a dealbreaker if this doesn't come across, as I've had my own periods of career drift in my life, and some folks simply aren't great at telling their story - but I'm looking for any clues here that will help me understand if this person will align with the role I'm hiring for.

31

How do you determine the test coverage for a particular software application?

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To determine the test coverage for a particular software application, you need to first identify all the functionalities in the application. Then, you need to create test cases that cover all the functionalities, both positive and negative scenarios. You can then compare the number of test cases created to the total number of functionalities, and this will give you an idea of the test coverage for the application.

32

What do you do when requirements are unclear or keep changing?

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I ask clarifying questions and test based on how users will behave.

33

Write some common mistakes that lead to major issues.

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Some of the most common mistakes include: - Ignoring small issues - Poor Scheduling - Underestimating - Improper resource allocation - Not following the exact process

34

What is TDD?

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TDD stands for Test-Driven-Development and is an agile software development methodology that involves the creation of unit test cases before writing the code. It is a process that relies on iterative development in a short cycle, thus creating code with fewer bugs.

35

What steps would you take to resolve issues while testing?

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When it comes to resolving issues while testing, there are three main things to remember. Firstly, keep a record of everything and track all issues you encounter. Next, reporting is key. It's always recommended to inform higher management about the problem you find. And, finally, regulate issue management by implementing processes and sticking to them.

36

What is Bug Priority?

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Defect priority can be defined as how soon the defect should be fixed. It gives the order in which a defect should be resolved. Developers decide which defect they should take up next based on the priority. It can be High, Medium or Low. Most of the times the priority status is set based on the customer requirement.

37

How do you prioritize test cases?

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Base it on risk (high-impact features first), business value (core functions), usage frequency, and dependencies. For edge cases, prioritize those in critical paths like payments. In automation, focus on stable, repetitive ones.

38

What is Continuous Integration (CI) in automation testing?

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Continuous Integration (CI) is a practice where developers frequently merge their code changes into a shared repository, followed by automated testing. It helps in early detection of issues and ensures that the software remains in a deployable state.

39

What is Test Scenario?

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A Test Scenario is a high-level concept of what to test, covering multiple test cases.

40

Is QA the same as software testing?

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Your answer to this question can include the fact that QA focuses more on analyzing the process behind software creation, while software testing is more about examining how individual elements of an application function.

41

What is automation testing, and why is it used?

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Automation testing involves using software tools to automate repetitive but necessary test cases in a test suite. It is used to speed up testing, increase accuracy, and reduce manual effort.

42

Can you explain what field testing is and describe a scenario where it would be critically important for a project's success?

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Field testing involves testing a software application in the actual environment where it will be used, rather than in a controlled or simulated environment. This type of testing helps identify real-world issues that may not surface during standard lab-based testing. For example, when developing a mobile application for public transportation schedules, field testing might include using the app at various transit stops, in areas with poor network coverage, or under different weather conditions. This approach ensures the app performs reliably and offers a seamless user experience under real-life conditions, which is critical for high user satisfaction and the overall success of the project.

43

Define function and non-functional testing

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| Term | Definition | |---|---| | Functional Testing | Functional testing is a type of black-box testing method that looks at the software's functional requirements, making sure it fulfils these and solves the end-user's problems. | | Non-Functional Testing | Non-functional testing focuses on qualities that have been specifically outlined by the client, such as performance or usability. |

44

You must test an analytics dashboard. What metrics do you verify?

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I would suggest verifying the following metrics for the testing analytics dashboard: - Data accuracy (numbers, totals). - Date range filters. - Data refresh frequency. - Cross-browser chart rendering. - Export functionality. - Access permissions.

45

What is version control, and how does it apply to QA?

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Version control is a system that records changes to files or documents over time, allowing users to track revisions, collaborate on changes, and revert to previous versions if needed. In the context of QA, version control plays a crucial role in ensuring that testing is performed on the correct version of the software. Key points related to version control in QA include: - Tracking Changes: Version control ensures that the test team is working on the correct version of the code or test scripts, reducing the risk of testing outdated code. - Collaboration: QA teams can collaborate with developers and other stakeholders by managing test scripts, test data, and configuration files in the version control system. - Branching and Merging: Version control systems allow teams to create branches for different test cycles (e.g., regression testing, new feature testing). Changes can be merged back into the main codebase once testing is complete. - Audit Trail: Version control provides an audit trail of changes, helping track who made modifications and when. This is particularly useful for debugging and traceability. - Consistency: It ensures that all team members are using the same versions of test scripts, test data, and tools, which is essential for consistent testing results. Common version control systems include Git, SVN (Subversion), and Mercurial. In QA, version control helps ensure consistency and control over the test environment, test scripts, and test data.

46

what does 'quality' mean to you?

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Quality means the software meets user needs, is reliable, maintainable, and performs well, with minimal defects.

47

What is a Test Plan, and what does it include?

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A test plan is a document that outlines the testing strategy, objectives, schedule, resources, and deliverables for a project. It includes scope, test objectives, test criteria, roles and responsibilities, and risk assessment.

48

How does Dynamics 365 automate business processes?

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Dynamics 365 automates business processes using tools like Power Automate, workflows, and custom scripts. These tools streamline repetitive tasks, trigger actions based on predefined conditions, and enhance efficiency by automating approvals, notifications, and data updates across various business functions.

49

How would you test a forgot password feature?

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Check email trigger, reset link validity, expiry, and password rules.

50

What is the difference between black-box testing and white-box testing?

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With black-box testing, you have no clue about the software's insides; it's like testing a sealed box. White-box testing involves checking the code and inner workings, ensuring proper coverage. Black-box testing fits best for user experience, while white-box testing is for code quality.

51

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

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Functional testing checks behavior. Non-functional testing checks performance, security, and usability.

52

How do you approach creating a test plan?

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In my previous role at a fintech company, I began by thoroughly reviewing the requirements and user stories with the product team. I then created detailed test cases that covered both functional and non-functional requirements, ensuring to include edge cases. I prioritize test cases based on the potential impact of defects, and I use tools like TestRail for management. This structured approach helped my team reduce critical defects in production by 30%.

53

What are common challenges faced in software testing?

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Common challenges include: - Ambiguous requirements - Insufficient time for testing - Changing requirements during testing - Lack of proper test environments - Difficulty in reproducing defects

54

What do you understand by black box and white box testing? Differentiate between them.

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- White box testing: White box testing examines the inside structures of the software, including the employed data structures, internal design, code structure, and how it works, rather than just the functionality, as black-box testing does. It's also known as structural testing, clear box testing, or glass box testing. - Black box testing: Black box testing is a sort of software testing when the software's internal functionality is unknown. The testing is carried out with no knowledge of the products' internal workings. The following methods can be used to conduct black-box testing: - Syntax Driven Testing: This method of testing is used on systems that may be represented syntactically by a language. Compilers, for example, are a type of language that can be described using a context-free grammar. The test cases are created in such a way that each grammatical rule is applied at least once. - Equivalence partitioning: Many types of inputs work similarly, so rather than give them all separately, we can group them together and test only one of each group's inputs. The aim is to divide the system's input domain into a number of equivalence classes, each of which works in a similar fashion, i.e., if a test case in one class results in an error, other test cases in other classes will also result in an error. The following table illustrates the differences between white box and black box testing: | White-box testing | Black box testing | |---|---| | It's a testing method in which the tester is aware of the system's internal structure. | It's a method of testing software that doesn't require knowledge of the program's or application's internal structure. | | It is also known as Structural testing, clear box testing, code-based testing, or glass box testing. | Data-driven, box testing, data-, and functional testing are all terms used to describe this type of testing. | | Because the internal workings of the system are known, the tester may test accordingly. | The application's internal behaviour is unclear, therefore testing is based on exterior expectations. | | Testing is better suited to lower-level testing such as Unit and Integration testing. | Higher stages of testing, such as System Testing and Acceptance Testing, benefit from this sort of testing. | | White Box testing necessitates a working grasp of programming. | Black Box testing does not necessitate programming knowledge. | | It's simple to automate white box testing. | Because the test and programmer are so intertwined, automating them is difficult. | | The fundamental goal of White Box testing is to ensure that the code is of high quality. | The major goal of this testing is to determine what functions the system under test has. | | After completing the Detail design document, testing can begin. | Following the preparation of the requirement specification paper, testing can begin. | | To execute white box testing, you'll need an expert tester with a lot of expertise. | Low-skilled testers can test the application without having any prior understanding of the programming language or operating system implementation. |

55

How do you leverage your technical knowledge and experience to guide your team in identifying and resolving complex testing issues and challenges?

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I leverage my technical expertise in several ways to guide my team:Hands-on Involvement: Actively participate in testing activities, especially during critical phases. This allows me to understand the challenges firsthand and provide practical solutions. Technical Mentorship: Offer regular mentoring sessions to address specific technical issues, share best practices, and encourage innovative problem-solving approaches. Collaborative Problem Solving: Foster a collaborative environment where team members can brainstorm and troubleshoot complex issues together. Encourage open communication and knowledge sharing. Root Cause Analysis: Implement a structured approach to root cause analysis for recurring issues. Use techniques like the 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagram to identify underlying problems and prevent future occurrences. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest industry trends, tools, and technologies. Share relevant knowledge and insights with the team through training sessions and workshops.

56

What are some general QA interview questions?

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Some general QA interview questions include: Where did you go to school? What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness? Why should we hire you?

57

What are the key components of a good test case?

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Example Answer: For me, a "good" test case is one that anyone—even someone outside the QA team—could run and get the same result. It has to be clear, independent, and maintainable. I focus on making sure the Expected Result is unambiguous and that the Preconditions are clearly defined so we don't waste time troubleshooting environment issues that aren't actually bugs. When I'm reviewing or writing cases, I look for these core components: - Clear Identifier: A unique name or ID for easy tracking and regression filtering. - Scalability: Designing it to be reusable across different cycles or projects. - Data Variety: Including both positive and negative data to uncover edge cases. - Environment Context: Specifying the browser, device, or OS where the test is most relevant. - Independence: Ensuring the test doesn't rely on the state of a previous test to pass. - Centralized Storage: Keeping it in a tool like Xray or Katalon's test management capabilities for easy maintenance.

58

Which test cases are written first: white boxes or black boxes?

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Test cases for the black box testing are usually written first, followed by test cases for the white box testing. An outline of the design or project plan and the requirements document is required to write black-box test cases. Documents such as these are readily available at the beginning of the project. The initial phase of a project isn't the right time to start white box testing because it requires more architecture clarification that isn't available yet. Therefore, white-box test cases are typically written after black-box test cases have been developed.

59

Describe a time you had to work with a difficult developer or team member. How did you resolve it?

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I had a developer who seemed skeptical of my bug reports. He'd often say things like ‘that's user error, not a bug.' It was frustrating, and I considered escalating. Instead, I asked him to grab coffee. I told him I genuinely wanted to understand his perspective and make sure I wasn't wasting his time with invalid bugs. He explained that he'd worked with testers who were imprecise, and he'd gotten defensive. I showed him how I document bugs now—exact replication steps, expected vs. actual behavior, environment details. I also asked him to show me what he needs to see in a bug report to move it quickly. After that conversation, everything changed. He became one of my best collaborators. The lesson: sometimes friction is about communication, not actual conflict.

60

What is the retesting process?

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The retesting process is a method in which testers check test cases in the final execution. These test cases typically spot bugs or defects, and testers send them to developers to remedy them. Once the developers fix the bugs, they send the test cases back to the testers so they can begin the validation process. The procedure is often ongoing until all bugs are fixed.

61

Describe a challenging bug you encountered and describe how you resolved it.

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The candidate should provide a specific example of a complex bug, detailing the symptoms, investigation process, root cause analysis, collaboration with developers, and the steps taken to resolve and verify the fix.

62

Why do developers make poor testers?

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There is a concrete difference in the mentality between developers and testers. Developers might try to check the quote to see if it works, whereas testers check for things that do not work. Developers can also tend to have bias, being the creators of the code. Finally, testing involves advanced techniques that fall more in the wheelhouse of testers. This does not preclude developers from testing software. However, the best-case scenario involves leaving the bulk of the testing to experience testers. Of course, constructive input from developers can make the process easier.

63

What is the purpose of continuous integration in QA?

Reference answer

Continuous Integration (CI) is a software development practice where code changes are automatically tested and integrated into the main branch multiple times a day, often multiple times per hour. In QA, CI serves the following key purposes: - Early Detection of Bugs: By integrating code frequently (often multiple times a day), issues are detected early in the development cycle, which makes it easier to fix defects before they escalate. - Automation of Testing: CI integrates automated tests into the build process. Whenever code is pushed to the repository, a series of automated tests (unit tests, integration tests, regression tests) are run to verify the changes. - Faster Feedback: Developers and testers receive immediate feedback about the quality of the code, which helps in making decisions early about whether the new code is working as expected. - Improved Collaboration: Continuous integration promotes better collaboration between development and QA teams. QA engineers get involved early, providing test scripts, reviewing code, and creating automated tests to ensure ongoing quality. - Ensuring Consistent Quality: By integrating and testing regularly, teams can ensure that the application works correctly after each change, reducing the risk of integration issues later in the process. - Faster Release Cycle: CI allows for frequent releases of working software, speeding up the time to market. By catching defects early, QA efforts focus on high-priority areas and ensure that the software is ready for release. CI improves efficiency and minimizes risk by automating repetitive tasks, providing real-time feedback, and integrating testing throughout the development lifecycle.

64

What are the stages in the software testing lifecycle?

Reference answer

Following are the stages in the STLC. - Requirement Analysis - Test Planning - Test Design - Test Environment Setup - Test Execution - Test Closure

65

What is your mentality toward automating tests that are currently being done manually?

Reference answer

Automating test cases brings numerous benefits. Automation saves time and reduces human error. QA engineers should recognize the value in automation.

66

What is Risk Based Testing?

Reference answer

Identify the modules or functionalities which are most likely cause failures and then testing those functionalities.

67

What is API Testing?

Reference answer

API testing is a type of software testing that involves testing APIs directly and also as a part of integration testing to check whether the API meets expectations in terms of functionality, reliability, performance, and security of an application. In API Testing our main focus will be on a Business logic layer of the software architecture. API testing can be performed on any software system which contains multiple APIs. API testing won't concentrate on the look and feel of the application. API testing is entirely different from GUI Testing.

68

What is the difference between SDET, Test Engineer, and Developer?

Reference answer

SDET Vs Test Engineer Vs Developer | Test Engineer | SDET | Developer | |---|---|---| | Test Engineer thinks only in the terms of pass or fail of a test case and how to break the software | SDET knows system functional objectives as well as quality objectives | Developer thinks how to develop a system and make a functionality work | | Test Engineer works only for test life cycle, like design of test cases, and execution | SDET is involved in Designing, development, and testing | Developer is limited to Coding part and release to testing team | | No coding knowledge is required | Dynamic skill sets, like knowledge of quality and testing and good in coding too | Only coding knowledge is required | | Test Engineers know where repetitive work or simple data entry is present but they are not expected to minimize the repetitive tasks | SDET understands automation needs, they can code and provide a solution to the team where repetitive kind of work is killing the time. They can design framework which can help testing team to reduce repetitive test cycle or simple data entry task. | Developers don't deal with such tasks | | Test Engineers are not expected to reach up to code level and tune the performance | Well aware of Performance tuning and security threats , they can suggest and reach to the code and suggest where application is poor in performance, plus they can optimize the code | Developers are only expected to code the functionality which is expected by customer |

69

How do you define entry and exit criteria in a test plan?

Reference answer

Entry criteria define the conditions that must be met before testing can begin (e.g., environment setup, test cases ready). Exit criteria define the conditions that must be fulfilled before testing can be considered complete (e.g., all test cases executed, no high-priority defects open).

70

Can you describe your experience with mobile app testing?

Reference answer

I have extensive experience in testing mobile applications on both Android and iOS platforms. I have worked with a variety of mobile devices and testing tools, and I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and considerations involved in mobile app testing, such as compatibility with different screen sizes and operating systems, performance, and usability. I have also been involved in the testing of both native and hybrid mobile apps.

71

What is System Testing?

Reference answer

Testing the fully integrated application to evaluate the system's compliance with its specified requirements is called System Testing AKA End to End testing. Verifying the completed system to ensure that the application works as intended or not.

72

What is Test Closure?

Reference answer

Test Closure is the note prepared before test team formally completes the testing process. This note contains the total no. of test cases, total no. of test cases executed, total no. of defects found, total no. of defects fixed, total no. of bugs not fixed, total no of bugs rejected etc.

73

Why is manual testing still important today?

Reference answer

It helps catch usability issues, visual bugs, and real user behavior gaps.

74

What is SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle)?

Reference answer

SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) is the process of developing software through business needs, analysis, design, implementation and maintenance. Software has to go through various phases before it is born which are as follows: (i)Generating a Concept – A concept comes from the users of the software. For example, a Pizza Hut may need software to sell pizza. An Indian store may need software to sell its newly arrived movies or grocery. The owner of the company feels that he needs software that would help him in tracking his expenses and income as well as enhance the selling process. This is how the concept is generated. The owner will specifically tell the software company what kind of software he would need. In other words, he will specify his requirements. (ii) Requirements analysis – After the owner (user) knows his requirements, then it is given to a software team (company) who will analyze the requirement and prepare requirement document that will explain every functionality that are needed by the owner. The requirement document will be the main document for developers, testers and database administrators. In other words, this is the main document that will be referred by everyone. After the requirement documents, other detailed documents many be needed. For example, the architectural design which is a blueprint for the design with the necessary specifications for the hardware, software, people and data resources. (iii) Development: After the detailed requirement documents (some companies have design documents instead of requirement documents), the developers start writing their code (program) for their modules. On the other hand, the testers in the QA (Quality Assurance) Department start writing Test Plans (one module=1 test plan), test cases and get ready for testing. (iv) Testing: Once the code (programs) are ready, they are compiled together and to make a build. This build is now tested by the software testers (QA Testers) (v) Production: After testing, the application (software) goes into production (meaning, it will be handed over to the owner). (vi) End: And one day, the owner will have say bye to the software either because the business grows and this software does not meet the demand or for some reason, the he does not need the software. That's the end of it.

75

What is the difference between manual and automation testing?

Reference answer

Manual testing is hands-on, where you execute tests yourself. It's great for exploratory stuff or UI feel. Automation uses scripts and tools to run tests automatically, ideal for repetitive tasks like regression. Manual is flexible but slower and prone to human error; automation is faster and reusable but needs upfront setup and isn't good for one-off tests.

76

What is integration testing?

Reference answer

Integration testing focuses on the interactions between different components of the software. I've found that this is important to ensure that the components work together as intended.

77

Explain end to end testing in your own words. Compare End to End Testing vs Integration Testing

Reference answer

End-to-End testing checks the entire application to ensure all parts work together as expected, just like a real user would experience. It tests everything from the front end to the back end, including databases, APIs, and third-party services. | Aspect | End-to-End Testing | Integration Testing | | Scope | Tests the entire system from start to finish. | Checks how different modules work together. | | Purpose | Ensures the full application functions correctly. | Verifies data flow between connected components. | | Example | Testing a complete online shopping process. | Checking if the payment gateway communicates with the checkout page. |

78

What is a bug report?

Reference answer

During testing, a tester records their observations, findings, and other information useful to the developers or the management. All this data belongs to a test record, also called a bug report. A detailed bug report is an important artifact produced during testing. It helps the team members with: - Understand the problem, - Steps to reproduce the problem, - The environment and the specific conditions under which it happens, and - The resolution if/when the developers fix the problem. Here are a few bits of information that a good bug report should contain. Image Source: Bugzilla | Field | Description | |---|---| | Title | A short headline that summarizes the problem. It shouldn't be too long but just to give just the right information to the reader. It should be specific and accurate. | | Description | The description should answer all the questions that are not explained by the title. It contains a detailed summary of the bug, its severity, and impact, steps to reproduce, expected results vs. the actual output. | | Version | A lot of time can be wasted in trying to reproduce a bug in the wrong version of the product. Knowing the exact product version or the build number on which this bug was found is very useful to the developer in reproducing the bug. | | Status | At any point, a bug can be either ‘Active', ‘Ready for Testing', or ‘Closed'. A bug becomes active when it is found, is ready for testing once the developer fixes it. A tester can mark it closed if the developer fixed it, or active if not. | | Steps to Reproduce | Though the steps to reproduce the problem can be provided in the description, sometimes having a distinct field force the tester to think about them. They include each step one must take to successfully reproduce the problem. | | Assigned To | Name of the developer or the tester to whom this bug is assigned. | | Resolution | When a developer fixes the bug, they should include the cause for the bug and its resolution. It helps the team in the future when a similar bug resurfaces. | For example, here is a picture of a bug reported on Jira, a popular bug-tracking software.

79

What is a test plan, and why is it important?

Reference answer

A test plan is a detailed document that outlines the strategy, objectives, scope, schedule, resources, and activities for software testing. It serves as a roadmap for the entire testing process, providing clear guidelines and a structured approach to ensure that the testing is comprehensive, effective, and aligned with project goals. A typical test plan includes the following elements: - Test Plan ID: A unique identifier for the plan. - Test Scope: Defines what will and will not be tested, setting clear boundaries for the testing process. - Objectives: Specifies the testing goals, such as verifying that the software meets functional and non-functional requirements. - Test Strategy: Outlines the overall approach to testing, including the types of testing to be performed (e.g., functional, performance, security). - Test Resources: Specifies the human resources, tools, environments, and equipment needed for testing. - Test Schedule: Provides timelines for each phase of testing, including preparation, execution, and reporting. - Test Deliverables: Lists the documents and reports that will be produced during the testing phase (e.g., test cases, defect reports, test summary reports). - Risk Management: Identifies potential risks and mitigation strategies. - Test Criteria: Defines the pass/fail criteria and the conditions under which testing will be considered successful. The test plan is important because it ensures that testing is organized, efficient, and focused on the right areas. It helps manage resources effectively, sets clear expectations, and provides a basis for tracking and reporting test progress.

80

What do you mean by quality audit in the context of quality assurance?

Reference answer

An audit is an on-site verification activity of a processor quality system, such as inspection or examination. An internal or external quality auditor, or an audit team, conducts a systematic analysis of a quality system as part of a quality audit. Quality audits are conducted at predetermined intervals to ensure that the institution's internal system monitoring methods are well defined and linked to successful action. Audits are an important management tool for confirming objective proof of processes. In other words, a quality audit is a verification effort aimed at determining the degree of compliance of a product, design, process, or system to a standard specification or procedure. The quality audit includes two parts: the first is an examination of the system in which the products or services are created, known as the quality system audit. The other is a product or service quality audit, which is an examination of the products themselves.

81

How do you keep up with current technology trends?

Reference answer

Staying up to date on industry news and trends is important in order for you team to keep up with evolving technology and best practices changes. It also shows how much they like their job!

82

Describe a time you found and reported a critical bug.

Reference answer

While testing a web application for a financial service at a startup, I discovered a critical bug that caused incorrect calculations in the payment process. I documented the steps to reproduce the issue using JIRA and included screenshots. After reporting it to the development team, I collaborated with them to ensure they understood the details. The bug was fixed in the next release, and I re-tested to confirm it was resolved. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication and thorough documentation.

83

What are latent and masked defects?

Reference answer

Latent Defect: Latent defects are hidden defects, software flaws, that have not yet been detected, and cannot be found until a specific task is performed. Masked Defect: Masked defects are defects that cannot be discovered yet as they are hidden behind another portion of defected code. Only once this defect is detected, can the masked defect be identified.

84

How would you design a test plan for a specific type of software product?

Reference answer

The candidate should explain the process of defining test objectives, scope, resources, schedule, test strategies, test cases, and risk management tailored to the specific software product.

85

Can you describe your automation framework?

Reference answer

Answers vary, but should cover tools (e.g., Selenium, Cypress), structure (e.g., Page Object Model), and integration with CI/CD.

86

How do you handle situations where a critical defect is discovered just before a software release, and what steps do you take to mitigate the impact on the release schedule and product quality?

Reference answer

I prioritize the defect's severity and work with the team to assess risks and decide whether to release with the defect or delay the release to resolve it, always aiming for the best outcome.

87

How do you collaborate with developers during a sprint?

Reference answer

Through early reviews, quick feedback, and shared responsibility.

88

What is regression testing?

Reference answer

Testing to confirm new changes have not broken existing functionality.

89

How do you manage your QA team?

Reference answer

This question explores your management style. Effective QA managers communicate well, show empathy, lead diverse groups, and take accountability for overall team performance.

90

Differentiate between functional and non functional testing.

Reference answer

- Functional Testing: Functional testing is a sort of software testing that involves comparing the system to its functional requirements and specifications. Functional testing guarantees that the application meets all of the criteria or standards as specified in the specification requirement sheet. This form of testing is focused on the end product of the processing. It focuses on simulating actual system utilisation but makes no assumptions about system structure. - NonFunctional Testing: Non-functional testing is a sort of software testing that verifies the application's non-functional requirements. It determines whether the system's behaviour is in accordance with the requirements. It examines all aspects that aren't covered by functional testing. The following table lists the differences between functional and non-functional testing: | Functional Testing | Non-functional Testing | |---|---| | It verifies an application's activities and actions. | It verifies an application's behaviour. | | It is based on the needs of the customer. | It is based on the customer's expectations. | | It aids in improving the application's functionality. | It aids in the enhancement of the application's performance. | | Manual functional testing is simple to carry out. | Manually performing non-functional testing is difficult. | | It evaluates the product's functionality. | It explains what the product is capable of. | | The basis for functional testing is the business requirement. | The performance requirement is the basis for non-functional testing. | | Example: Unit Testing, Regression Testing, Smoke Testing. | Example: Load Testing, Stress Testing, Performance Testing. |

91

How do you handle changing requirements during testing?

Reference answer

Changing requirements during testing can be a common challenge, particularly in Agile environments where requirements are continuously refined. Here's how to handle it: - Agile Testing Approach: In Agile, requirements change frequently, and testers need to be flexible. Testers should work closely with product owners and developers to understand the changes and adapt test cases accordingly. - Frequent Communication: Maintain open communication with stakeholders to stay updated on any changes. This ensures that testers are aware of what has changed and can adjust test plans accordingly. - Impact Analysis: Analyze how the change impacts the current testing scope. If a requirement change affects multiple areas of the application, additional testing may be needed. Test cases may need to be updated or new ones created. - Prioritize Changes: Work with the team to prioritize the most important requirements or changes based on their impact on the product and the testing schedule. - Traceability Matrix: Use a requirements traceability matrix to track changes to the requirements and ensure that the updated requirements are covered by test cases. - Test Documentation Update: Regularly update test documentation (test cases, test plans, etc.) to reflect any new or modified requirements to ensure comprehensive coverage.

92

Describe your experience with security testing, and can you provide examples of security vulnerabilities you've identified and helped mitigate?

Reference answer

I've conducted security testing, identifying issues like SQL injection, XSS, and authentication vulnerabilities, and collaborated with security experts to implement necessary safeguards.

93

What are locators in Selenium?

Reference answer

Locators are used to identify web elements. Examples include: - ID: driver.findElement(By.id("username")) - Name: driver.findElement(By.name("password")) - Class Name: driver.findElement(By.className("login-btn")) - XPath: driver.findElement(By.xpath("//input[@id='email']"))

94

What is SDLC?

Reference answer

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) aims to produce a high-quality system that meets or exceeds customer expectations, works effectively and efficiently in the current and planned information technology infrastructure, and is inexpensive to maintain and cost-effective to enhance.

95

What is smoke testing?

Reference answer

A quick check to ensure critical features work before detailed testing.

96

What is a Test Report? What does it include?

Reference answer

Test report is basically a document that includes a total summary of testing objectives, activities, and results. It is very much required to reflect testing results and gives an opportunity to estimate testing results quickly. It helps us to decide whether the product is ready for release or not. It also helps us determine the current status of the project and the quality of the product. A test report must include the following details: - Test Objective - Project Information - Defect - Test Summary

97

How do you handle data-driven testing in automation?

Reference answer

I use external data sources like Excel, CSV, or databases to supply test inputs. The automation scripts read these data sets, dynamically applying them to multiple test cases, ensuring comprehensive coverage. This reduces redundancy and increases the efficiency of regression testing.

98

What is a test case and what are its key components?

Reference answer

A test case is basically a script or set of steps to check if part of the software works as expected. Key parts include an ID for tracking, a description of what's being tested, preconditions (like needing an account), step-by-step instructions, expected results, actual results (filled in later), and notes on environment or data. This keeps testing organized and repeatable.

99

What is a Stub?

Reference answer

A stub is a small piece of code that is used during Top-down Integration Testing that takes the place of another component during testing. These act as a temporary replacement for the module and give the same output as that of the actual product.

100

Provide a list of the possible HTTP status codes that a server can return, and what they mean.

Reference answer

HTTP status codes indicate whether an HTTP request has been completed successfully. There are five different possible HTTP status code responses, including: - Informational (100-199) - Successful (200-299) - Redirection (300-399) - Client error (400-499) - Server error (500-599)

101

What is a bug report?

Reference answer

A bug report documents an issue with steps to reproduce, expected result, and actual result.

102

What is Interface Testing?

Reference answer

Interface testing is performed to evaluate whether two intended modules pass data and communicate correctly to one another.

103

What is the difference between a static and dynamic test case?

Reference answer

Static test cases and dynamic test cases are differentiated based on whether the test is executed or not. - Static Test Case: - Definition: A static test case refers to a scenario where the test is not executed, but instead, the test cases or requirements are reviewed or analyzed. It includes activities like code reviews, documentation review, and inspections. - Example: Reviewing the code for syntax errors or potential defects without running the program. - Use Case: Typically used in static testing activities like code review, walkthroughs, and requirement reviews. - Dynamic Test Case: - Definition: A dynamic test case is executed during testing to verify the behavior of the application under different conditions. This type of test case interacts with the system during runtime and checks the actual performance and output of the software. - Example: Running a test that verifies whether a login feature works correctly with different sets of input data (valid and invalid usernames, passwords). - Use Case: Typically used in dynamic testing activities like unit testing, functional testing, system testing, and acceptance testing. Key Differences: - Static Test Case: Involves reviewing or inspecting artifacts (code, documentation) without executing the code. - Dynamic Test Case: Involves executing the software to observe its behavior and verify its functionality.

104

How would you test a mobile app?

Reference answer

When testing a mobile app, it's not just the functionality that should be considered. Given the vast scope of the program, testing should focus on core features, device compatibility, screen sizes, OS versions, network conditions, offline scenarios, and interruptions caused by calls or notifications. Performance aspects such as app launch time, battery usage, and responsiveness are equally important. In practice, a combination of manual testing and targeted automation is used to ensure consistent quality across devices.

105

What did you do in your last project?

Reference answer

In my last project, the application was a web-based application developed in Java platform. As a QA Person, I wrote Test Plans from the requirement documents and Use Cases. I performed Smoke Testing, Functional Testing, Backend Testing, Black Box Testing, Integration Testing, Regression Testing and UAT (User Acceptance Testing). I have participated in Load Testing and Stress Testing. I attended several walkthrough meetings for requirement reviews and provided feedback to the Business Analysts. Mostly, I was in the backend testing, which required writing SQL queries directly to the database. Besides these, I wrote defects using ClearQuest. Once the defects were fixed, retested them and if the passed, closed them. If the defects were not fixed, then reopened them.

106

What is confirmation testing?

Reference answer

Confirmation testing takes software testing to the next level, to confirm whether previously reported bugs have been fixed. It can also be known as retesting. You should be confident in explaining what confirmation testing is and a scenario where you may need to perform this.

107

What is Globalization Testing?

Reference answer

Globalization is a process of designing a software application so that it can be adapted to various languages and regions without any changes.

108

You're tasked with testing a newly implemented CMS for a website. What would your approach be?

Reference answer

Content Upload and Editing: - Validate the ability to upload, edit, and delete various content types (text, images, videos). - Ensure WYSIWYG editors render correctly on the front-end. - Role-Based Access: - Test different user roles (admin, editor, viewer) for appropriate access permissions. - Verify restricted actions for unauthorized users. - Version Control: - Test version history features, ensuring previous versions can be restored. - SEO and Metadata: - Verify metadata fields like title tags and alt texts are editable. - Test automated and manual SEO configurations. - Responsive Design: - Ensure content adapts seamlessly to various devices and browsers.

109

What are the different types of testing metrics?

Reference answer

- Process Metrics: These metrics are essential for the improvement and maintenance of the process in SDLC. These are used to improve the process efficiency of the SDLC. - Product Metrics: These define the size, performance, quality, and complexity of the product. It deals with the quality of the software product and thus can help developers to enhance the software product quality. - Project Metrics: These define the overall quality of the project. These can be used to measure the efficiency of the project team or any testing tools being used by the team members. Read More - Software Testing Metrics.

110

What does 'release' mean in the context of quality assurance?

Reference answer

A 'release' in quality assurance refers to the software's official release, meaning customers can access a software application's newest version. Software releases can happen publicly or privately, and can include updates or functions. There are different types of releases, including Alpha releases (first release to a limited group of users) and Beta releases (a more stable version released to a larger group, where testers focus on the 20% of features used by 80% of clients according to the 80/20 rule).

111

What are the different stages in a defect life cycle?

Reference answer

The different stages in a bug life cycle are: - New - Assigned - Open - Test - Moved to QA / Ready to test - Verified - Fixed - Closed - Retested - Reopen - Duplicate - Deferred - Rejected - Cannot be fixed - Not reproducible - Need more information

112

What is the difference between verification and validation in Testing?

Reference answer

| Verification | Validation | |---|---| | Verification is the process of checking whether the software achieves its goals without any bugs. | Validation is the process of checking whether the software product has high-level requirements. | | Verification is static testing. | Validation is Dynamic Testing. | | Quality assurance comes under verification. | Quality control comes under validation. | | In verification, the execution of the code does not happen. | In Validation, the execution of the code happens. | | In verification, it is verified whether the inputs follow the outputs or not. | In Validation, it is validated whether the user accepts the product or not. | | Verification is done before validation testing. | Validation testing takes place after verification testing. | | Here it is checked whether we are developing the right product or not. | Here it is checked whether the product developed is right or not. | Read More - Verification and Validation.

113

What are the common types of bugs you may encounter during testing?

Reference answer

During software testing, testers may encounter several types of bugs or defects that can affect the software's functionality, performance, security, or usability. Some common types of bugs include: - Functional Bugs: These occur when the software does not perform a function as expected. For example, a login form may fail to authenticate users even when correct credentials are entered. - UI/UX Bugs: These affect the user interface and experience, such as incorrect font sizes, buttons not responding, or misalignment of elements on the page. Poor UI/UX design can lead to a frustrating experience for users. - Performance Bugs: These occur when the software doesn't meet performance expectations, such as slow loading times, memory leaks, or excessive CPU usage. These bugs can affect the overall user experience and efficiency. - Security Bugs: These vulnerabilities expose the software to risks such as unauthorized access, data breaches, or malicious attacks. Common examples include SQL injection vulnerabilities or improper handling of user data. - Compatibility Bugs: These occur when the software doesn't work as expected across different environments (browsers, devices, operating systems). For example, a web application may function properly in Chrome but fail in Internet Explorer. - Integration Bugs: These happen when different modules or components of the software fail to interact properly with each other, leading to data inconsistency, system crashes, or incorrect outputs. - Boundary Bugs: These occur when input data or conditions at the edge of valid ranges cause issues. For example, entering an invalid date or inputting too many characters into a text field might cause the application to crash. - Data Bugs: These involve incorrect data handling, such as data corruption, data loss, or mismatched data fields between the UI and the database. - Concurrency Bugs: These are issues that arise when multiple processes or threads try to access the same resources simultaneously, potentially causing deadlocks, race conditions, or inconsistent application states. - Crash Bugs: These occur when the application crashes due to some error or unhandled exception, often leading to application termination or data loss.

114

How do you work with developers to resolve defects and ensure they are properly fixed?

Reference answer

When working with developers to resolve defects, I first clearly communicate the issue, provide relevant details and documentation, and then collaborate with them to find the root cause of the problem. I then verify the fix and make sure that it meets the quality standards and requirements before marking the defect as resolved. This approach helps to ensure that the defects are properly fixed and prevents reoccurrence in the future.

115

What is Enhancement report?

Reference answer

Enhancement report (ER) in software development is used by clients to add a new feature in a software.

116

What do you mean by Defect Cascading?

Reference answer

Defect Cascading is when one defect leads to the discovery of another defect by software testers. There are several reasons behind defect cascading but one of the main reasons is it occurs because the original defect was not fixed properly.

117

What is the importance of understanding different types of testing for an associate level QA engineer?

Reference answer

If an associate level engineer candidate doesn't enrich their knowledge with different methodologies in testing (such as acceptance, system, integration, usability, performance, load, and other testing), this makes them a less appealing candidate. To me, this is just part of being prepared for an interview and understanding the field that is software QA.

118

What is Test Plan and contents available in a Test Plan?

Reference answer

Test plan document is a document which contains the plan for all the testing activities to be done to deliver a quality product. Test Plan document is derived from the Product Description, SRS, or Use Case documents for all future activities of the project. It is usually prepared by the Test Lead or Test Manager. - Test plan identifier - References - Introduction - Test items (functions) - Software risk issues - Features to be tested - Features not to be tested - Approach - Items pass/fail criteria - Suspension criteria and resolution requirements - Test deliverables - Remaining test tasks - Environmental needs - Staff and training needs - Responsibility - Schedule - Plan risks and contingencies - Approvals - Glossaries

119

A stakeholder reports a vague issue: “The app feels slow.” What do you test?

Reference answer

In situations where the exact sequence or reason is not available, we have to test all the aspects of the application that can slow it down: - Clarify with stakeholders the specific actions that felt slow. - Measure TTFB, API latency, and DOM load time. - Compare application performance with performance benchmarks. - Test under various network speeds to determine precisely where the slowness occurs. - Provide quantified performance reports.

120

Explain how does a test coverage tool work?

Reference answer

When software is being tested, the code coverage measures how much of the program's source code is covered by the test plan. Code coverage testing runs in parallel with actual product testing. Using the code coverage tool, you can monitor the execution of statements in your source code. A complete report of the pending statements, along with the coverage percentage, is provided at the end of the final testing.

121

What do you typically include in your test policy documentation?

Reference answer

The candidate should mention elements like test objectives, scope, methodologies, tools, roles and responsibilities, defect management process, reporting standards, and compliance requirements.

122

Describe a scenario where AI-generated test cases would need human review before execution.

Reference answer

Example Answer: Any scenario involving business logic that the AI doesn't have full context for. For example, if an AI agent generates test cases for a payment flow based on the API spec, it might produce technically correct tests that miss a regulatory requirement, like a maximum transaction limit that's defined in a compliance document the AI never saw. Or it might generate tests for a feature that's been temporarily disabled behind a feature flag. The AI doesn't know the intent behind those decisions. That's where human review is essential: making sure the tests are not just technically valid but strategically relevant.

123

What is the difference between TDD and BDD?

Reference answer

Test-Driven Development (TDD) is a practice where developers write tests before writing the actual code.TDD focuses on creating small, testable units of code and ensuring they pass the tests. Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) extends TDD by emphasizing collaboration between developers, testers, and business stakeholders. BDD uses natural language to define test cases based on user stories, making it easier for non-technical team members to understand the test scenarios. TDD focuses on unit testing, while BDD covers a broader scope, including integration and acceptance tests.

124

What is Included in a Test Plan?

Reference answer

A test plan typically includes: - The scope of testing - The testing approach - Required resources - Schedule and timelines - Risks and mitigation strategies

125

How would a friend describe you in one sentence?

Reference answer

Sometimes this question pulls out unique personality qualities that you might not discover from traditional work focused questions.

126

What is the V model in software testing?

Reference answer

V-models, also known as validation or verification models, are SDLC models where the process occurs sequentially in a V-shape. This method consists of associating a testing phase with each corresponding development stage. As each development activity is accompanied by a testing activity, the next test phase occurs only after the previous phase has been completed. - Validation: It is defined as a process that involves dynamic testing of software products by executing the code. This process validates whether we are building the right software that meets that customer's requirement or not. It involves various activities like system testing, integration testing, user acceptance testing, and unit testing. - Verification: The technique involves static analysis (review) without running the code. It is defined as a process that involves analyzing the documents. This process verifies whether the software conforms to specifications or not. Its ultimate goal is to ensure the quality of software products, design, architecture, etc.

127

What experience do you have with developing corner cases?

Reference answer

This question will help you to figure out if your tester is willing to dig for different test case scenarios that might not be as intuitive or clear up front.

128

What's the difference between bugs, defects and errors in Software Testing?

Reference answer

Bugs: A bug is an error in the software, which causes it to malfunction, typically caused by a coding error. Bugs are submitted by Developers and detected prior to product release. Defects: A defect refers to a system error that means the software cannot function as intended. There are three types of defect: Wrong – incorrect implementation of requirements Missing – a specification has not been implemented Extra – a specification has been implemented that was not required by the end-user Errors: Errors refer to problems with the code itself, which are commonly caused by the Developers not understanding the requirements. Fun fact: The name ‘bug' originated from the first bug ever found, where an actual insect was stuck in malfunctioning hardware.

129

What is exploratory testing?

Reference answer

Testing without predefined cases to find unexpected issues.

130

Can you define what a 'test case' is?

Reference answer

A test case is a set of actions executed to verify a specific feature or functionality of an application. It contains test steps, test data, precondition, postcondition, expected results, and actual results. It plays a crucial role in determining whether a system works correctly against the defined specifications.

131

What is the difference between smoke and sanity testing?

Reference answer

Smoke testing is a quick test to ensure that the most important functionality of the software is working, while sanity testing is performed after a small change or bug fix has been made to the software. Sanity testing is a more focused and limited form of testing compared to smoke testing, as it's performed on a small subset of the software's functionality.

132

Which test cases are written first white boxes or black box?

Reference answer

The simple answer is black-box test cases are written first. Let's see why black-box test cases are written first compared to white box test cases. Prerequisites to start writing black-box test cases are Requirement documents or design documents. These documents will be available before initiating a project. Prerequisites to start writing white box test cases are the internal architecture of the application. The internal architecture of the application will be available in the later part of the project i.e., designing.

133

How should you answer the question 'What kind of testing is most important?'

Reference answer

Tailoring your answer to the specific company for this kind of question is crucial. If you are applying for a QA job at a security software company, the answer will be very different than if you are applying to QA for a medical device company. Consider the scope of the position, as well, when determining your answer.

134

Can you explain the software development life cycle (SDLC)?

Reference answer

SDLC is a series of steps that software developers follow to create a software product. SDLC typically includes these phases: Requirements gathering and analysis, Design, Development, Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance. The testing phase is when QA testers get involved in the process to validate the software and ensure that it meets the specified requirements and is free of defects.

135

Should QA Resolve Production Issues?

Reference answer

Yes, QA involvement in resolving production issues is essential. QA testers help identify the root cause of defects, write new test cases to prevent recurrence, and ensure future tests check for the same bug.

136

What is Agile testing and why is it important?

Reference answer

Agile testing is a testing approach aligned with the Agile methodology, which emphasizes collaboration, continuous feedback, and rapid iteration. In Agile testing, testing is integrated into development and performed iteratively throughout the lifecycle. Developers, testers, and stakeholders work together to ensure the product meets customer requirements and maintains high quality. The importance of Agile testing lies in its ability to catch defects early, provide continuous validation, and enable quick adaptation to changing requirements and feedback.

137

What is regression testing?

Reference answer

Regression testing is the process of re-testing a software application to ensure that new code changes, bug fixes, or enhancements have not adversely affected the existing functionality of the application. The goal of regression testing is to catch unintended side effects or issues introduced into previously working features after changes are made to the codebase. Key aspects of regression testing include: - Ensuring stability: Regression testing helps maintain the overall stability of the software after new features, updates, or fixes are introduced. - Identifying impacted areas: Testers focus on areas of the application that might have been affected by the changes, even if those areas were not directly modified. - Automated testing: Regression testing is often automated to speed up execution and ensure tests are run frequently as part of continuous integration (CI) processes. Regression tests are typically performed after every software update, bug fix, or change to ensure that the system's core functionality remains intact.

138

What is Pesticide Paradox?

Reference answer

Pesticide Paradox in software testing is the process of repeating the same test cases, again and again, eventually, the same test cases will no longer find new bugs. So to overcome this Pesticide Paradox, it is necessary to review the test cases regularly and add or update them to find more defects.

139

What is Test Scenario?

Reference answer

Test Scenario gives the idea of what we have to test. Test Scenario is like a high-level test case.

140

What is the role of QA in the SDLC?

Reference answer

SDLC consists of Requirement Gathering, Design, Development, Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance. QA ensures product quality through continuous testing during development. QA verifies requirements, identifies defects early, ensures adherence to standards, validates functionality, and ensures the product meets user needs before release.

141

What's your approach to designing automation that lasts beyond the next release?

Reference answer

Framework thinking and maintainability. Use clean code practices, modular design, data-driven approaches, and integrate with CI/CD pipelines.

142

what is TDD?

Reference answer

TDD (Test-Driven Development) is a development practice where tests are written before the code, guiding the design and ensuring the code meets the test requirements.

143

How do you handle regression testing?

Reference answer

Regression testing is performed to ensure that changes or fixes in the software do not introduce new defects. It is important to discuss your approach to regression testing, including the use of automated testing tools and the creation of regression test suites.

144

What strategies do you use for 'stress testing'?

Reference answer

Stress testing involves testing an application under extreme workloads to see how it handles high traffic or data processing. The objective is to identify the breaking point of an application. My strategy involves gradually increasing the load on the system until it reaches its threshold. By doing this, we can understand the maximum capacity of the application and its behavior at peak times.

145

What is a bug report?

Reference answer

During testing, the tester records all the observations, and other information useful for the developers or the management. This test record is known as a bug report. The bug report helps the team members in the following aspects: - Understand the problem. - Steps to reproduce the problem. - The environment under which the defect or bug happens. - The resolution is when the developer fixes the bug. The few bits of information the bug report should contain are: - Defect/Bug Name: A short headline describing the defect. It should be specific and accurate. - Defect/Bug ID: Unique identification number for the defect. - Defect Description: Detailed description of the bug including the information of the module in which it was detected. It contains a detailed summary including the severity, priority, expected results vs actual output, etc. - Severity: This describes the impact of the defect on the application under test. - Priority: This is related to how urgent it is to fix the defect. Priority can be High/ Medium/ Low based on the impact urgency at which the defect should be fixed. - Reported By: Name/ ID of the tester who reported the bug. - Reported On: Date when the defect is raised. - Steps: These include detailed steps along with screenshots with which the developer can reproduce the same defect. - Status: New/ Open/ Active - Fixed By: Name/ ID of the developer who fixed the defect. - Data Closed- Date when the defect is closed. Read More - Bug Report.

146

What is non-functional testing?

Reference answer

Non-functional testing involves validating non-functional elements such as software performance and reliability. Features of non-functional testing include that it is based on the client's expectations, can be difficult to execute manually, and takes place after functional testing. The process enhances the user experience, mitigates business risks by enhancing application security, and increases the system's reliability.

147

What does the term "test case" mean?

Reference answer

A test case is one of the basic building blocks of the QA process. It refers to the steps, environments, outputs, and prerequisites involved in the testing environment.

148

What is Boundary Value Analysis (BVA)?

Reference answer

BVA tests the edges of input values (e.g., testing 0, 1, and 100 if the valid range is 1–100).

149

What is Data-driven Testing?

Reference answer

Data-driven testing involves creating test scripts that run multiple times with different sets of input data. This approach separates test logic from test data, allowing testers to validate the application's behavior with various data combinations efficiently.It is commonly used in automated testing frameworks, where test data is stored in external sources like Excel files, databases, or CSV files. Data-driven testing helps identify defects related to data handling and ensures the application performs correctly under different data conditions.

150

What are some of the different types of software testing?

Reference answer

For this question, you could outline several of the following classes of testing to show you have a comprehensive understanding of software testing as a discipline: - Integration testing. This involves figuring out how different components of an app work together. - Regression testing. Regression testing assesses how new features impact the functionality of an app. - Functional testing. With functional testing, you use real-world scenarios to check how well an app accomplishes what it's designed to do. - Stress testing. The objective of a stress test is to figure out how much an app can take before it breaks, whether the scenario is realistic or not. - Performance testing. Performance testing is like stress testing, except you aim to see how much an app can handle in a real-life situation. - Unit testing. A unit test involves testing the smallest unit of an app that you can test. This helps you see how elements of the app perform on their own. - White-box testing. White-box testing focuses on examining how the internal structures of the app function. - Black-box testing. Black-box testing refers to testing without looking at the internal functions of the app. - Smoke testing. This is a set of preliminary tests to assess basic functionality, often in advance of a release or more extensive testing.

151

Explain some of the main different types of testing

Reference answer

You should be able to explain some of the main different types of software testing, as you will likely find yourself using a variety of these in your day-to-day role. This could include the following: | Testing type | Description | |---|---| | Integration Testing | Also known as I&T, integration testing tests individual components of a system combined, to ensure they work as a whole. | | Performance Testing | Performance testing ensures the software functions in line with user requirements, such as checking response time and stability under a high workload. | | Regression Testing | Regression testing checks that existing features and functionalities work following updates to code. | | Security Testing | Security testing focuses on software security, attempting to break the software and gain access to confidential data. This is particularly important for web-based apps, such as banking. | | Smoke Testing | Smoke testing is one of the most basic testing types, making sure that the software does not crash when it is started up. Originally, the name comes from hardware testing, where you would plug in a device and check to see if it smokes. | | Stress Testing | Stress testing puts a heavy load on software to make sure it doesn't break when under pressure, such as a high number of requests at one time. | | Unit Testing | Unit testing is a programmatic test that ensures a single unit of code functions correctly. A unit test should be automated and easily repeatable. | | Usability Testing | Usability testing checks how usable a software is. This type of testing usually involves a sample group of end-users who use the software and provide feedback. | | User-Acceptance Testing | User-Acceptance is typically the final test before going live that checks the software meets user requirements. |

152

What is regression testing, and why is it necessary in software development?

Reference answer

Regression testing verifies that new code changes do not introduce new defects or break existing functionality. It's necessary to maintain software quality as new features are added or modified.

153

Explain the Waterfall and Agile Models.

Reference answer

Software testing comes into the picture at different times in different software development methodologies. The two main software development methodologies are the Waterfall Model and Agile Model. - In the Waterfall Model, the requirements are gathered first. Then the next step is to create a specification document that drives the design and development phases. Finally, testing is conducted at the end of the software development life cycle once the complete software system is built. - In the Agile Model, testing is conducted in parallel as the software is being built. The developers build a small functionality according to the requirements. The testers test this and acquire customer feedback which drives the further development of the software.

154

How do you manage your QA team?

Reference answer

Effective team management involves several key practices:Clear Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication channels. Ensure that team members are well-informed about project goals, timelines, and expectations. Goal Setting: Set clear, achievable goals and objectives for the team. Align individual goals with the overall project and organizational objectives. Performance Monitoring: Regularly monitor team performance through KPIs and metrics. Provide constructive feedback and recognize achievements to motivate the team. Resource Management: Ensure that the team has the necessary resources, tools, and training to perform their tasks effectively. Address any resource gaps promptly. Fostering Collaboration: Promote a collaborative team culture where members support and learn from each other. Encourage cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing. Career Development: Support the professional growth of team members by providing opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement. By implementing these practices, I ensure that my QA team is motivated, aligned with project goals, and equipped to deliver high-quality software products.

155

What is system testing?

Reference answer

System testing is a type of testing that verifies the entire software system as a whole, ensuring that all components and subsystems work together to meet the specified requirements. It is a high-level testing phase that focuses on validating the complete functionality of the application in a controlled environment, simulating real-world use cases. Key aspects of system testing include: - End-to-End Testing: System testing checks all aspects of the system from end to end, validating the software's overall behavior and performance. - Functional and Non-Functional Testing: System testing includes both functional tests (e.g., verifying features and user workflows) and non-functional tests (e.g., performance, security, usability). - Environment Setup: The system is tested in an environment that closely mirrors the production environment, allowing testers to evaluate how the software will behave in real-world conditions. System testing is essential for ensuring that all components of the system work as expected together and that the software meets all business, technical, and user requirements.

156

How do you write an effective test case?

Reference answer

An effective test case includes Test Case ID, title, preconditions, test data, clear steps, expected result, actual result, status, and priority. Steps should be simple and reproducible so any tester can execute them. Expected results must be specific, not vague like “it works.” Include both positive and negative test cases and keep them independent. Avoid broad or unclear test cases and always define preconditions properly.

157

What is Software Testing?

Reference answer

According to ANSI/IEEE 1059 standard – A process of analyzing a software item to detect the differences between existing and required conditions (i.e., defects) and to evaluate the features of the software item.

158

How does stress testing differ from load testing?

Reference answer

Stress testing involves raising the load on the system is increased beyond the normal, expected range. Load testing, on the other hand, testing that involves a steady, consistently high load which is still within expectations. While this is a subtle difference, the interviewee should be able to spell out possible scenarios where each approach might be useful and what each method of testing might be used to diagnose.

159

Can you explain the software testing life cycle (STLC)?

Reference answer

- Requirements analysis: understanding the requirements and specifications of the application. - Test planning: creating a test plan that outlines the testing methodologies, techniques, and tools that will be used. - Test design: designing test cases to validate the functionality of the application. - Test execution: executing test cases and reporting any issues found. - Defect reporting and tracking: reporting bugs and tracking their resolution. - Test closure: evaluating the results of the testing process and documenting the findings.

160

What is Quality Assurance? Give a real-life example in software development.

Reference answer

QA in software development ensures software meets quality standards by testing functionality, performance, usability, and security. For example, before launching a mobile banking app, the QA team checks whether users can log in, view balances, transfer funds, and make payments. They also test backend module communication. If bugs are found, testers report them for fixing. Once resolved, QA retests to confirm fixes and ensure no regressions.

161

What is a Failure?

Reference answer

Once the product is deployed and customers find any issues then they call the product as a failure product. After release, if an end user finds an issue then that particular issue is called as a failure.

162

What is exploratory testing?

Reference answer

Exploratory testing is a testing approach that involves simultaneous learning, test design, and execution. It is used when there is no formal test plan or script, and when teams need to discover issues not yet covered by existing test cases. It is typically performed by experienced testers who rely on domain knowledge, intuition, and creativity to uncover defects.

163

Can you provide examples of scenarios in which you encountered and resolved challenging defects, and how your problem-solving skills contributed to the successful resolution?

Reference answer

I once faced a memory leak issue in a mobile app, conducted in-depth analysis, identified the root cause, and worked with the development team to resolve it, resulting in improved app performance.

164

What is the most effective way to map automation testing success?

Reference answer

The success of Automation testing can be measured using the following criteria: - Savings on labor & other costs. - Defect Detection Ratio. - Automating the execution process and reducing the release time.

165

Can you explain the concept of test-driven development (TDD) and its benefits?

Reference answer

TDD involves writing test cases before writing code. It helps ensure that code meets requirements and remains testable, resulting in higher code quality and fewer defects.

166

What do you understand by the term SDLC in software engineering?

Reference answer

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured process that outlines the different stages involved in developing software. It ensures that testing is performed at every phase to improve quality and reduce errors. The key phases include planning, requirement analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

167

What steps do you follow when documenting a bug?

Reference answer

When documenting a bug, I include a clear title, a detailed description, steps to reproduce the issue, the expected and actual outcomes, relevant screenshots or videos, and any additional environmental details like browser or device type.

168

How do you communicate a bug to a developer who disagrees with you?

Reference answer

I walk through the issue calmly, show evidence, and focus on user impact.

169

What is regression testing? How is it important?

Reference answer

Regression testing is a type of testing that is performed after making changes to the software to ensure that the changes do not cause any unintended effects on the existing functionalities. Regression testing is important because it helps verify that the software continues to work as expected, even after changes have been made to it.

170

What is a Bug?

Reference answer

A bug refers to an error, flaw, or failure in a software program that causes it to produce incorrect or unexpected results. Bugs can arise from coding errors, system architecture problems, or miscommunication in requirements, affecting the software's functionality.

171

How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and designers, during the testing process?

Reference answer

I maintain open communication channels, participate in daily stand-up meetings, and collaborate closely with team members to align testing efforts with project goals.

172

Have you written Test Cases?

Reference answer

Yes. What is a Test Case? What does it include? A Test Case is a document that describes step-by-step process how to test the application. A Test Case includes Test Case ID, Steps Description, Expected Output, Actual Output, Pass/Fail, and Remarks. (Remember, this is NOT a part of Test Plan. It is a separate document written using Excel. In some companies, they use Rational TestManager or TestDirector. But for companies, who do not have these tools, use Excel sheet. In t he example below, it is in the Excel sheet) Did you use any tools to write Test Cases? Yes. I have used TestDirector (now called QualityCenter) and Rational TestManager to write Test Cases. However, in most of the companies, I used Excel sheet. How many Test Cases did you write in your last project? I wrote about 1100 Test Cases in my last project. (The reasonable number of Test Cases varies from 500 to thousands. The number 1100 test cases can be completed in 6-month project duration). What document did you refer to write the Test Cases? Requirement document. (NOTE: It can also be Use Cases, or Design Document. It depends company to company. In some company, they use Use Cases. In some companies, they use Requirement Documents and in companies, they use Design Document. However, in practical scenario, most of the companies have requirement document at least).

173

How do you estimate the time required for testing?

Reference answer

Estimating the time required for testing is a critical part of project planning. The time estimation can vary depending on several factors, and there are a few common methods for estimating testing time: - Test Case Count Method: - Estimate the number of test cases that need to be executed, and then estimate the time required to execute each test case. This method works well for smaller or well-defined projects. - Example: If each test case takes 15 minutes to execute and there are 200 test cases, the total test time would be 3,000 minutes (50 hours). - Historical Data: - Look at past projects or similar testing efforts to get an idea of how much time testing typically takes. This can be based on previous testing cycles for similar applications or features. - Function Point Analysis: - Break down the functionality of the application into "function points" (a measure of system functionality), and estimate the time required based on the complexity of each function point. - Function points are typically used for larger systems or projects with more defined requirements. - Expert Judgment: - Rely on the experience and judgment of senior testers or test leads to estimate testing time based on their understanding of the project's complexity and the potential risks involved. - Risk-Based Estimation: - Focus on high-risk areas and critical features of the system. Allocate more time to these areas to ensure comprehensive testing. For low-risk areas, you can estimate less time. - Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): - Break the testing tasks into smaller, manageable components (e.g., test design, test execution, defect reporting, etc.). Estimate time for each component, then sum them up. - Resource Availability: - Factor in the availability of resources, including the number of testers, test environments, and tools. Time may be adjusted based on the team size and workload distribution. Estimating testing time is not an exact science, but using these methods in combination with experience and understanding of the project's scope can help provide a reasonable time estimate.

174

What is Test Strategy?

Reference answer

A Test Strategy is a document that describes the test efforts, test configuration, testing tools to be employed, test environments, exit criteria and entry criteria for testing, what different types of testing will be carried out (for example, smoke test, regression, load test, functional test and so on) types of testing to be carried out and system requirement. The Test Manager or Lead writes it. (Remember, the Tester does NOT write Test Strategy. A Tester writes Test Plans and Test Cases)

175

How can you assess a candidate's communication skills in the context of a developer/tester relationship?

Reference answer

Have the tester generate a rough bug report (any bug they want to) and discuss its adequacy, including exact steps, expected behavior, actual behavior, and other details. This helps evaluate their ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

176

What is the difference between Scrum and Kanban in Agile testing?

Reference answer

Scrum and Kanban are two popular frameworks used in Agile development, but they differ in their approach to work management and delivery. - Scrum: - Timeboxed Sprints: Scrum divides work into fixed-length iterations called sprints, typically lasting two to four weeks. Each sprint has a set of goals and deliverables, and testing occurs within each sprint. - Roles: Scrum has defined roles such as Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team. The QA role is often integrated into the development team, testing stories and features as they are developed. - Ceremonies: Scrum includes ceremonies like sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives. These help in tracking progress and improving processes. - Backlog Management: The product backlog is prioritized by the Product Owner. QA works with developers to ensure features meet the acceptance criteria. - Kanban: - Continuous Flow: Unlike Scrum, Kanban focuses on continuous flow rather than fixed iterations. There are no sprints, and work items are continuously pulled into the workflow as capacity allows. - Visual Management: Kanban uses a visual board to track work items. Each task is represented by a card that moves through various stages of completion (e.g., To Do, In Progress, Testing, Done). - Flexibility: In Kanban, tasks can be worked on continuously without the need to wait for a sprint cycle to complete. This flexibility is useful for projects with unpredictable priorities. - Work-in-Progress (WIP) Limits: Kanban uses WIP limits to avoid overloading team members, ensuring that tasks move smoothly through the system. Key Differences: - Timeboxing: Scrum is timeboxed into sprints, while Kanban allows for continuous flow. - Roles and Ceremonies: Scrum has defined roles and ceremonies, while Kanban is more flexible and can be applied without formal roles. - Work Management: Scrum works with predefined backlogs and sprints, while Kanban manages tasks in real-time using a visual board and WIP limits. Both Scrum and Kanban focus on improving team efficiency and delivering value to customers, but they differ in how work is organized and managed.

177

What are the five types of debugging?

Reference answer

Debugging has five different categories, including brute force, backtracking, cause elimination, fault tree analysis and programme slicing. We recommend taking the time to understand these categories so that you can talk about them during your Software Testing interview.

178

How many Test cases you can write in a day or how much time is required to write a test case?

Reference answer

Same strategy applies here too. It depends totally on the complexity of the functionality.

179

What makes a good bug report?

Reference answer

Clear steps, screenshots, environment details, and impact on the user.

180

What has you looking for a new job at this time?

Reference answer

This is usually my second question, and I'm trying to determine if the candidate is looking to change their career path, has had some undesirable work situation, or perhaps isn't doing well in their current role. Again, no specific dealbreakers here, but I can often tell a lot about a person's current relationship to their work life from how they answer this question.

181

What is testing? What is testing NOT?

Reference answer

This is a very open-ended question, but it can lead to some interesting answers. Really, what I would like to hear from a candidate is some understanding of test effectiveness, meaning that they write and execute tests that deliver real value in knowing the truth of a system. We're trying to avoid tests that only provide surface coverage without depth.

182

What is functional testing?

Reference answer

Functional testing is a form of black-box testing. As the name suggests, it focuses on the software's functional requirements rather than its internal implementation. A functional requirement refers to required behavior in the system, in terms of its input and output. It validates the software against the functional requirements or the specification, ignoring the non-functional attributes such as performance, usability, and reliability. Functional testing aims to answer the following questions, in particular: - Does the software fulfill its functional requirements? - Does it solve its intended users' problems?

183

The developer says a bug cannot be reproduced on their machine. What do you do?

Reference answer

In case a developer cannot reproduce a bug reported by a tester, I would recommend the following: - Compare the environment in which the bug was reported with the one where the developer is trying to reproduce it. - Verify the browser versions, OS versions, and caches on the developer machine. - Capture logs, screenshots, and HAR files on the developer machine to check for any discrepancies. - Provide exact test data to the developer. - Offer a screen-share session to demonstrate the bug.

184

Can you discuss the role of continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD) in software testing?

Reference answer

CI involves automatically integrating code changes into a shared repository, triggering automated tests. CD automates the deployment process. Both enhance code quality and delivery speed.

185

Can you explain how you would test a new feature or functionality in a software product?

Reference answer

I would first thoroughly review the requirements and specifications to understand what the feature is supposed to do. I would then create a comprehensive test plan that outlines the testing approach, test cases, and expected results. Next, I would perform various tests to verify that the feature is working as intended, including functional testing, compatibility testing, and performance testing. Throughout the testing process, I would document any bugs or issues that I find and work with the development team to resolve them. Finally, I would document the test results and present them to the stakeholders.

186

What are the main test levels?

Reference answer

Unit, integration, system, and acceptance testing.

187

What soft skills are important for a QA tester, and why?

Reference answer

Many soft skills help QA testers, including time management, collaboration, motivation, and adaptability. Motivation is particularly important because it can prevent employee turnover, and time management is fundamental for candidates who must complete work within specific milestones.

188

What are the different levels of testing?

Reference answer

Software testing occurs at different levels, each focusing on specific aspects of the application. The common levels of testing include: - Unit Testing: - Focuses on testing individual components or units of code (e.g., functions, methods, classes) to ensure they perform as expected. - Typically performed by developers during the coding phase. - Integration Testing: - Tests the interactions between multiple components or systems to ensure they work together as expected. - It is performed after unit testing and before system testing. - System Testing: - Validates the entire software system as a whole to ensure it meets the specified requirements. - It is a high-level testing phase that checks both functional and non-functional requirements. - Sanity Testing: - A narrow, focused form of testing to verify that a specific function or change is working as intended. - Smoke Testing: - Verifies whether the most important functionalities of the system are working and whether the build is stable enough for further testing. - Acceptance Testing: - Ensures that the software meets the business requirements and is ready for release to end-users. - Performed by the end-users or QA team and often split into alpha and beta testing.

189

Differentiate between Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC).

Reference answer

Quality Control (QC): A systematic set of techniques used to assure the quality of software products or services is known as quality control in software testing. By testing and reviewing the software product's functional and non-functional requirements, the quality control process ensures that it fulfils the actual needs. The following table lists the differences between Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC): | Quality Assurance | Quality Control | |---|---| | It is a method that focuses on assuring that the specified quality will be met. | It is a method that focuses on achieving the desired level of quality. | | The goal of quality assurance is to avoid defects. | The goal of quality control is to find and correct flaws. | | It's a way to keep track of quality. (Verification) | It's a method for verifying the quality. (Validation) | | It does not entail running the software. | It always entails running software. | | It is a Proactive measure (method of prevention). | It is a Reactive measure (a remedial technique). | | It is the method for producing deliverables. | It is the technique for ensuring that deliverables are correct. | | QA is involved in the entire software development process. | QC is involved in the entire software testing process. | | Quality Assurance establishes standards and processes in order to achieve client expectations. | While working on the product, Quality Control ensures that the standards are followed. | | It is carried out prior to Quality Control. | It is only carried only once the QA activity has been completed. | | It's a low-level activity that can detect errors and inaccuracies that quality control can't. | It's a High-Level Activity because it can detect errors that Quality Assurance can't. | | Quality Assurance guarantees that everything is done correctly, which is why it is classified as a verification activity. | Quality Control ensures that everything we do is in accordance with the requirements, which is why it is classified as a validation activity. | | SPC, or Statistical Process Control, is a statistical technique used in quality assurance (SPC) | SQC, or Statistical Quality Control, is a statistical technique used in quality control. |

190

What does "data-driven testing" mean?

Reference answer

This can be a tricky question because data-driven testing means something different in the context of QA interview questions. Data-driven testing refers to an automated testing framework that tests the results of different input values. These values are read straight from data files, which may include Excel files, CSV files, data pools, and many other formats.

191

What is a test case?

Reference answer

A test case defines steps, test data, and expected results to verify functionality.

192

What is Software Testing?

Reference answer

Software Testing is the process of evaluating and verifying the functionality of software products or apps to ensure they meet expected requirements and are free from defects.

193

What is Quality Assurance? Give a real-life example of quality assurance in software development.

Reference answer

Quality Assurance (QA) refers to the systematic process of ensuring that products and services meet specified requirements and standards. In software development, QA involves activities that monitor and improve the software development process to ensure quality standards are met, including code reviews, testing, and process audits. Example: In a software development project, QA teams might implement automated testing tools like Selenium to run regular regression tests. This ensures that new code changes do not introduce bugs into the existing codebase.By catching defects early through these tests, the development team can address issues promptly, improving the overall quality and reliability of the software before it reaches end-users.

194

What are defect triage meetings?

Reference answer

Defect triage meetings are sessions where the project team reviews, prioritizes, and assigns defects identified during testing.The primary goals are to determine the severity and priority of each defect, decide on the course of action, and allocate resources for fixing the defects. These meetings typically involve QA testers, developers, project managers, and sometimes product owners. The outcome of a defect triage meeting is a prioritized list of defects with assigned responsibilities for resolution.

195

What is the difference between QA and QC?

Reference answer

QA vs. QC comes down to how they vary regarding intent. Quality assurance focuses on how you maintain quality and prevent issues where Quality Control focuses on identifying problems with the product or service. As an example, a tester's main duty would focus on quality control and software testing to find and report defects within the application. Whereas a quality assurance engineer would be part of the whole process of the development cycle and can try to take a shift-left approach and be proactive and try to find ways of preventing defects down the road.

196

A fix breaks another feature during regression. What next?

Reference answer

Log the issue, update impact analysis, and reassess release readiness.

197

What's the difference between functional testing, regression testing, and smoke testing?

Reference answer

Functional testing verifies that specific features work according to requirements. When a new payment method gets added, I'd run functional tests to make sure users can select it, it processes correctly, and confirmation emails send. Regression testing is broader—after that new payment feature ships, I'd run regression tests on the entire checkout flow to make sure I didn't accidentally break existing payment methods. Smoke testing is a quick sanity check—literally: ‘Is the app even running? Can I log in? Can I access the main features?' I'd run smoke tests first thing after a build to make sure there are no obvious blockers before diving into detailed testing. Think of smoke testing as ‘is this worth testing,' regression as ‘did I break anything,' and functional as ‘does this specific thing work.'

198

What is Business Design Document?

Reference answer

It is the document that describes the application functionalities of the user in detail. This document has the further details of the Business Requirement Document. This is a very crucial step in Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Sometimes the Business Requirement Document and Business Design Document can be lumped together to make only one Business Requirement Document.

199

Do you see yourself as a perfectionist?

Reference answer

Great QA engineers are perfectionists. Their job is to ensure that all of the software they test meets or exceeds quality standards, and sloppy work is only going to lead to trouble further down the line.

200

What is exploratory testing?

Reference answer

Exploratory testing is an approach to testing where the tester actively explores the application without predefined test cases, using their creativity and domain knowledge to identify defects. It emphasizes learning and adaptation during the test execution process. Testers design and execute tests simultaneously, allowing them to adjust their testing approach based on findings, new insights, or unexpected behavior observed during the test. Key characteristics of exploratory testing include: - Simultaneous Test Design and Execution: Testers explore the software by trying different paths, scenarios, and workflows while adjusting their approach based on feedback from the application. - Freedom and Creativity: It allows testers to use their experience, intuition, and knowledge to discover unexpected issues that might not have been foreseen in structured test cases. - Less Documentation: It is not highly document-driven like scripted testing, but testers can document bugs and observations as they go along. Exploratory testing is valuable for ad-hoc testing, uncovering defects in complex, less structured areas, or when quick feedback is needed, such as in Agile environments.

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