Testing: Your Interview Cheat Sheet
Introduction: The Unseen Hero of Software Development
While software testing may not be the star of the development process, it's a critical component that ensures the quality of the final product. Consider this your go-to cheat sheet for testing-related interview questions.
Your Toolbox: Libraries for Testing
Quick Summary
Discuss the testing libraries you've used and your experiences with them.
Popular Choices
- Python:
- pytest
- unittest
- Java:
- JUnit
- TestNG
- JavaScript:
- MochaJS
- Jest
- Jasmine
- Others:
- Selenium
- Cucumber
- Capybara
Personal Experience Example
"I automated tests for an e-commerce application using Selenium WebDriver in Java."
Four Pillars: Main Levels of Testing
Quick Summary
List the 4 primary levels of testing.
The Big Four
- Unit Testing
- Integration Testing
- System Testing
- Acceptance Testing
Note: Regression Testing can be applied between any of these levels.
Crafting Quality: Key Elements of Good Test Cases
Quick Summary
Discuss what makes a test case effective and reliable.
Essential Elements
- Simplicity: Aim for clarity. Your future self and colleagues will thank you.
- Maximum Coverage: Optimize test cases to maximize the likelihood of identifying defects.
- Repeatability: Ensure consistent results across different testing environments.
Testing vs Verification: The Key Distinctions
Quick Summary
Understand the difference between software testing and software verification.
Key Differences
- Software Testing: Validates if the software meets user needs through test cases.
- Software Verification: Formally proves software against its specification, which is much more rigorous.
The Pen Test: Evaluating a Retractable Ballpoint Pen
Quick Summary
Be specific and creative in your approach to testing an everyday object like a pen.
Testing Types and Scenarios
- Unit Testing:
- Check for ink leaks.
- Assess pen body durability.
- Smoke Testing:
- Can the pen write?
- Integration Testing:
- Do all components fit and function together?
- Regression Testing:
- Does a new spring mechanism affect the pen's retraction?
- Acceptance Testing:
- Is the pen comfortable to use?
- Usability Testing:
- Can users easily operate the pen's retractable feature?
Light Bulb Riddle: The Tester's Dilemma
Quick Summary
Answer the humorous question, "How many testers does it take to change a light bulb?"
Light-hearted Answer
None. Testers identify problems; they don't fix them.
Final Thoughts
This cheat sheet is designed to prepare you for questions that explore the depth of your understanding in software testing. While many of these questions are open-ended, coming up with your own well-thought-out answers will not only impress your interviewers but also deepen your understanding of the subject matter.