Foundation Flashcards

Which of the following instruments would be used in the regression test automation process?

Answer: Capture/Playback

Capture/Playback tools are fundamental for regression test automation. They record user interactions with an application (capture) and then can automatically replay those interactions (playback) to verify that previously working functionalities still operate correctly after changes. This process is crucial for efficiently re-running tests to detect regressions without manual effort.

This is not the proper form of logic coverage:

Answer: Pole Coverage

Logic coverage, a type of white-box testing, focuses on covering different aspects of a program's decision logic. Statement Coverage, Path Coverage, and Condition Coverage are all standard and recognized forms of logic coverage in software testing, aiming to ensure different parts of the code's logic are executed. 'Pole Coverage' is not a recognized or proper term within the standard classifications of logic coverage.

Which of the following does not appear on the ISO 9126 Standard's list of quality characteristics?

Answer: Supportability

The ISO 9126 standard (now superseded by ISO 25010) defines a set of quality characteristics for software products. Functionality, Maintainability, and Usability (Usable) are all primary characteristics listed in ISO 9126. 'Supportability,' while a desirable aspect of software, is typically considered a sub-characteristic of Maintainability or a broader operational concern, but not one of the six main quality characteristics at the top level of the ISO 9126 standard.

Programmers must create a _________ that calls the process to be tested and passes its test data in order to test a function.

Answer: Driver

In software testing, particularly during unit or integration testing, a 'driver' is a component created to call the module or function being tested and provide it with necessary test data. It acts as a temporary main program that simulates the environment in which the module will eventually operate, allowing the isolated testing of specific functions. A 'stub,' conversely, is used to simulate modules called by the module under test.

Testing boundary values:

Answer: Test the boundaries of the input and output equivalency classes above, below, and on.

Boundary value testing is a black-box testing technique that specifically focuses on testing the extreme ends or 'boundaries' of input and output ranges. It involves selecting test cases at, just above, and just below the valid boundary values of equivalence partitions, as these points are statistically more likely to reveal defects than values in the middle of a range. This approach is distinct from equivalence partitioning itself, though often used in conjunction with it.

Select the most accurate meaning of quality:

Answer: Conformance to the specifications

In software testing, quality is formally defined as the degree to which a system, component, or process meets its specified requirements. This means that a product is considered high quality if it consistently conforms to its documented design and functional specifications. While desirable outcomes like 'no flaws' are related, conformance to specifications provides a measurable and testable benchmark for quality.

The definition of fault masking is:

Answer: one mistake condition concealing another

Fault masking occurs when one defect in the software prevents the detection of another underlying defect. This means that a test designed to expose a specific flaw might fail to do so because a different, more prominent fault is triggered first, obscuring the intended target. Consequently, fixing the visible fault might reveal a previously hidden one, requiring further testing.

One of the main causes of developers' challenges in testing their work is:

Answer: Absence of objectivity

Developers often face challenges in effectively testing their own work primarily due to a lack of objectivity. Their intimate familiarity with the code's intended design and functionality can lead them to unconsciously overlook their own errors or make assumptions that an independent tester would question. An unbiased perspective is crucial for uncovering defects that the original developer might miss.

When may the software development process begin to include testing?

Answer: Once the software specifications are accepted

Testing should ideally begin as early as possible in the software development lifecycle, a principle known as 'Shift Left.' Once software specifications are accepted and finalized, test planning and test case design can commence, even before any code is written. This early engagement helps identify ambiguities, inconsistencies, or missing requirements, which are significantly cheaper to fix at this stage than later in the development process.

A moderator in a review meeting is someone who:

Answer: bridges interpersonal conflicts

In a formal review meeting, such as a peer review or inspection, the moderator's primary role is to facilitate the session and ensure it remains productive and focused. This includes managing time, guiding discussions, and crucially, mediating any interpersonal conflicts or disagreements that may arise among participants. Their goal is to maintain a constructive environment for effective defect detection.

What forms the basis of acceptance test cases?

Answer: Requirements

Acceptance test cases are designed to verify that the system meets the business needs and user expectations, ensuring it is fit for purpose. Therefore, these tests are directly derived from the user requirements or business requirements specification. They confirm that the software delivers the functionality originally requested by stakeholders and is acceptable for deployment.