60+ Senior Software Test Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Answering questions related to software testing concepts and tools.

• Retest testing is done to ensure that the defects found in the previous testing cycle have been fixed.

• Regression testing is done to ensure that the changes made to the software do not have any adverse effects on the existing functionality.

• Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, while authorization is the process of granting access to specific resources or functionalities based on the...read more

I have extensively used OOPs concepts in my current project.

• I have used inheritance to create a base class for all test cases.

• I have used polymorphism to create different test cases using the same base class.

• I have used encapsulation to hide the implementation details of the test cases.

• I have used abstraction to create interfaces for the test cases.

• I have used SOLID principles to ensure the code is maintainable and extensible.

To run a screen reader, use built-in accessibility tools or third-party software. Basic shortcuts include Ctrl+Alt+arrow keys and Ctrl+Shift+arrow keys.

• Built-in accessibility tools like Narrator on Windows or VoiceOver on Mac can be used to run a screen reader.

• Third-party software like JAWS or NVDA can also be used.

• Basic shortcuts for testing include Ctrl+Alt+arrow keys to navigate between headings and Ctrl+Shift+arrow keys to navigate between elements.

• Other shortcuts may inc...read more

Questions related to software testing and bug life cycle

• Different testing types include unit testing, integration testing, system testing, acceptance testing, and more

• Verification ensures that the software meets the specified requirements, while validation ensures that the software meets the customer's needs

• Bug life cycle includes stages like new, assigned, open, fixed, verified, and closed

• Daily activities may include test planning, test execution, defect reporting, and statu...read more

Yes, it is important to do WCAG even if the website is section 508 compliant.

• Section 508 compliance focuses on accessibility for people with disabilities in the US federal government

• WCAG is a more comprehensive set of guidelines for web accessibility

• WCAG covers a wider range of disabilities and is recognized internationally

• Meeting both Section 508 and WCAG guidelines ensures maximum accessibility for all users

I will document the bug by providing detailed steps to reproduce, screenshots, and any other relevant information.

• Document the bug by providing detailed steps to reproduce

• Include screenshots or videos if applicable

• Provide any relevant logs or error messages

• Assign priority and severity to the bug

I apply a combination of manual and automated testing methods, utilize test management tools, collaborate with developers, and continuously learn new testing techniques.

• Utilize a combination of manual and automated testing methods to ensure comprehensive test coverage

• Use test management tools such as Jira or TestRail to organize test cases and track defects

• Collaborate closely with developers to understand the code changes and ensure effective testing

• Continuously learn new tes...read more

Postman is a popular API testing tool that allows testers to automate testing of APIs and monitor responses.

• Postman allows testers to create and run automated tests for APIs

• It provides a user-friendly interface for sending requests, validating responses, and organizing test suites

• Postman can be integrated with CI/CD pipelines for continuous testing and monitoring

• It supports various testing methods such as unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing

• Postman can be...read more

Compliance can be framed by creating a clear and concise policy document and communicating it effectively to all stakeholders.

• Create a policy document outlining the compliance requirements

• Ensure the policy document is easily accessible to all stakeholders

• Communicate the policy document effectively to all stakeholders

• Provide training to stakeholders on the compliance requirements

• Regularly review and update the policy document as needed

There are 13 guidelines to be achieved for WCAG compliance.

• WCAG 2.1 has 13 guidelines that are organized under 4 principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.

• Each guideline has success criteria that are testable and have different levels of conformance: A, AA, and AAA.

• Examples of guidelines include providing alternative text for images, ensuring keyboard accessibility, and using clear and simple language.

• WCAG compliance is important for ensuring that websites...read more

2.1 is an updated version of 2.0 with added features and improvements.

• 2.1 has additional features and bug fixes compared to 2.0

• 2.1 may have better performance than 2.0

• 2.1 may require different hardware or software requirements than 2.0

• 2.1 may have different compatibility with other software or systems than 2.0

I will prepare test cases by analyzing the user story, identifying test scenarios, writing test cases, and reviewing them.

• Understand the user story and its acceptance criteria

• Identify different test scenarios based on the user story

• Write test cases covering positive and negative scenarios

• Review and validate the test cases with stakeholders

Good requirements are clear, concise, and measurable while bad requirements are ambiguous, incomplete, and untestable.

• Good requirements are specific and leave no room for interpretation

• Good requirements are achievable and realistic

• Bad requirements are vague and open to interpretation

• Bad requirements are unrealistic or impossible to achieve

• Good requirements are testable and verifiable

• Bad requirements are untestable or difficult to verify

Client side testing is testing the application on the client side, while server side testing is testing the application on the server side.

• Client side testing involves testing the user interface, functionality, and performance of the application on the client side.

• Server side testing involves testing the server components, databases, and APIs of the application on the server side.

• Examples of client side testing include browser compatibility testing, usability testing, and sec...read more

Yes, I have worked in an agile environment before.

• I have experience working in Scrum and Kanban methodologies

• I have participated in daily stand-up meetings, sprint planning, and retrospectives

• I have collaborated closely with developers, product owners, and other team members to deliver high-quality software

Manual testing involves executing test cases manually without using any automation tools. SQL testing involves verifying data integrity in databases. API testing involves testing the functionality of APIs. Handling team and issues involves managing team members and resolving any problems that arise.

• Manual testing involves creating test cases, executing them, and documenting results.

• SQL testing involves writing and executing queries to verify data in databases.

• API testing invo...read more

Accessibility testing is crucial for ensuring equal access to digital content for all users.

• Accessibility testing involves evaluating the usability of digital content for users with disabilities.

• It includes testing for screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, color contrast, and other accessibility features.

• Accessibility testing is important for compliance with accessibility standards and regulations.

• It helps to ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities, can acces...read more

Steps in implementing requirement from business to development involve analysis, design, implementation, testing, and deployment.

• Analyze the business requirement to understand the scope and impact on the system

• Design a solution that meets the business requirement and aligns with the existing system architecture

• Implement the solution by writing code and integrating it with other components

• Test the implemented solution to ensure it meets the business requirement and is free of ...read more

Scalability and flexibility are key aspects of cloud projects.

• Scalability allows for easy expansion or reduction of resources based on demand.

• Flexibility enables customization and adaptation to changing requirements.

• Cost-effectiveness is another important factor, as cloud projects often offer pay-as-you-go pricing models.

• Security and compliance measures must be carefully considered and implemented in cloud projects.

• Examples: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud

I selected the testing field because I enjoy finding bugs and ensuring software quality.

• I have a keen eye for detail and enjoy problem-solving.

• I like the challenge of breaking down complex systems to find issues.

• I find satisfaction in ensuring that software meets high quality standards.

• I enjoy working collaboratively with developers to improve software quality.

• I have a passion for technology and enjoy staying up-to-date with the latest trends in testing methodologies.

Function testing is testing the functionality of a software application. API testing is testing the application programming interface. Automation testing is using tools to automate testing processes.

• Function testing ensures that the software functions as expected based on the requirements.

• API testing involves testing the APIs to ensure they meet the requirements and function correctly.

• Automation testing uses tools to automate test cases, making the testing process more effici...read more

Our current project involves testing a web-based application using Agile methodology.

• We follow Agile methodology for testing

• Our project is a web-based application

• We use various testing tools such as Selenium, JMeter, and Postman

• We have a well-defined testing process in place

• We work closely with the development team to ensure timely delivery of quality software

Some automation challenges I have faced include handling dynamic elements, synchronization issues, and maintaining test scripts.

• Handling dynamic elements on the webpage that change frequently

• Synchronization issues between test scripts and application response times

• Maintaining test scripts as the application evolves and changes

• Dealing with different environments and configurations for testing

Functional testing is a type of software testing that verifies that each function of the software operates in conformance with the requirement specification.

• Unit Testing: Testing individual units or components of the software.

• Integration Testing: Testing the integration of different components or modules.

• System Testing: Testing the entire system as a whole.

• Acceptance Testing: Testing to ensure the software meets the acceptance criteria.

• Regression Testing: Testing to ensure th...read more

Use a programming language like Python to write data to an Excel file.

• Use a library like openpyxl in Python to create and write data to an Excel file.

• Open the Excel file using the library and write data to specific cells.

• Save the Excel file after writing the data.

The latest WCAG level is WCAG 2.2

• WCAG 2.2 is the latest version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

• It includes new success criteria for mobile accessibility and cognitive disabilities

• WCAG 2.2 is not yet an official recommendation, but is in draft status

To handle alerts in Selenium, use the Alert interface to switch to the alert, accept/dismiss it, and retrieve text from it.

• Use driver.switchTo().alert() to switch to the alert

• Use alert.accept() to accept the alert

• Use alert.dismiss() to dismiss the alert

• Use alert.getText() to retrieve text from the alert

GRE and IPSEC are both protocols used for secure communication over networks, but they have different purposes and implementations.

• GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) is a tunneling protocol used to encapsulate a wide variety of network layer protocols inside virtual point-to-point links. It does not provide encryption or authentication.

• IPSEC (Internet Protocol Security) is a suite of protocols used to secure Internet Protocol (IP) communications by authenticating and encrypt...read more

Constructors are special methods used to initialize objects in Java.

• Constructors have the same name as the class they belong to.

• They are called automatically when an object is created.

• Constructors can be overloaded to accept different parameters.

• They can also call other constructors using the 'this' keyword.

• If a class does not define a constructor, a default constructor is provided.

Bug life cycle is the process of a bug from identification to resolution.

• Bug is identified by tester

• Bug is reported in bug tracking system

• Bug is assigned to developer

• Developer fixes the bug

• Bug is retested by tester

• Bug is closed if fixed or reopened if not

Regression testing is the process of testing changes made to a software application to ensure that existing functionality still works as expected.

• It is performed after making changes to the software

• It ensures that existing functionality is not affected by the changes

• It helps to identify any new defects introduced by the changes

• It can be automated to save time and effort

• Examples include retesting after bug fixes, testing after new feature additions, and testing after software ...read more

Cypress is a JavaScript end-to-end testing framework. Few commands are - visit, get, click, type, wait, assert.

• visit - navigates to a URL

• get - selects an element

• click - clicks on an element

• type - types into an input field

• wait - waits for an element to appear or disappear

• assert - verifies that an element has certain text or attributes

Requirement traceability is the ability to trace requirements throughout the software development process.

• It involves linking requirements to test cases to ensure all requirements are tested.

• It helps in understanding the impact of changes on requirements and vice versa.

• It ensures that all requirements are met and validated during testing.

• Examples: linking user stories to test cases, tracking changes in requirements documentation.

I developed a modular automation framework using Java, TestNG, and Selenium WebDriver.

• Used Java as the programming language for writing test scripts

• Utilized TestNG for test case management and execution

• Implemented Selenium WebDriver for browser automation

• Followed Page Object Model design pattern for better code organization

• Used Maven for project management and dependency resolution

Exception handling in Selenium is crucial for maintaining test stability and reliability.

• Exceptions can occur due to various reasons such as element not found, timeout, stale element reference, etc.

• Handling exceptions can be done using try-catch blocks or using Selenium's built-in exception handling mechanism.

• It is important to handle exceptions gracefully and provide meaningful error messages for debugging purposes.

• Examples of exception handling in Selenium include handling ...read more

Singleton, Factory, Observer, Strategy patterns were used in the project.

• Singleton pattern was used to ensure only one instance of a class is created.

• Factory pattern was used to create objects without specifying the exact class of object that will be created.

• Observer pattern was used to define a one-to-many dependency between objects.

• Strategy pattern was used to define a family of algorithms, encapsulate each one, and make them interchangeable.

Our automation framework is a hybrid framework that combines data-driven and keyword-driven approaches.

• We use Selenium WebDriver for UI automation and RestAssured for API automation

• Our framework is built using Java and TestNG

• We have a centralized configuration file for easy maintenance

• We use Jenkins for continuous integration and delivery

• We have a custom reporting mechanism that generates detailed reports with screenshots

• We have a set of reusable functions and libraries for f...read more

Test strategy is a high-level plan to achieve testing objectives and goals.

• Test strategy outlines the testing approach, resources, timelines, and scope.

• It defines the testing techniques, tools, and methodologies to be used.

• Test strategy helps in identifying risks, priorities, and dependencies.

• Examples: Agile testing strategy, Automation testing strategy, Performance testing strategy.

Using Oops concept in Selenium program with String and List

• Create a class for Selenium test with methods for testing

• Use String variables for input data and List for storing test results

• Implement methods for test cases using Oops concepts like inheritance and polymorphism

Prerequisite for web application testing

• Understanding of web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)

• Knowledge of web browsers and their compatibility issues

• Familiarity with testing frameworks and tools (Selenium, JMeter)

• Ability to write test cases and execute them

• Understanding of security testing and performance testing

• Knowledge of database testing and API testing

Java is a programming language, HashMap is a data structure in Java, and Collection is a framework in Java for storing and manipulating groups of objects.

• Java is a popular programming language used for developing applications and software.

• HashMap is a data structure in Java that stores key-value pairs.

• Collection is a framework in Java that provides interfaces and classes for storing and manipulating groups of objects.

• Example: HashMap map = new HashMap<>();

Test plan is a document that outlines the scope, approach, resources, and schedule for testing activities.

• Defines the objectives and scope of testing

• Describes the test strategy and approach

• Outlines the resources and schedule for testing

• Includes test scenarios, test cases, and test data

• Identifies risks and mitigation strategies

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

• Regression testing involves testing the entire application to ensure that new code changes have not adversely affected existing functionality.

• Retesting is testing a specific bug fix to ensure that the issue has been resolved.

• Regression testing is typically done after every code change, while retesting is done after a bug fix.

• Example: After fixing a login issue, r...read more

Black box testing is a software testing method where the internal workings of the system are not known to the tester.

• Tester focuses on the functionality of the software without knowing its internal code

• Tests are based on requirements and specifications

• Input data is provided and output is compared to expected results

• Examples: equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis

Object-oriented programming concepts that focus on data abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.

• Abstraction: Hiding the complex implementation details and showing only the necessary features to the outside world.

• Encapsulation: Binding data and methods that operate on the data into a single unit.

• Inheritance: Allowing a class to inherit properties and behavior from another class.

• Polymorphism: Ability to present the same interface for different data types.

Regression testing is the process of retesting a software application to ensure that new code changes have not adversely affected existing functionality.

• Performed after code changes to ensure that existing features still work correctly

• Helps in identifying any defects introduced by new code changes

• Automated regression testing can save time and effort

• Examples: testing a login feature after adding a new user role, testing a search function after updating the search algorithm

STLC stands for Software Testing Life Cycle, which is a series of steps followed in the testing process to ensure high quality software.

• STLC includes phases like requirement analysis, test planning, test design, test execution, and test closure.

• Each phase has specific activities and deliverables to ensure thorough testing of the software.

• STLC helps in identifying defects early in the development cycle, reducing costs and improving overall quality.

• Example: In requirement analy...read more