Interview Questions : Part 2 (Software Testing)

In the last tutorial, we discussed commonly asked L2/L3 protocol testing interview questions and answers. Now, let’s check the questions about generic software testing that you get in these interviews. These protocol testing interview questions will help you get ready for your next job interview.

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What is the difference between Unit Testing and System Testing?

Unit Testing:

This method tests individual units of source code, which can include an entire module or a set of functions. The goal of unit testing is to validate that each unit of the software performs as designed.Developers typically write unit tests and focus on testing the smallest pieces of code, like functions or methods, in isolation from the rest of the system. They usually automate these tests and run them frequently to catch bugs early in the development process.

System Testing:

Testers perform this on the entire system after integrating all modules or functions. The purpose of system testing is to evaluate the system’s compliance with the specified requirements. Testers conduct this type of testing in an environment that closely mirrors the production environment. System testing includes various types of tests, such as functional testing, performance testing, security testing, and usability testing. Protocol testing is usually part of the system testing process, ensuring that the communication protocols work correctly within the overall system.

What is the Agile Testing Method?

Agile testing is an approach to software testing that follows the principles of agile software development. Unlike traditional testing methods conducted at the end of the development cycle, agile testing happens continuously alongside development. Testers perform testing iteratively and incrementally, with each development iteration (or sprint) having its own testing phase. Agile testing helps in identifying and fixing bugs early, reducing the overall project time and improving product quality. Testers work closely with developers and other stakeholders to understand requirements, develop test cases, and provide immediate feedback.

What is the difference between White Box, Black Box, and Grey Box Testing?

White Box Testing:

Also known as clear box or glass box testing, this involves testing the internal workings of an application. White box testing requires programming skills as the tester needs to understand the code and how it functions. Testers write test cases that cover different code paths, check for proper functioning of logic, and verify that the software handles inputs correctly. This method allows for thorough examination of the code, including testing for security vulnerabilities, code optimization, and adherence to coding standards.

Black Box Testing:

In contrast, black box testing focuses on testing the overall functionality of the software without any knowledge of its internal workings. Testers do not need programming skills for black box testing, as they base their test cases on the software’s requirements and specifications. The aim is to validate that the software meets the specified requirements and works correctly for the end user. Black box testing includes various types of testing, such as functional testing, usability testing, and regression testing, ensuring that the software performs as expected from the user’s perspective.

Grey Box Testing:

Grey box testing is a combination of both white box and black box testing techniques. Testers have partial knowledge of the internal workings of the application, which helps them design better test cases. This approach allows testers to focus on both the functionality and the internal structure of the software. Grey box testing is useful for identifying issues that may not be apparent with black box testing alone, such as improper usage of the software or internal boundary conditions. It strikes a balance between depth of testing and external functionality, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of the software.

What do these acronyms stand for?

• DUT – Device Under Test
• SUT – System Under Test
• UUT – Unit Under Test
• AUT – Application Under Test
• RUT – Router Under Test
• PUT – Port Under Test
• PR – Problem Report
• UT – Unit Test

What is a Test Plan?

A test plan is a document that details the strategy for testing a software application. It outlines the test coverage, objectives, resources, schedule, and scope of testing activities. A test plan includes the features to be tested, the testing tasks, the person responsible for each task, and any risks requiring contingency planning. The test plan serves as a blueprint to guide the testing process and ensure thorough testing of all aspects of the application.

What is a Test Case?

A test case is a document detailing a specific scenario to be tested. It includes a set of test inputs, preconditions, execution steps, and expected results. The purpose of a test case is to verify that a particular aspect of the software works as intended. Good test cases are clear and concise, providing enough detail so that any tester can execute the test and determine whether the software behaves correctly.

What is a Software Bug?

A software bug is a coding error or flaw in a computer program that causes it to produce incorrect or unexpected results. Bugs can result from mistakes made by programmers or issues in the code’s design. If a bug is present, test case execution will fail, and the expected results won’t be achieved. Identifying and fixing bugs is a critical part of the software development process to ensure the final product functions correctly.

What is the difference between Bug Severity and Bug Priority?

Bug Severity:

This indicates how badly the bug affects the software. It represents the impact’s intensity on the software’s normal operation, ranging from minor issues to critical failures that can cause the application to crash or lose data.

Bug Priority:

This represents the importance and urgency of fixing a bug. Priority levels guide developers on which bugs to address first, based on how soon they need to be fixed. High-priority bugs are those that significantly impact the user experience or business operations and need immediate attention.

What is a Functional Specification Document?

A functional specification document, often called a spec, describes the detailed workings of all features, performance, capabilities, and functions that the application must perform. It serves as a blueprint for developers and testers, providing a clear understanding of what the application is supposed to do. The document outlines the software’s expected behavior, user interactions, and any constraints or requirements that must be met.

What is the importance of integration testing in software testing?

Integration testing checks how different modules or components of a system work together. It’s important because it identifies issues that might not surface when testing individual parts separately. By ensuring integrated units interact correctly, we catch bugs that can arise from module interactions, ensuring a smoother overall system performance.

How do you approach test case design?

Designing test cases involves identifying test scenarios, defining inputs, and determining expected outcomes. The goal is to cover as many aspects of the functionality as possible. Good test cases are clear, concise, and comprehensive, focusing on both normal and edge cases. This approach ensures thorough testing and helps uncover potential issues early.

What is exploratory testing, and when is it used?

Exploratory testing is an approach where testers actively explore the software without predefined test cases. It’s used when you want to understand the software’s behavior and discover defects that might not be found through scripted testing. Testers use their knowledge and intuition to probe the software, making it a flexible and adaptive testing method.

What are the key components of a test report?

A test report should include an overview of the testing activities, test objectives, methods used, and the environment in which testing was conducted. It also details the results, including passed and failed test cases, along with any defects found. Additionally, it should provide recommendations and conclusions to help stakeholders understand the software’s quality.

How does continuous integration influence testing practices?

Continuous integration (CI) involves regularly merging code changes into a shared repository and running automated tests. CI influences testing by promoting frequent testing and early detection of issues. It ensures that new code integrates smoothly with existing code, reducing integration problems and speeding up the development process.

These protocol testing interview questions cover essential software testing concepts. Be sure to review them thoroughly to prepare for your next interview. In the next tutorial, we will cover some additional questions you need to prepare

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Next >>> Protocol Testing Interview Questions: Part 3

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