QA Interview

Tell me about the worst boss you've ever had

(Here, you should be careful not to say any negative words about the past boss. This will give a reflection that you cannot work with different nature of people. You should be able to show them that you can cope with any king of boss. Therefore, just take an idea below how the answer should be.) Answer: I can hardly think of any Manager that was really bad. But when I compare, then I remember of a Test Lead who was just made a lead from the developers team. She used to feel that she has been very proud of her position and used to boss around. Some times, she used to call home and check where I was and what I was doing. Or have I completed my job before leaving and so on. I think, whatever she did, was in the benefit of the company and myself in the long run which would give me more confidence in future

22. What is XML?

-XML stands for EXtensible Markup Language. -XML is a markup language much like HTML. -XML was designed to describe data. -XML tags are not predefined and we must define our own tags. -XML uses a Document Type Definition (DTD) or an XML Schema to describe data. -XML with a DTD or XML Schema is designed to be self-descriptive. -XML is a W3C Recommendation.

What are the basic commands in SQL?

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What is the biggest bug you have ever found?

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What problems did you face in the past? How did you solve it?

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Where do you write SQL query?

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What are different types of software testing?

1) Unit testing 2) Shakeout testing 3) Smoke testing (Ad-hoc testing) 4) Functional testing 5) Integration testing 6) Regression testing 7) System testing 8) Load testing 9) Stress testing 10) Performance testing 11) User acceptance testing 12) Black box testing 13) White box testing 14) Alpha testing 15) Beta testing

What is unit test

1) Unit testing: It is a test to check the code whether it is properly working or not as per the requirement. It is done by the developers (Not testers)

What do you do once you find a defect?

1. Recreate the Defect: Once you find a defect, we must try to recreate (meaning that we should be able to reproduce it) at least 3 times so that we are sure that it is a defect. Some times, once we find it log it without recreating, may put us in a false situation (because sometimes the application does not behave in the same way). Therefore, it is important to recreate the same defect several times. 2. Attach the Screen Shot (supporting document): Once we confirm that it is a defect, and then it is a good idea to attach supporting documents when we log (write) a defect. For example, screen shot, requirement document etc. For instance, let us say that instead of "Continue" button on a page, there is a typo "Contiinuee". Now, we will make a screen shot of this page (To make screen shot, press "Print Screen" button on the keyboard, and open a Word document, and Click Edit on the Word document and "Past" it. You will see the screen now) Now, a tester needs to write defects in easy and clear language to make all the developers to understand easily. 3. Log the Defect: Now, the next step is, we need to log it. Depending on the company what kind of tools they are using (for example, some companies use TestDirector to log defects, some companies use Rational ClearQuest, some use PVC Tracker and so on). If the company is small and cannot afford these expensive tools, then they may simply use Excel sheet to log defects. We log the defect

What is smoke/acceptance

3) Smoke testing: It is an initial set of test to check whether the major functionalities are working or not and also to check the major breakdowns in the application. It is the preliminary test carried out by the SQA tester

What is functional testing

4) Functional testing: al It is a test to check whether each and every functionality of that application is working as per the requirement. It is major test where 80% of the tests are done. In this test, the Test Cases are 'executed'.

What is integration testing

5) Integration testing: It is a test to check whether all the modules are combined together or not and working successfully as specified in the requirement document.

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, Remarks

What is a Test Plan?

A Test Plan is a document describing the scope, approach, resources, and schedule of intended testing activities. It identifies test items, the features to be tested, the testing tasks and who will do each task (roles and responsibilities) and any risks and its solutions.

What is a Use Case and what does it include

A Use Case is a document that describes the user action and system response for a particular functionality. It includes cover page, Revision History, Table of Contents, Floe of Events (normal flow and alternative flow), Exceptions, Special Requirements, Pre-conditions and Post-conditions.

14. What is Test Strategy?

A test strategy is an outline that describes the testing portion of the software development cycle. It is created to inform project managers, testers, and developers about some key issues of the testing process. This includes the testing objective, methods of testing new functions, total time and resources required for the project, and the testing environment. The test strategy describes how the product risks of the stakeholders are mitigated at the test-level, which types of test are to be performed, and which entry and exit criteria apply. (source: Wikipedia) The test strategy is created based on development design documents.. It is written by the Test Manager or Lead. The following are some of the components that the Test Strategy includes: 1 Test Levels. 2 Roles and Responsibilities. 3 Environment Requirements. 4 Testing Tools. 5 Risks and Mitigation. 6 Test Schedule. 7 Regression Test Approach. 8 Test Groups. 9 Test Priorities. 10 Test Status Collections and Reporting. 11 Test Records Maintenance. 12 Requirements traceability matrix. 13 Test Summary

Can you tell me what a Use Case is

A use case is a document that describes the user action and system response for a particular functionality. (you can also include, For example, in the Use Case given below, is a Use Case for login system for a company called Auto Parts One. This application is being developed by Digital Systems, Inc. The project name is Auto Parts One. However, the business owner (user) is a company called American Auto Parts of the North (imaginary name). Or

What is Test Harness?

Answer: (Definition from www.wikipedia.org) "In software testing, a test harness or automated test framework is a collection of software and test data configured to test a program unit by running it under varying conditions and monitor its behavior and outputs. It has two main parts: the test execution engine and the test script repository."

What is a "bug?"

Answer: A bug is a bug is an error, flaw, mistake, failure, or fault in a computer code (program) that prevents it from behaving as intended (e.g., producing an incorrect result). (You can also add this: When the expected results (accordingly to the requirement documents) don't match with the actual results (while testing), then it is considered a bug

What is acceptance testing?

Answer: Acceptance testing is black box testing that gives the client/customer/project manager the opportunity to verify the system functionality and usability prior to the system being released to production. The acceptance test is the responsibility of the client/customer or project manager, however, it is conducted with the full support of the project team. The test team also works with the client/customer/project manager to develop the acceptance criteria.

38. What are the basic elements you put in a defect?

Answer: Basic elements we put in a defect are: SEVERITY, PRIORITY, CREATED BY, VERSION NO, HEADER, DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT where we write how to recreate a defect, in what module the defect is found, Status, and so on.

What is comparison testing?

Answer: Comparison testing is testing that compares software weaknesses and strengths to those of competitors' products.

78. What is compatibility testing?

Answer: Compatibility testing is testing how well software performs in a particular hardware, software, operating system, or network environment.

What is the role of documentation in QA?

Answer: Documentation plays a critical role in QA. QA practices should be documented, so that they are repeatable. Specifications, designs, business rules, inspection reports, configurations, code changes, test plans, test cases, bug reports, user manuals should all be documented. Ideally, there should be a system for easily finding and obtaining of documents and determining what document will have a particular piece of information. Use documentation change management, if possible

How do you know it is sufficient testing?

Answer: Every company has entry and exit criteria. When we test applications, we refer to exit criteria. When we are about to finish testing, then the QA Team (QA Manager) refers to the exit criteria (exit criteria tells the level of defect that you can be comfortable with before it goes to production. For example, there should be ZERO critical defect, ZERO high level defect, ZERO medium defect, 1 Low level defect, all the test cases must be 100% executed etc). Once the exit criteria meet the requirements, then the software is considered to be sufficiently tested. Every company has entry and exit criteria. When we test applications, we refer to exit criteria. When we are about to finish testing, then the QA Team (QA Manager) refers to the exit criteria (exit criteria tells the level of defect that you can be comfortable with before it goes to production. For example, there should be ZERO critical defect, ZERO high level defect, ZERO medium defect, 1 Low level defect, all the test cases must be 100% executed etc). Once the exit criteria meet the requirements, then the software is considered to be sufficiently tested

How do you determine what to test in an application

Answer: First of all we have the test cases (or test scripts) that are written based on the requirement document. This pretty much covers what functionalities to test. Therefore, looking at the test cases tells us what to test in the application

Let us say you have a web application to test. How do you go about testing it? What is the process?

Answer: First of all, I will look at the requirement documents (or design document in some companies). The requirement document will tell us what the functionalities in the application (software) are. Once I analyze the requirement documents (one module=one requirement document). After that, I will write test plans for each module (one module =one test plan). Then after the test plan is complete, I will write test cases (One module can have hundreds, even thousands test cases). Once the test cases are ready and the application is ready (or once the build is ready), then I will start testing. Before I start testing, however, I will make sure the test environments, test data and defect logging tools are in place. This is how I will go about testing an application

What are the different tests that can be done for Client Server Application and Web-based Application. Give details.

Answer: For both client server and web based applications, the testing is the same except one thing: We test web based applications in different browsers, for example, Internet Explorer (will test in different versions like IE 5.0, IE 6.0, IE 7.0), Firefox, Safari (for Mac) and so on where as for client server, we don't need to test in the browsers.

Are you better working in a team or working alone?

Answer: I am a team player. I get along with team members very well. As far as the working is concerned, I can be equally productive in team or working alone. (Caution: Never say, I like working alone. This could lead you to not getting a job as they are always looking for people who can get along with other people.)

What made you to choose testing career

Answer: I am a very detailed oriented person and I like process-oriented job. The way QA process works is just the kind of work I like. For example, analyzing requirement documents, attending walk-through meetings, writing test plans, writing test cases, executing the test cases (or running the test cases) testing the application, logging defects, retesting them and so on. I think I really like the process and that's why I chose this career.

How to write Integration test cases

Answer: I have never written separate Test Cases Integration Testing. Since Integration Testing is a test to check whether the all the modules are integrated together or not (meaning that when the developers compile all their module and make a build, all modules should be working when they are combined together and those modules when combined, should work as expected). If they are not integrated (combined) in a nice way, then the application breaks. Basically, when we do the functional testing, the integration testing is automatically done. This is my experience

Why are you in QA?

Answer: I like this job, because it is process oriented. Meaning that I get an opportunity to work from analyzing the requirement documents to writing test plans, test cases, testing the application, logging defects, retesting, preparing reports and finally testing in production as well. Therefore, I am involved from the very beginning to the end of the software development life cycle (SDLC) process. I like this. Another reason is I like to find defects. I enjoy logging defects. The more defects I find, the happier I am

Where do you see yourself in another 5 years

Answer: I see myself a QA Lead in another 5 years. (You can also say "QA Manager", but since the QA Manager is taking your interview most of the time, they some times feel challenged. Therefore, it might be a good idea to limit you to QA Lead)

Explain Bug Life Cycle.

Answer: I would describe this as below: A Tester finds a defect and logs it. (But before you log it, you must try to recreate it for 3 or 4 times so that you are 100% sure that it is a bug) The defect is now approved or disapproved by the Test Lead. (If it is disapproved, then the test lead will come to you ask for more details and you have explain to him why it is a bug) After the Test Lead approves the bug, it is now assigned to a development Team Lead (or Development Manager). He/she now assigns that bug to the concerned developer. The developer now looks into the bug and fixes it. Once the fix is ready, there will be another build ready to test. The tester now tests the defect. It the defect is fixed, then the tester closes the defect, if not then the test will reopen it and same cycle starts. Defect Life Cycle

What will you do if developer does not accept the bug?

Answer: If the developer does not accept the defect, then he will reject it. Once it is rejected, then it comes back to the tester. Now, the tester will ask for clarification with the developer why the defect is rejected. Since everything is based on the requirement documents, both tester and developer will have to look at the requirement document, validate it and then reopen it if necessary or close.

How can software QA processes be implemented without stifling productivity?

Answer: Implement QA processes slowly over time. Use consensus to reach agreement on processes and adjust and experiment as an organization grows and matures. Productivity will be improved instead of stifled. Problem prevention will lessen the need for problem detection. Panics and burnout will decrease and there will be improved focus and less wasted effort. At the same time, attempts should be made to keep processes simple and efficient, minimize paperwork, promote computer-based processes and automated tracking and reporting, minimize time required in meetings and promote training as part of the QA process. However, no one, especially talented technical types, like bureaucracy and in the short run things may slow down a bit. A typical scenario would be that more days of planning and development will be needed, but less time will be required for late-night bug fixing and calming of irate customers.

What if the software is so buggy it can't be tested at all?

Answer: In this situation the best bet is to have test engineers go through the process of reporting whatever bugs or problems initially show up, with the focus being on critical bugs. Since this type of problem can severely affect schedules and indicates deeper problems in the software development process, such as insufficient unit testing, insufficient integration testing, poor design, improper build or release procedures, managers should be notified and provided with some documentation as evidence of the problem.

What if the application has functionality that wasn't in the requirements?

Answer: It may take serious effort to determine if an application has significant unexpected or hidden functionality, which it would indicate deeper problems in the software development process. If the functionality isn't necessary to the purpose of the application, it should be removed, as it may have unknown impacts or dependencies that were not taken into account by the designer or the customer. If not removed, design information will be needed to determine added testing needs or regression testing needs. Management should be made aware of any significant added risks as a result of the unexpected functionality. If the functionality only affects areas, such as minor improvements in the user interface, it may not be a significant risk.

24 What do you do on your first day of the work

Answer: On the first day, normally, we will be given a computer and support people will set up the User Name and Password for the computer. If that is done already, then the QA Lead or QA Manager will give me a brief walk through of the documents (which documents are where), introduce to different team members (normally to the ones you will be working with). Then your boss will ask you to step into work what needs to be done. However, the first thing normally is, they will ask you to read the documents available for that project.

What is software testing methodology?

Answer: One software testing methodology is the use a three step process of... 1. Creating a test strategy; 2. Creating a test plan/design; and 3. Executing tests. This methodology can be used and molded to your organization's needs. Rob Davis believes that using this methodology is important in the development and in ongoing maintenance of his customers' applications.

What is parallel/audit testing?

Answer: Parallel/audit testing is testing where the user reconciles the output of the new system to the output of the current system to verify the new system performs the operations correctly. Let us say, for example, the currently software is in the mainframe system which calculates the interest rate. The company wants to change this mainframe system to web-based application. While testing the new web based application, we need to verify that the web-based application calculates the same interest rate. This is parallel testing.

Give me five common problems that occur during software development

Answer: Poorly written requirements, unrealistic schedules, inadequate testing, adding new features after development is underway and poor communication. Requirements are poorly written when requirements are unclear, incomplete, too general, or not testable; therefore there will be problems. The schedule is unrealistic if too much work is crammed in too little time. Software testing is inadequate if none knows whether or not the software is any good until customers complain or the system crashes. It's extremely common that new features are added after development is underway. Miscommunication either means the developers don't know what is needed, or customers have unrealistic expectations and therefore problems are guaranteed

What is recovery/error testing?

Answer: Recovery/error testing is testing how well a system recovers from crashes, hardware failures, or other catastrophic problems.

How to write Regression test cases? What are the criteria

Answer: Regression test cases are also based on the requirement documents. They are written more into detail and with every release (build), the testers need to do regression testing. The criteria for regression testing are; there should be no major defects while we do our smoke test and functional testing.

What is security/penetration testing?

Answer: Security/penetration testing is testing how well the system is protected against unauthorized internal or external access, or willful damage. This type of testing usually requires sophisticated testing techniques.

What is end-to-end testing?

Answer: Similar to system testing, the *macro* end of the test scale is testing a complete application in a situation that mimics real world use, such as interacting with a database, using network communication, or interacting with other hardware, application, or system.

What if there isn't enough time for thorough testing?

Answer: Since it's rarely possible to test every possible aspect of an application, every possible combination of events, every dependency, or everything that could go wrong, risk analysis is appropriate to most software development projects. Use risk analysis to determine where testing should be focused. This requires judgment skills, common sense and experience. The checklist should include answers to the following questions: · Which functionality is most important to the project's intended purpose? · Which functionality is most visible to the user? · Which functionality has the largest safety impact? · Which functionality has the largest financial impact on users? · Which aspects of the application are most important to the customer? · Which aspects of the application can be tested early in the development cycle? · Which parts of the code are most complex and thus most subject to errors? · Which parts of the application were developed in rush or panic mode? · Which aspects of similar/related previous projects caused problems? · Which aspects of similar/related previous projects had large maintenance expenses? · Which parts of the requirements and design are unclear or poorly thought out? · What do the developers think are the highest-risk aspects of the application? · What kinds of problems would cause the worst publicity? · What kinds of problems would cause the most customer service complaints? · What kinds of tests could easily cover multiple functionalities? · Which tests will have the best high-risk-coverage to time-required ratio?

What is system testing?

Answer: System testing is black box testing, performed by the Test Team, and at the start of the system testing the complete system is configured in a controlled environment. The purpose of system testing is to validate an application's accuracy and completeness in performing the functions as designed. System testing simulates real life scenarios that occur in a "simulated real life" test environment and test all functions of the system that are required in real life. System testing is deemed complete when actual results and expected results are either in line or differences are explainable or acceptable, based on client input. Upon completion of integration testing, system testing is started. Before system testing, all unit and integration test results are reviewed by Software QA to ensure all problems have been resolved. For a higher level of testing it is important to understand unresolved problems that originate at unit and integration test levels. You CAN learn system testing, with little or no outside help. Get CAN get free information. Click on a link!

How do you create a test plan/design?

Answer: Test scenarios and/or cases are prepared by reviewing functional requirements of the release and preparing logical groups of functions that can be further broken into test procedures. Test procedures define test conditions, data to be used for testing and expected results, including database updates, file outputs, report results. Generally speaking... Test cases and scenarios are designed to represent both typical and unusual situations that may occur in the application. Test engineers define unit test requirements and unit test cases. Test engineers also execute unit test cases. It is the test team that, with assistance of developers and clients, develops test cases and scenarios for integration and system testing. Test scenarios are executed through the use of test procedures or scripts. Test procedures or scripts define a series of steps necessary to perform one or more test scenarios. Test procedures or scripts include the specific data that will be used for testing the process or transaction. Test procedures or scripts may cover multiple test scenarios. Test scripts are mapped back to the requirements and traceability matrices are used to ensure each test is within scope. Test data is captured and base lined, prior to testing. This data serves as the foundation for unit and system testing and used to exercise system functionality in a controlled environment. Some output data is also base-lined for future comparison. Base-lined data is used to support future application maintenance via regression testing. A pretest meeting is held to assess the readiness of the application and the environment and data to be tested. A test readiness document is created to indicate the status of the entrance criteria of the release. Inputs for this process: Approved Test Strategy Document. Test tools, or automated test tools, if applicable. Previously developed scripts, if applicable. Test documentation problems uncovered as a result of testing. A good understanding of software complexity and module path coverage, derived from general and detailed design documents, e.g. software design document, source code and software complexity data. Outputs for this process: Approved documents of test scenarios, test cases, test conditions and test data. Reports of software design issues, given to software developers for correction.

How to derive test scenarios and use cases? What are the contents and format

Answer: Test scenarios are derived from requirement documents. We follow each and every functionality (called business rules) mentioned in the requirement document. One functionality can have multiple business rules. For example, let us say in there is one requirement called "Login". This "Login" may have various scenarios. For example, one scenario is, enter the right User ID and wrong password. The system should display an error message. Another scenario would be to enter wrong User ID and right Password. The system should display an error message. The third scenario could be to enter the right User Name and right Password. The system should allow the user to get into the system. This is how the test cases are derived from the requirement documents or from the Use Cases. (For contents for formats of test scenario, please refer to question 4 in qaquestions.com

What is a Test/QA Team Lead?

Answer: The Test/QA Team Lead coordinates the testing activity, communicates testing status to management and manages the test team.

What are all the basic elements in a defect report

Answer: The basic elements in a defect report are: Defect ID, Header, Description, Defect Reported by, Date, Status, Version, Assigned to, Approved by, Module where the defect was found and so on.

What do you like about QA?

Answer: The best thing I like about QA is, I like the job which is more process oriented. For example, we have to work right from reading the requirement documents, providing feedback to the Business Analysts as necessary, writing test plans, test cases, execute the test cases, interaction with different developers, attend walk-through meeting and so on. I am a very detailed oriented person. When I test applications, I try to get into the depth of functionality so that I don't miss out anything. Finally, I love logging defects.

Do you have any situations in the past where you have some arguments with your team members?

Answer: The best thing I like about a Manager is that the Manager should be able to coordinate with the other teams so that we can get the updated documents, for example, updated requirements documents right away. A Manager who can efficiently in distributes the work to the team, without being biased and easily accessible and protective to his team for the right cause. As far as "what I don't like" is concerned, I don't like a manager who keeps coming to desk 10 times a day to check my work even if it is just a regular work. Once the responsibility is given, the team member should be trusted and let his work done.

What do you like about a Manager? And what don't you like?

Answer: The best thing I like about a Manager is that the Manager should be able to coordinate with the other teams so that we can get the updated documents, for example, updated requirements documents right away. A Manager who can efficiently in distributes the work to the team, without being biased and easily accessible and protective to his team for the right cause. As far as "what I don't like" is concerned, I don't like a manager who keeps coming to desk 10 times a day to check my work even if it is just a regular work. Once the responsibility is given, the team member should be trusted and let his work done.

What is the general testing process?

Answer: The general testing process is the creation of a test strategy (which sometimes includes the creation of test cases), creation of a test plan/design (which usually includes test cases and test procedures) and the execution of tests.

How do you create a test strategy?

Answer: The test strategy is a formal description of how a software product will be tested. A test strategy is developed for all levels of testing, as required. The test team analyzes the requirements, writes the test strategy and reviews the plan with the project team. The test plan may include test cases, conditions, the test environment, a list of related tasks, pass/fail criteria and risk assessment. Inputs for this process: · A description of the required hardware and software components, including test tools. This information comes from the test environment, including test tool data. · A description of roles and responsibilities of the resources required for the test and schedule constraints. This information comes from man-hours and schedules. · Testing methodology. This is based on known standards. · Functional and technical requirements of the application. This information comes from requirements, change request, technical and functional design documents. · Requirements that the system can not provide, e.g. system limitations. Outputs for this process: · An approved and signed off test strategy document, test plan, including test cases. · Testing issues requiring resolution. Usually this requires additional negotiation at the project management level.

How would you ensure that you have covered 100% testing

Answer: The testing coverage is defined by exit criteria (There is exit criteria and entry criteria in the Test Strategy). For example, if the exit criteria says "The software will be acceptable to the client only if there are no critical defects, no high defects, no medium defects and only two low defects", then all the critical, high, medium should be zero. Only 2 low defects are acceptable. Thus, 100% coverage is measured by the exit criteria. Also, 100% test cases must be executed in order to cover 100% of testing.

59. How to write User Acceptance Test plan & test cases?

Answer: The way of writing Test Plan and Test Cases is the same in all the test phases. However, specifically for User Acceptance Testing, the testers use data nearly real data (meaning that the data is very much similar to the production data or real data). For the format, please refer to question 3 and 4 in qaquestions.com.

What are the different matrices that you follow?

Answer: There are various reports we normally prepare in QA: · Test summary Report - It is a report that has list of the total test cases, list of executed test cases, remaining test case to be executed, executed date, pass/fail · Defect Report - In this report we normally prepare a list of defect in spreadsheet e.g. defect # CQ12345 [ if you log a defect in the application called Rational ClearQuest] · Traceability Matrix [also called RTM (Requirement Traceability Matrix)] Report - the document which shows the relationship between the functionalities or the business rules and the test cases. So, with the help of Traceability Matrix we make sure that we includes all the functionalities in our test cases according to the requirement document.

How do you make sure that it is quality software?

Answer: There is a certain process how the quality of software is guaranteed (ensured). If is defined by the 'exit criteria'. (What it means is, a QA Manager writes a document called Test Strategy. This Test Strategy defines the 'exit criteria'.) Exit Criteria gives the measurement, for example, in order to confirm the quality, how many critical defects, high defects, medium defect and low defect are acceptable? These are all defined in the exit criteria. (Normally in practice, for a quality software, there should no critical defects (0 critical), no high defect (0 high), no medium defect (0 medium) and may be 1 low defect

How do you know when to stop testing?

Answer: This can be difficult to determine. Many modern software applications are so complex and run in such an interdependent environment, that complete testing can never be done. Common factors in deciding when to stop are... Deadlines, e.g. release deadlines, testing deadlines; Test cases completed with certain percentage passed; Test budget has been depleted; Coverage of code, functionality, or requirements reaches a specified point; Bug rate falls below a certain level; or Beta or alpha testing period ends.

When should testing start in a project? Why

Answer: We should start testing as soon as the following things are ready: -Test Data are ready -Build (all the developers have coded their code and merged them together) -Test Environment (servers, network etc) is set up and ready -When the manager asks us to go ahead and start testing

What are the types of test cases that you write

Answer: We write test cases for smoke testing, integration testing, functional testing, regression testing, load testing, stress testing, system testing and so on.

If you have no documentation about the product, how do you test an application? Describe the process.

Answer: Well, this is a situation where I have come across several times. Some of the companies in my previous projects did not have any documents. In this case, I went to the Business Analyst and some times to developers to find out how exactly the functionalities work, how to navigate from one page to another page and so on. After getting a clear vision, I write test cases based on the conversation (which is a step by step procedure to test an application) and get ready for testing.

As a QA Tester, can you tell me the situation when you felt the most proud of it

Answer: When I find the defect that normally others don't find, then I feel very proud. For example, there were situations where I found bugs that crashed the whole system at the end of testing phase. I tried the scenarios where the scenarios were NOT mentioned in the test cases. For example, we can close the windows by clicking X on the page, with "Close" button and so on. But there is another way that you can close the window, by pressing Alt+F4 on the keyboard. Not many testers test this scenario. I have done this in my last two projects. Both the time, the application crashed which became a big issue. I felt proud

What can be done if requirements are changing continuously

Answer: Work with management early on to understand how requirements might change, so that alternate test plans and strategies can be worked out in advance. It is helpful if the application's initial design allows for some adaptability, so that later changes do not require redoing the application from scratch. Additionally, try to... · Ensure the code is well commented and well documented; this makes changes easier for the developers. · Use rapid prototyping whenever possible; this will help customers feel sure of their requirements and minimize changes. · In the project's initial schedule, allow for some extra time to commensurate with probable changes. · Move new requirements to a 'Phase 2′ version of an application and use the original requirements for the 'Phase 1′ version. · Negotiate to allow only easily implemented new requirements into the project; move more difficult, new requirements into future versions of the application. · Ensure customers and management understand scheduling impacts, inherent risks and costs of significant requirements changes. Then let management or the customers decide if the changes are warranted; after all, that's their job. · Balance the effort put into setting up automated testing with the expected effort required to redo them to deal with changes. · Design some flexibility into automated test scripts; · Focus initial automated testing on application aspects that are most likely to remain unchanged; · Devote appropriate effort to risk analysis of changes, in order to minimize regression- testing needs; · Design some flexibility into test cases; this is not easily done; the best bet is to minimize the detail in the test cases, or set up only higher-level generic-type test plans; · Focus less on detailed test plans and test cases and more on ad-hoc testing with an understanding of the added risk this entails

Have you used automation tools?

Answer: Yes. I have used TestDirector and ClearQuest as defect tracking tools. (Your answer is based on whether you have used automation tools specially for functional and load testing. If you have NOT used, but read about these tools, then you may be better off saying, "I know about the tools. I was involved in some of the testing using these tools, but would need some brush up in order to work independently." I am saying this because these tools are difficult to tackle in the interview and have to know in depth. In order to pass the interview on functional automation tools, it may not be easy unless you really know the stuff. But, since there is not much to learn in ClearQuest and TestDirector, you only have to know what different types of fields are there in the defect logging window when writing a defect.)

Is there a format for a test case? Do you follow any methodology for numbering test cases

Answer: Yes. It depends upon the company how the company has followed the numbering of test cases. However, normally, it is just a simple numbering in most of the time (see question 4 of qaquestions.com). But some companies may also relate this numbering to the requirement number. For example, if the requirement for Login is "REQ-LOG-001", then we can number the test cases like REQ-LOG-001-001 and so on

What is the difference between Load Testing and Performance Testing

Basically Load, Stress and Performance Testing are the same. However, Load testing is the test to check the users' response time of number of users of any one scenario of the application whereas Performance Testing is the test to check the user response time for multiple scenario of the same application

What is meant by Walk-thru meeting?

Before start working in a module and/or after accomplishing the testing of a module, the tester calls a meeting to disseminate his findings or to share his queries to other tester or leads of the company working on the same application that is called the Walk-thru meeting.

What is a Primary Key?

In a database table, the Primary Key is a column which has a unique value for each of the row within that column. It can't have NULL value.

What is a Unique Key?

In a database table, the Unique Key is a column which may or may not have null value of each of the row within that column.

Stress testing

In this type of testing the application is tested against heavy load such as complex numerical values, large number of inputs, large number of queries etc. which checks for the stress/load the applications can withstand.

User acceptance testing:

In this type of testing, the software is handed over to the user in order to find out if the software meets the user expectations and works as it is expected to.

What is Change Control

It is a document that describes the additional functionalities that are added after the Business Requirement Document is signed off. It can be updated in the old business requirement document or it can be a separate document.

What is Business Requirement Document (BRD)?

It is a document that describes the details of the application functionalities which is required by the user. This document is written by the Business Analysts.

Load testing

It is a test to check the user's response time of number of users using any one scenario (single business process) of the same application at the same time

Performance testing:

It is a test to check the user's response time of number of users using multiple scenarios (multiple business process) of the same application at the same time.

What is Backend Testing

It is a test to check whether the data displayed in the GUI front end report format matches with the particular data in the original database.

white box

It is a test where a tester looks into the code and performs the testing

black box

It is test where a tester performs testing without looking into the code. OR A testing method where the application under test is viewed as a black box and the internal behavior of the program is completely ignored. Testing occurs based upon the external specifications. Also known as behavioral testing, since only the external behavior of the program is evaluated and analyzed

What is Business Design Document?

It is the document which describes the application functionalities of the user in detail. This document is the further details of the Business Requirement Document. This is a very crucial step in the SDLC. Sometimes the Business Requirement Document and Business Design Document can be lumped together to make only one Business Requirement Document.

How to deal with your team members?

Most probably, you will not be the only tester in the team. There will be more than you. Sometimes, dealing with you team members is frustrating, specially when you are new. They try to ignore you. They want to show themselves smart. Don't worry. Don't blame them. This part of the human nature. Try to cope with it. Invite them when you go for coffee (in the coffee room in your office, don't go outside), try to share your feelings and so on. It is all how you handle your friends. It is part of your daily activities, handle it gently. This is part of the situation I have gone through, my friends have gone through. I am just sharing this with you.

Are Test Plan and Test Strategy same type of document?

No. They are different documents. Test Plan is a document that collects and organizes test cases by functional areas and/or types of testing in a form that can be presented to the other teams and/or customer where as the Test Strategy is the documented approach to testing. Test Plan is prepared by the tester whereas the Test Strategy is prepared by the QA Manager or QA lead. Both are important pieces of Quality Assurance processes since they help communicate the test approach scope and ensure test coverage while improving the efficiency of the testing effort.

What is regression testing

Regression testing: When a functionality is added to an application, we need to make sure that the newly added functionality does not break the application. In order to make it sure, we perform a repeated testing which is called Regression Testing. We also do regression testing after the developers fix the bugs. See the video below for more understanding

What document did you refer to write the Test Cases?

Requirement document. (NOTE: It can also be Use Cases, or Design Document) (Note: It depends company to company. In some companies, they use Use Cases. In some companies, they use Requirement Documents and in some companies, they use Design Document. However, in practical scenario, most of the companies have requirement document at least). This is the sample Requirement Document for Mercury Tours.

1. Can you tell me about yourself?

Roles (Sr. QA Engineer, Test Lead, QA Manager) Projects (Small, Large, short and long, Waterfall and Agile) OS Environments (Windows, UNIX Solaris, Linux, DOS mobile and embedded) Apps written (Web based and client-server, C#, .NET, Java, UNIX, html and JavaScript) Tools (Test Automation, Defect tracking, Release versioning and DB managment) Docs (Test plans, QA calendars, complexity matrisies, defect reports and debug procedures Executed tests ( ) Release engineering ( deloyed code, DB chages and performed configration) Iterfaced with business analysts, developers, and Project managers to coordinate efforts I get along extremly well with others on professional and personal level Others have told me I'm a very nice person

What is SQL?

SQL stands for Structured Query Language. SQL is an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard computer language for accessing and manipulating database systems. SQL statements are used to retrieve and update data in a database. SQL works with database programs like MS Access, DB2, Informix, MS SQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, etc. Unfortunately, there are many different versions of the SQL language, but to be in compliance with the ANSI standard, they must support the same major keywords in a similar manner (such as SELECT, UPDATE, DELETE, INSERT, WHERE, and others). Note: Most of the SQL database programs also have their own proprietary extensions in addition to the SQL standard

What is Negative Testing?

Testing the system or application using negative data is called negative testing, for example, testing password entering 6 characters where it should be 8 characters should display a message. When we test an application by putting negative values (instead of actual values), then the system should not allow the other values rather than the actual value. The system should give an message that the value is not correct. This is called negative testing. Another example is, if a user tries to type a letter in a numeric field, the correct behavior in this case would be to display the "Incorrect data type, please enter a number" message. The purpose of negative testing is to detect such situations and prevent applications from crashing. Also, negative testing helps you improve the quality of your application and find its weak points.

7) System testing:

Testing which is based on overall requirements specification and it covers all combined parts of a system. It is also a black box type of testing.

What was the process of QA testing in your company where you worked for the last time

The QA testing process that was followed in my last company where I worked was like this: First of all the Business Requirement Document was prepared as per the client's requirement (with the muck-up screen shots). Then on the basis of the requirement document, Test Strategy, Test Plans and Test Cases were written in sequential order. Once the Build is made and deployed to the different testing environments where different types of testing were performed to check whether there are any defects

What is Software Development Life Cycle

The systems (or software) development life cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model used in project management that describes the stages involved in an information system development project, from an initial feasibility study through maintenance of the completed application. It includes the following different stages: 1. Requirement phase 2. Design phase 3. Coding (programming) 4. Testing 5. Release (Production) 6. Maintenance (Support)

What is Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)?

The testing of software has its own life cycle. It starts with study and analyzing the requirements. Here is the software testing life cycle: 1. Requirement Study 2. Test Planning 3. Writing Test Cases 4. Review the Test Cases 5. Executing the Test Cases 6. Bug logging and tracking 7. Close or Reopen bugs

What does test plan include

What does it include? A Test Plan includes Heading, Revision History, Table of Contents, Introduction, Scope, Approach, Overview, different types of testing that will be carried out, what software and hardware will be required, issues, risks, assumptions and sign off section

What is Build?

When each of the different modules of software is prepared, they are put in a single folder by the Configuration Management Team (CMT) and it is called the 'Build'. In other word, the developers put their code in the shared location (folder) and all those code (modules) are combined together so that it is a complete application that works.

What is meant by the Build Deployment?

When the Build so prepared by the CMT is sent to different Test Environments, it is called the Build Deployment.

Have you done any Back End Testing and/or if you did, how did you do it in your last project

Yes I did. I was working on Reports. When I was working in my last project, this was my scenario: It was the case of testing one part of application used in the bank, where a customer comes to a bank's front desk associate and ask for opening an account. The associate then asks for the personal information about the customer which, are the primary data, such as: First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, Address and Social Security Number. The associate then put these primary data of that particular customer into the computer, which then afterwards batch-processed into the DATABASE in XML Format. Then the batch-processed data is sent to ETL (Extract-Transform-Load, which is software made by 'AbInitio' or 'Informatica') which processes the job to create a file to produce the report. The file is displayed to a GUI Front End report format with the help of Crystal Report/Business Object. In the GUI Front End report, let us say, if for January, the income of that person was displayed as $ 900.00, then my job was to validate this data by writing SQL queries whether this displayed data matches with the original input data in the database, being called as the Back End Testing

7. Did you have a situation where you did not have any documents (no requirement document, no Use Cases, or no Design Document) and you had to write the Test Cases? How did you write the Test Cases?

Yes. I have been to that kind of scenarios several times. There were companies where they had no documents at all. In that case, I had to discuss the application scenario and functionalities with the Business Analysts or developer. I kind of prepared a document in consultation with Business Analysts and Developers and then started writing Test Cases

Do you really need to write SQL as a QA Engineer?

Yes. You need to. No matter whether it is a small company or big, they have a database and you need to validate the data by writing SQL queries going into the database. The stronger you are in SQL, the better the chance of getting a job.