An Advanced Software Testing Practice Test

If you are using error guessing to target your testing, it means that you are relying on your past experiences and knowledge to anticipate potential errors and issues in the system. This type of testing is known as experience-based testing, as it heavily relies on the tester's expertise and intuition to identify potential problems. It involves guessing and anticipating where errors might occur based on previous experiences with similar systems or similar functionalities.

Boundary value analysis is an extension of equivalence partitioning because it focuses on testing the boundaries or limits of input values rather than just the equivalence classes. It aims to identify any errors or issues that may occur at the edges of the input range, such as the minimum and maximum values, as these are often more likely to cause problems. By testing these boundary values, it helps to ensure that the system can handle them correctly and effectively.

Acceptance testing is typically conducted to verify that a product meets a particular regulatory requirement. This type of testing involves evaluating the product's compliance with specific regulations or standards set by regulatory bodies. It focuses on ensuring that the product meets the necessary criteria and can be accepted for use in a regulated environment. Unit testing, integration testing, and system testing are important testing phases but are not specifically designed to verify regulatory compliance.

Debugging is the activity that removes the cause of a failure. When a failure occurs in a software system, debugging is the process of identifying and fixing the root cause of the failure. It involves analyzing the code, tracing the execution, and identifying and resolving the errors or bugs that led to the failure. Debugging is an essential part of the software development and testing process, as it helps to ensure the reliability and stability of the software system.

Error guessing is a testing technique that involves using intuition and experience to identify areas in the software where a developer is likely to have made mistakes. It is based on the idea that experienced testers can anticipate common errors and defects that may occur in specific parts of the software. This technique is particularly useful when there is limited documentation or formal test cases available. Testers rely on their knowledge of the system and previous experience to "guess" where errors may be present and focus their testing efforts accordingly.

Debugging is the process of identifying and fixing defects or errors in the code. It involves analyzing the code to locate the source of the problem and making necessary changes to correct it. Regression testing, on the other hand, is a type of testing that ensures that previously working functionality is not affected after making changes to the code. Dynamic analysis refers to techniques that analyze the code during runtime, while static analysis involves analyzing the code without executing it. Therefore, debugging is the most appropriate activity for finding and fixing defects in the code.

Usability testing is a type of non-functional testing. Non-functional testing focuses on aspects such as performance, reliability, security, and usability of a system. Usability testing specifically evaluates how user-friendly and intuitive a system or product is by observing users' interactions and collecting feedback. This type of testing aims to ensure that the system meets the needs and expectations of its users in terms of ease of use, learnability, efficiency, and user satisfaction.

In the process of a formal review, the entry and exit criteria are defined during the planning phase. This is the stage where the objectives, scope, and requirements of the review are determined. The entry criteria specify the conditions that must be met for the review to begin, such as the availability of necessary documents or completion of certain tasks. The exit criteria, on the other hand, outline the conditions that must be satisfied for the review to be considered complete, such as the resolution of all identified issues or the approval of the final report. Therefore, it is during the planning phase that these criteria are established.

The correct answer is White-box because when test cases are derived from looking at the code, it means that the tester has access to the internal structure and implementation details of the code. This indicates a white-box testing approach, where the tester has knowledge of the internal workings of the system and can design test cases based on that knowledge. Black-box testing focuses on testing the system from an external perspective without knowledge of the internal structure. Specification-based testing relies on the requirements or specifications of the system, while behavior-based testing focuses on testing the system based on its expected behavior.

Static testing and dynamic testing are two different approaches to testing software. Static testing is performed by developers and involves reviewing the code and documentation to find defects without actually executing the software. On the other hand, dynamic testing is performed by testers and requires executing the software to identify defects. The correct answer states that dynamic testing requires executing the software, while the software is not executed during static testing. This highlights the main difference between the two approaches.

The test manager is normally responsible for the creation and update of a test plan for a project. This is because the test manager oversees the testing activities and is responsible for ensuring that the testing process is well-planned and executed. They work closely with the project manager and other stakeholders to define the scope, objectives, and approach of the testing effort. The test manager also coordinates with the testers to gather their inputs and incorporate them into the test plan. Their role includes defining the test strategy, test objectives, test deliverables, and test schedule, as well as identifying the required resources and estimating the effort needed for testing.

Black-box testing is a test technique that focuses on testing the functionality of a system without any knowledge of its internal structure or implementation details. It treats the system as a black box, where the tester only has access to the inputs and outputs. Since black-box testing does not require knowledge of the internal workings of the system, it can use the requirements specifications as a test basis. This allows the tester to validate whether the system meets the specified requirements without needing to understand how the system is implemented.

If the developers are releasing code for testing that is not version controlled, it means that there is a missing process of configuration management. Configuration management involves keeping track of all the changes made to software and ensuring that the correct versions are used for testing and deployment. Without version control, it becomes difficult to manage and track changes, leading to potential issues in testing and deployment processes.

Running the same tests over and over will reduce the chance of finding new defects because if the same tests are repeatedly executed, it becomes less likely to discover new bugs or defects in the software. This is because the same set of tests may not cover all possible scenarios or combinations of inputs that could potentially lead to new defects. To ensure thorough testing and increase the chances of finding new defects, it is important to have a diverse and comprehensive test suite that covers a wide range of test cases and scenarios.

Functional tests can be executed at all levels of the testing process. This means that functional tests can be performed at the unit level, where individual components are tested in isolation. They can also be conducted at the integration level, where multiple components are tested together to ensure they work well together. Functional tests are also carried out at the system level, where the entire system is tested as a whole. Finally, functional tests can be performed at the acceptance level, where the system is tested against the requirements to ensure it meets the desired functionality. Therefore, the most correct answer is that functional tests can be executed at all levels.

To effectively communicate and maintain positive relationships with developers when there is disagreement over the prioritization of a defect, it is important to remind them of the common goal of creating quality systems. By emphasizing the shared objective, it helps to foster understanding and collaboration between testers and developers. This approach promotes a cooperative mindset and encourages both parties to work together towards resolving the issue in a mutually beneficial manner.

An example of debugging is when a developer finds and fixes a defect. Debugging refers to the process of identifying and resolving issues or defects in software code. In this scenario, the developer identifies a problem or bug in the code and then takes the necessary steps to correct it, ensuring that the software functions as intended. This process is an essential part of software development and helps to improve the quality and reliability of the software.

The test manager is responsible for writing the test plan for a project. This is because the test manager is in charge of overseeing the testing activities and ensuring that the project meets the required quality standards. They have the knowledge and expertise to identify the necessary tests, define the scope of testing, allocate resources, and establish the testing approach. The test plan outlines the objectives, strategies, and schedules for testing, and serves as a guide for the testing team throughout the project.

Code review is a form of static testing because it involves examining the code without executing it. In code review, developers or peers review the code to identify errors, bugs, or potential issues. This technique helps to ensure that the code follows coding standards, is maintainable, and meets the requirements. Unlike dynamic testing techniques like error guessing, automated regression testing, and providing inputs and examining outputs, code review does not involve executing the code or running tests. Instead, it focuses on analyzing the code structure, logic, and quality to identify potential issues early in the development process.

Root cause analysis is a systematic approach that helps in identifying the underlying cause of a problem or defect. By analyzing the root cause, organizations can implement effective corrective actions to prevent the recurrence of similar issues in the future. This process is crucial for process improvement as it allows teams to address the fundamental cause rather than just treating the symptoms. It helps in understanding the factors that contribute to defects, enabling organizations to make necessary changes, improve processes, and enhance overall quality and efficiency.

To provide a report showing test case execution coverage of the requirements, it is important to track the traceability between the test cases and the requirements. This means ensuring that each requirement has corresponding test cases designed to validate it. By tracking this traceability, it becomes possible to determine which requirements have been covered by the test cases and which ones still need to be tested. This information is crucial for assessing the overall test coverage and identifying any gaps in the testing process.

A pilot project for a tool introduction aims to learn about the tool, evaluate its effectiveness, make a decision about whether to implement it on a larger scale, and assess its impact. This involves gathering data and feedback, analyzing the results, and making informed decisions based on the findings. The objective is to gain insights and make informed choices about the tool's suitability and potential benefits before fully implementing it.

Regression testing should be executed after system maintenance activities because it helps ensure that the system still functions as expected with no introduced issues. Regression testing involves retesting previously tested functionality to ensure that changes or modifications have not caused any unintended side effects or broken any existing features. By performing regression testing, any potential issues or bugs that may have been introduced during the maintenance activities can be identified and addressed, thus ensuring the overall system continues to operate correctly and as expected.

If a review session is led by the author of the work product, it is most likely a walk-through. In a walk-through review, the author guides the participants through the work product, explaining its content and addressing any questions or concerns. This type of review is typically less formal and more focused on understanding the work rather than finding defects or errors. It allows for collaboration and knowledge sharing among the participants, making it an effective approach when the author wants to gather feedback and ensure a shared understanding of the work.

The test plan should have documented the test case guidelines. The test plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the objectives, scope, approach, and resources for testing. It provides guidelines and instructions for the testing team to follow, including the format, structure, and level of detail expected in the test cases. By documenting the test case guidelines in the test plan, the team can ensure consistency in the length and amount of detail in the different test cases.

The given requirements state that when the temperature is below 70 degrees, the heating system should be turned on, and when the temperature is above 75 degrees, the air conditioning system should be turned on. When the temperature is between 70 and 75 degrees, inclusive, the fan should be turned on. To achieve 100% two-value boundary value analysis coverage, we need to test the minimum and maximum values of each range. Therefore, the minimum set of test temperature values would be 69, 70, 75, and 76.

To achieve 100% decision coverage, we need to test both possible outcomes of the IF statement: one where the condition is true and one where it is false. Therefore, we need two tests to achieve 100% decision coverage.

Experience-based testing is a good reason to use because it allows testers to find defects that might be missed by more formal techniques. This type of testing relies on the knowledge and expertise of experienced testers who can identify potential issues or bugs that may not be detected through traditional testing methods. By leveraging their experience and insights, testers can uncover hidden defects, improve the overall quality of the software, and enhance the user experience.

Equivalence partitioning is a technique where test cases are designed based on dividing the input space into different equivalence classes. In this case, the input space is the score achieved. The equivalence classes are defined by the grade boundaries: 1-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, and 90-100. To achieve minimum test coverage, we need to have at least one test case for each equivalence class. Therefore, we need 6 test cases to cover all the equivalence classes. However, we also need to consider the boundaries between the equivalence classes. Since there are 5 boundaries, we need to add one test case for each boundary, resulting in a total of 6 + 5 = 11 test cases. However, one of the boundaries is shared by two equivalence classes (49 and 50), so we can combine the test cases for these two classes, resulting in a total of 11 - 1 = 10 test cases. Therefore, the correct answer is 10, not 8.

The biggest problem with a developer testing his own code is that they are not objective about it. This means that they may overlook certain bugs or issues because they are too close to the code and may not see it from a user's perspective. They may also have biases or assumptions about their code's functionality, which can lead to inadequate testing. Having an objective perspective from a different tester can help identify and address these issues more effectively.

Test monitoring is the activity that compares the planned test progress to the actual test progress. It involves tracking the testing activities, monitoring the progress, and comparing it with the planned objectives and milestones. This helps in identifying any deviations or delays in the testing process and allows for timely corrective actions to be taken. Test monitoring ensures that the testing activities are on track and helps in keeping the stakeholders informed about the progress of the testing phase.

Error guessing is an experience-based testing technique where testers use their intuition and past experience to identify potential errors or defects in the software. It involves guessing where errors might occur based on the tester's knowledge of common mistakes, system vulnerabilities, and areas of high risk. Testers then design test cases and scenarios to specifically target these areas and attempt to uncover any hidden errors. This technique is useful when formal test cases and requirements are not available or when testers want to supplement existing test cases with additional ad hoc testing.

During the execution phase of the test process, the metric that tracks the number of test cases executed is gathered. This phase involves running the actual test cases and verifying the system's behavior against the expected results. By tracking the number of test cases executed, testers can measure the progress and coverage of the testing effort. This metric helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the testing process and identifying any gaps or areas that require additional testing.

The correct statement is that a developer makes a mistake which causes a defect that may be seen as a failure during dynamic testing. This means that the developer has made an error in the code, resulting in a defect or issue in the software. This defect may manifest as a failure when the software is tested dynamically, meaning it is being executed and its behavior is being observed. This highlights the importance of thorough testing and debugging to identify and fix any defects or issues in the software before it is released.

The correct answer is that the root cause is conducting the testing on the wrong version of the equipment and the effect is the customer complaints and postings. This means that the problems with the point of sale application were not identified during testing because it was tested on an older version of the equipment. As a result, when the new equipment was released, the software failed and caused numerous customer complaints and negative postings on social media.

In a formal review, the role of the scribe is typically responsible for documenting all the open issues. The scribe is responsible for taking notes during the review process, including recording any problems or issues that arise. This documentation is important for tracking and addressing the open issues after the review is complete. The facilitator, author, and manager may have other responsibilities during the review, but the scribe is specifically tasked with documenting the open issues.

A walk-through is a type of review where the author of the code leads a session with other developers and testers to explain the code and gather feedback. It is typically more informal than an inspection or an audit, as it focuses on collaboration and discussion rather than strict adherence to standards or regulations. This type of review allows for open communication and helps identify any potential issues or improvements in the code.

Non-functional tests should be executed at every level of testing, including unit, integration, system, and acceptance testing. These tests evaluate aspects of the system that are not related to its specific functionality, such as performance, scalability, security, and usability. By conducting non-functional tests at each level, potential issues or weaknesses in these areas can be identified and addressed early in the development process, ensuring that the final product meets the necessary quality standards.

Exhaustive testing refers to testing every possible combination of inputs and states in a software system. This means testing every possible scenario, which is practically impossible for complex software systems. It is only feasible for trivial software with a limited number of inputs and states. Therefore, the statement "It is not feasible except in the case of trivial software" is true.

As a senior citizen reviewing the user interface of an online banking application targeted for use on smart phones, it is important to review the size and clarity of the instruction text. Senior citizens may have visual impairments or difficulties reading small text, so ensuring that the instruction text is large and clear will make it easier for them to navigate and use the application effectively. This will enhance their user experience and help them understand and follow the instructions without any confusion or frustration.

The biggest problem with this defect report is that the developer won't know what the tester expected to see. The report mentions that the data was incorrect and provides an example of the wrong information in column 1, but it doesn't clearly state what the expected correct information should be. Without knowing the expected outcome, the developer may have difficulty understanding the issue and finding a solution.

An error refers to a human action or decision that produces an incorrect or unexpected result. This error can lead to a defect, which is a flaw or malfunction in a product or system. When the defect is encountered, it results in a failure, which is the inability of the product or system to perform its intended function. Therefore, the correct statement is that an error causes a defect, which is observed as a failure.

The test control activity should take place during all the activities of the fundamental test process. This means that it is a continuous process that occurs throughout the testing lifecycle. Test control involves monitoring and controlling the testing activities, ensuring that they are executed according to the plan, and making adjustments as necessary. By conducting test control during all the activities, it ensures that the testing process remains on track, any deviations are identified and addressed promptly, and the overall quality of the testing is maintained.

In this scenario, there are four possible values that can be chosen from the drop-down list: 20, 100, 500, and no value (if the customer chooses not to withdraw any money). Each of these values represents a different equivalence partition, as they have different behaviors and may have different impacts on the system. Therefore, to achieve 100% equivalence partition coverage, all four partitions need to be tested.

Static analysis is a software testing technique that examines the code without executing it. It helps in identifying defects or issues in the code that may not be caught during dynamic testing, where the code is executed. Static analysis can detect potential vulnerabilities, coding errors, and other issues that may not be apparent during runtime. By analyzing the code statically, developers can catch defects early on, which can save time and effort in the long run. Therefore, the statement "Defects can be identified that might not be caught by dynamic testing" is a benefit of static analysis.

A test execution tool is primarily used to run automated test scripts to test the test object. This means that the tool is responsible for executing the predefined test cases automatically, without the need for manual intervention. By running these automated test scripts, the tool can validate the functionality and behavior of the test object, ensuring that it meets the expected requirements and specifications. This helps in improving the efficiency and accuracy of the testing process, as well as saving time and effort for the testers.

A problem with the development manager rejecting all defect reports is a project risk because it can hinder the identification and resolution of defects in the project. This can lead to the accumulation of unresolved issues, which can impact the overall quality and functionality of the project. It may also result in delays in the project timeline and increased costs if defects are not addressed in a timely manner.

When the tester verifies the test basis while designing tests early in the life cycle, they are aiming to prevent defects. By reviewing the test basis, which includes requirements, design documents, and other relevant information, the tester can identify any potential issues or ambiguities that may lead to defects later on. By catching and addressing these issues early, the tester can help prevent defects from occurring in the software development process, ultimately improving the overall quality of the product.

The test basis refers to the body of knowledge that is used for test analysis and design. It includes all the documents, specifications, requirements, and other artifacts that provide information about the system to be tested. This information is essential for testers to understand the scope of testing, identify test conditions, and design effective test cases. The test basis serves as a reference point for testers to ensure that their testing activities are aligned with the project requirements and objectives.

The behaviors defined in a use case that should be covered by tests include basic, exception, and error scenarios. This means that the tests should cover the normal flow of the use case, as well as any exceptional or error conditions that may occur. By testing these different scenarios, it ensures that the use case functions correctly and handles any unexpected situations appropriately.