100+ QA Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

There are various types of software testing, including functional, performance, security, usability, and regression testing.

• Functional testing ensures that the software meets the specified requirements.

• Performance testing evaluates the system's responsiveness, scalability, and stability under different workloads.

• Security testing identifies vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the software's security measures.

• Usability testing focuses on the user-friendliness and ease of use of t...read more

A Microbiology graduate with a Toxicology post-graduate degree can benefit the company by bringing a unique combination of skills and knowledge to the QA Analyst role.

• The candidate can apply their understanding of microbiology to identify potential sources of contamination in the production process.

• Their knowledge of toxicology can help in assessing the safety of products and identifying any potential risks or hazards.

• They can contribute to the development and implementation ...read more

A bug climbs 2 feet in 1 hour and falls 1 feet. How many hours to climb a 30 feet wall?

• The bug climbs 2 feet in 1 hour and falls 1 feet.

• The wall is 30 feet long.

• Calculate how many hours it takes for the bug to climb the entire wall.

Different methods of sterilization include heat, radiation, chemicals, and filtration.

• Heat sterilization methods include autoclaving, dry heat, and flaming.

• Radiation sterilization methods include gamma radiation and electron beam radiation.

• Chemical sterilization methods include ethylene oxide gas and hydrogen peroxide vapor.

• Filtration sterilization methods involve passing substances through filters with small pore sizes to remove microorganisms.

• Other methods include steriliza...read more

Program to reverse a string without using inbuilt methods

• Create an empty string to store the reversed string

• Loop through the original string from the end to the beginning

• Add each character to the empty string

• Return the reversed string

Python data structures include lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries. OOPs is a programming paradigm.

• Python data structures are used to store and organize data in a program

• Lists are ordered and mutable, tuples are ordered and immutable, sets are unordered and unique, and dictionaries are unordered key-value pairs

• OOPs is a programming paradigm that focuses on creating objects that have properties and methods

• In Python, classes are used to create objects and encapsulate data and...read more

I used various testing techniques such as black box, white box, regression, and exploratory testing.

• Black box testing to test the functionality of the application without knowing the internal code

• White box testing to test the internal code and structure of the application

• Regression testing to ensure that new changes do not affect existing functionality

• Exploratory testing to discover defects and issues that may not be found through scripted testing

QA stands for Quality Assurance. They are responsible for ensuring that the software meets the required quality standards.

• Develop and execute test cases

• Identify and report defects

• Collaborate with developers to resolve issues

• Ensure adherence to quality standards and processes

• Provide feedback on usability and functionality

• Conduct regression testing

• Maintain test documentation

QC is testing the product, QA is ensuring quality. Poor documentation leads to delays and errors. Stress testing checks system limits.

• QC is focused on testing the product, while QA is focused on ensuring quality throughout the development process.

• Poor documentation can lead to delays and errors in the build process, as developers may not have the necessary information to complete their tasks.

• Stress testing is used to check the limits of a system, to ensure it can handle high ...read more

I had access to market data through various sources including financial websites, APIs, and data providers.

• Accessed financial websites such as Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, and CNBC for real-time market data

• Utilized APIs provided by financial institutions and data providers for up-to-date information

• Subscribed to market data services like Reuters or Bloomberg Terminal for comprehensive data coverage

Declaration specifies the data type of a variable, while definition allocates memory and initializes the variable.

• Declaration is like stating the type of a variable, while definition is like creating an instance of that variable.

• Declaration is done in the beginning of a program or method, while definition can be done anywhere.

• Example: int x; is a declaration, while int x = 5; is a definition.

Basic bugs in calculator program include incorrect calculation results, input validation issues, and handling of edge cases.

• Incorrect calculation results due to rounding errors or improper order of operations

• Input validation issues such as allowing non-numeric characters or dividing by zero

• Handling of edge cases like large numbers, negative numbers, or overflow/underflow

CRUD operations in Python can be performed using various libraries and frameworks.

• Use SQLalchemy ORM for database operations

• Use Flask or Django for building web applications

• Use pandas library for data manipulation

• Use file handling functions for file operations

There are two types of paths - relative and absolute. Both are used depending on the context.

• Relative paths are used to navigate within the current directory or subdirectories.

• Absolute paths are used to navigate to a specific location in the file system.

• Examples of relative paths: './file.txt', '../folder/file.txt'

• Examples of absolute paths: '/home/user/file.txt', 'C:/Users/user/Documents/file.txt'

Decorator is a design pattern that allows behavior to be added to an individual object, either statically or dynamically.

• Decorator pattern involves a set of decorator classes that are used to wrap concrete components.

• Decorators provide a flexible alternative to subclassing for extending functionality.

• An example of decorator pattern is adding toppings to a pizza. Each topping is a decorator that wraps the pizza object.

• Another example is adding borders, shadows, and other effec...read more

Quality assurance focuses on processes to ensure quality, while testing involves executing tests to identify defects.

• Quality assurance is a proactive process that focuses on preventing defects by establishing processes and standards.

• Testing is a reactive process that involves executing tests to identify defects in the software.

• Quality assurance is process-oriented, while testing is product-oriented.

• Quality assurance involves activities like reviews, audits, and process improv...read more

Yes, I can create my own framework. It would have a modular structure with reusable components and clear documentation.

• The framework would have a clear directory structure for easy navigation

• It would have reusable components for common testing tasks such as logging and reporting

• The framework would be modular, allowing for easy addition or removal of components

• Clear documentation would be provided for ease of use and maintenance

Prioritize critical features based on impact and risk assessment

• Identify critical features based on impact on core functionality

• Prioritize features with high risk of failure or impact on user experience

• Consider customer feedback and usage data to prioritize features

• Collaborate with stakeholders to determine key features for testing

• Use risk-based testing approach to focus on high-risk areas

Static is a keyword in Java used to create class-level variables and methods.

• Static variables and methods belong to the class rather than the instance of the class

• Static variables are initialized only once at the start of the execution

• Static methods can be called without creating an instance of the class

• Static methods cannot access non-static variables or methods

• Example: Math class in Java has static methods like sqrt() and pow()

• Example: A static variable in a class can be ac...read more

URS stands for User Requirement Specification. It is a document that outlines the requirements of a software system from a user's perspective.

• URS is a document that captures the user's requirements for a software system.

• It outlines the functional and non-functional requirements of the system.

• It is used as a basis for designing and developing the system.

• URS is an important document in the software development life cycle.

• It helps to ensure that the system meets the user's needs...read more

XSSF is for reading data from Excel files in XML format, while HSSF is for reading data from Excel files in binary format.

• XSSF is part of Apache POI library and is used for reading data from Excel files in XML format

• HSSF is also part of Apache POI library and is used for reading data from Excel files in binary format

• XSSF is preferred for reading newer Excel file formats like .xlsx, while HSSF is used for older formats like .xls

Automation is required in testing to increase efficiency, reduce human error, save time, and improve test coverage.

• Automation helps in executing repetitive test cases quickly and accurately.

• It allows for running tests on multiple configurations and environments simultaneously.

• Automation can be used for regression testing to ensure that new code changes do not break existing functionality.

• It helps in increasing test coverage by running a large number of test cases that would b...read more

The 3 liter and 5 liter water cans can be used to measure 4 liters of water.

• Fill the 3 liter can and pour it into the 5 liter can.

• Fill the 3 liter can again and pour it into the 5 liter can until it is full.

• The remaining water in the 3 liter can is 1 liter.

• Pour out the water from the 5 liter can.

• Pour the 1 liter of water from the 3 liter can into the 5 liter can.

• Fill the 3 liter can again and pour it into the 5 liter can until it is full.

• The 5 liter can now contains 4 liters ...read more

A program to create a list from a given dictionary.

• Iterate through the dictionary and append each key-value pair to a list.

• Use list comprehension to create a list from the dictionary.

• Sort the list based on keys or values if required.

Our release cycle follows an agile methodology with sprints of 2 weeks each.

• We use JIRA to manage our sprints and track progress

• Each sprint includes planning, development, testing, and deployment

• We have a dedicated QA team that performs testing during each sprint

• We also have a UAT phase where the product owner and stakeholders test the release candidate

• We use continuous integration and delivery to automate the build and deployment process

Different types of testing include functional testing, non-functional testing, manual testing, automated testing, regression testing, and performance testing.

• Functional testing: Testing the functionality of the software against the requirements.

• Non-functional testing: Testing aspects like performance, usability, and security.

• Manual testing: Testing performed manually by testers.

• Automated testing: Testing performed using automation tools.

• Regression testing: Testing to ensure t...read more

Switch learns MAC addresses through a process called MAC address learning.

• When a switch receives a frame, it looks at the source MAC address in the frame header.

• The switch then associates this MAC address with the port on which it received the frame.

• If the switch already knows the MAC address, it updates the port information.

• If the switch does not know the MAC address, it adds it to its MAC address table.

• This process allows the switch to forward frames only to the appropriate...read more

No, a Java class can only have one main function.

• A Java class can have only one main function, which serves as the entry point of the program.

• Having more than one main function in a Java class will result in a compilation error.

• Each Java application can have multiple classes, but only one class can contain the main function.

Pickling is the process of converting a Python object into a byte stream, while unpickling is the reverse process.

• Pickling is used to store Python objects in a file or transfer them over a network.

• Unpickling is used to retrieve the original Python object from the stored byte stream.

• The pickle module in Python is used for pickling and unpickling.

• Example: Pickling a list - pickle.dump([1, 2, 3], open('data.pkl', 'wb'))

• Example: Unpickling a list - pickle.load(open('data.pkl', 'r...read more

To test an API without a real entity, use mock data or create dummy data for testing purposes.

• Create mock data that simulates the expected behavior of the real entity

• Use tools like Postman or cURL to send requests to the API using the mock data

• Verify that the API responds correctly to the requests and returns the expected results

• Test different scenarios and edge cases to ensure the API handles them properly

• Monitor the API's performance and check for any errors or inconsistenc...read more

Different types of endorsement transactions include blank endorsement, special endorsement, restrictive endorsement, and qualified endorsement.

• Blank endorsement: Simply signing the back of a check or other negotiable instrument without specifying a payee.

• Special endorsement: Directing the payment to a specific person or entity by writing 'Pay to the order of [name]' above the signature.

• Restrictive endorsement: Limiting the use of the funds by adding conditions like 'For depos...read more

I performed various types of testing including functional, regression, performance, and usability testing.

• Functional testing: Ensuring that the software meets the specified requirements.

• Regression testing: Verifying that recent changes or bug fixes did not introduce new issues.

• Performance testing: Evaluating the system's responsiveness and stability under different loads.

• Usability testing: Assessing the user-friendliness and intuitiveness of the software.

• Example: Conducted fu...read more

Manual testing is a type of software testing where tests are executed manually by a tester without the use of automation tools.

• Functional Testing: Testing the functionality of the software application.

• Regression Testing: Testing to ensure that previously developed and tested software still performs correctly after changes have been made.

• User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Testing performed by end-users to determine whether the software meets their requirements.

• Integration Testing:...read more

I want to work for you because of your reputation in the industry and the opportunity to contribute to innovative projects.

• I am impressed by your company's reputation in the industry.

• I am excited about the opportunity to work on innovative projects.

• I believe my skills and experience align well with the work your team is doing.

Locator is a way to identify web elements on a webpage. Types include ID, class name, name, tag name, link text, partial link text, xpath, and css selector.

• ID - unique identifier for an element

• Class name - class attribute value of an element

• Name - name attribute value of an element

• Tag name - HTML tag of an element

• Link text - text of a link element

• Partial link text - partial text of a link element

• XPath - XML path expression to locate elements

• CSS selector - CSS style selector t...read more

SQL query to find number of people department wise

• Use GROUP BY clause with department column

• Use COUNT function to count number of people

• Join tables if necessary

Deep copy creates a new object with the same values as the original, while shallow copy creates a new object with references to the original's values.

• Deep copy duplicates all nested objects and their values, while shallow copy only duplicates the top-level object.

• Deep copy is more memory-intensive and time-consuming than shallow copy.

• Example of deep copy: copying a list of dictionaries using deepcopy() in Python.

• Example of shallow copy: copying a list using slice notation in ...read more

SDLC and STLC are software development and testing life cycles respectively. SDLC has 6 phases while STLC has 7 phases.

• SDLC: Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing, Maintenance

• STLC: Requirement Analysis, Test Planning, Test Case Development, Environment Setup, Test Execution, Test Cycle Closure, Test Reporting

• SDLC focuses on software development while STLC focuses on software testing

• Both cycles are iterative and involve continuous improvement

• Example: A software d...read more

SQL commands are used to interact with databases. They include DDL, DML, DQL, DCL, and TCL commands.

• DDL (Data Definition Language) commands are used to define and manage the structure of the database, such as creating tables, altering table structures, and dropping tables.

• DML (Data Manipulation Language) commands are used to manipulate data within the database, such as inserting, updating, and deleting records.

• DQL (Data Query Language) commands are used to retrieve data from ...read more

Decide based on message content and server requirements

• Analyze the content of the fix messages to identify any errors or issues

• Refer to the server requirements and protocols to determine how to handle the fix messages

• Consult with team members or stakeholders for clarification if needed

Regression testing is testing the entire application after changes, while retesting is testing a specific bug fix.

• Regression testing is done to ensure that new code changes do not affect existing functionality.

• Retesting is done to verify that a specific bug or issue has been fixed.

• Regression testing involves testing the entire application, while retesting focuses on a specific area.

• Examples: After adding a new feature, regression testing is done to check if existing features ...read more

Smoke testing is a quick check to verify if the build is stable, Sanity testing is a subset of regression testing and Regression testing is to ensure that changes made to the code do not affect the existing functionality.

• Smoke testing is done to check if the build is stable enough for further testing

• Sanity testing is a subset of regression testing and is done to check if the bugs have been fixed and no new issues have been introduced

• Regression testing is done to ensure that c...read more

Bug leakage can be dealt with by identifying the root cause, fixing the issue, and implementing preventive measures.

• Identify the root cause of the bug leakage

• Fix the issue causing the bug leakage

• Implement preventive measures to avoid future bug leakage

• Ensure proper testing and quality assurance processes are in place

• Communicate with the development team to ensure they are aware of the issue and the steps being taken to address it

QA should start as early as possible in the software development lifecycle.

• QA should start at the beginning of the project to ensure quality is built in from the start.

• QA should be involved in requirements gathering to prevent misunderstandings and defects.

• QA should start testing as soon as there is a deliverable, even if it's just a prototype.

• QA should collaborate with developers to identify and fix issues early on.

• QA should continue testing throughout the development proces...read more

Dropdowns in web applications can be accessed using XPath to interact with the list of options.

• Use XPath to locate the dropdown element on the web page

• Use XPath to locate the list of options within the dropdown element

• Iterate through the list of options to interact with them

I have used various techniques in software testing such as black box, white box, regression, and exploratory testing.

• Black box testing: testing the functionality of the software without knowledge of its internal workings

• White box testing: testing the internal workings of the software

• Regression testing: testing to ensure that changes to the software have not introduced new bugs

• Exploratory testing: testing without a predefined plan or script, allowing for more flexibility and c...read more

Integration testing is a type of testing where individual units are combined and tested as a group.

• Integration testing is performed after unit testing and before system testing.

• It ensures that the different modules of the system are working together as expected.

• Real-time scenario: Testing the integration between a payment gateway and an e-commerce website.

• Real-time scenario: Testing the integration between a GPS system and a ride-sharing app.