100+ 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

To inspect a drop-down element in Selenium, use the 'Select' class to interact with it.

• Use the 'Select' class from Selenium's WebDriver library to interact with drop-down elements

• Identify the drop-down element using its locator (id, name, class, etc.)

• Instantiate a new Select object by passing the drop-down element as a parameter

• Use Select object methods like selectByVisibleText(), selectByValue(), selectByIndex() to interact with the drop-down

LINQ is used to query data from different data sources in C#, purpose is to simplify data querying, validate database data against UI using LINQ queries.

• LINQ is used in C# to query data from different data sources like collections, databases, XML, etc.

• Purpose of LINQ is to simplify data querying by providing a uniform way to query different types of data sources.

• To validate database data against the user interface, LINQ queries can be used to retrieve data from the database a...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.

In Gherkin language, 'Given' sets up the initial context, 'When' describes the action taken, and 'Then' specifies the expected outcome.

• Given: Describes the initial state or precondition of the scenario

• When: Represents the action or event that occurs

• Then: Defines the expected outcome or result after the action is taken

• Example: Given a user is logged in, When they click on the 'Logout' button, Then they should be logged out successfully

POM file includes information about project dependencies, build settings, and plugins in Maven projects.

• Project dependencies

• Build settings

• Plugins

I prioritize tasks based on impact and urgency, communicate with stakeholders, and seek consensus to resolve conflicts.

• Prioritize tasks based on impact and urgency

• Communicate with stakeholders to understand their perspectives

• Seek consensus by discussing conflicting priorities with team members

• Use data and metrics to support decision-making

• Stay flexible and adapt to changing priorities

A scenario is a single test case while a scenario outline is a template for multiple similar test cases with different inputs.

• Scenario is a single test case with specific inputs and expected outcomes

• Scenario outline is a template for multiple test cases with placeholders for inputs

• In scenario outline, examples table is used to provide different input values for each test case

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

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

Test coverage is the measure of how much of the code is tested, while a test matrix is a document that maps test cases to requirements.

• Test coverage measures the extent to which the source code of a program is executed during testing.

• A test matrix is a document that maps test cases to requirements, helping to ensure that all requirements are covered by test cases.

• Test coverage can be used to determine the effectiveness of a test matrix in covering all aspects of the software....read more

Clarify requirements with stakeholders and document assumptions.

• Schedule a meeting with stakeholders to discuss the unclear requirements.

• Document assumptions made based on unclear requirements.

• Create test cases based on assumptions and seek clarification from stakeholders.

• Collaborate with development team to ensure requirements are met.

• Track changes to requirements and update test cases accordingly.

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

Yes, I have experience managing cookies and caches in automation.

• Yes, I have written automation scripts to handle cookies by setting, getting, and deleting them.

• I have also managed browser caches in automation to ensure accurate testing results.

• Utilized tools like Selenium WebDriver to interact with cookies and caches during test execution.

Smoke testing checks basic functionality, while sanity testing verifies specific functionalities after changes. Regression checks old features; retesting verifies fixes.

• Smoke testing is a preliminary test to check if the build is stable enough for further testing.

• Example: After a new build, smoke testing might check if the application launches and basic features work.

• Sanity testing is a subset of regression testing focused on verifying specific functionalities after changes.

• E...read more

Software testing is crucial in SDLC to ensure quality, reliability, and performance of software products.

• Early detection of defects: Testing during SDLC helps identify issues early, reducing costs and time for fixes. For example, finding a bug in the design phase is cheaper than in production.

• Improved software quality: Regular testing ensures that the software meets specified requirements and functions correctly, leading to higher customer satisfaction.

• Risk management: Testin...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 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

WebDriver is a tool for automating web application testing, while ChromeDriver is a specific implementation for controlling Chrome browser.

• WebDriver is a generic tool that supports multiple browsers, while ChromeDriver is specifically for Chrome browser.

• WebDriver provides a common API for interacting with different browsers, while ChromeDriver is used to control Chrome browser instances.

• WebDriver can be used with different browsers like Firefox, Safari, etc., while ChromeDriv...read more

Selenium architecture allows for automation testing of web applications using C# bindings.

• Selenium WebDriver interacts with web browsers to automate testing

• C# bindings provide a way to write test scripts in C# language

• Selenium Grid allows for parallel testing on multiple machines

• Selenium IDE for recording and playback of test scripts

final is a keyword used to restrict inheritance, finally is a block used in exception handling, and finalize is a method used for cleanup.

• final is a keyword in Java used to restrict inheritance, meaning a class cannot be subclassed.

• finally is a block used in exception handling to ensure a piece of code is always executed, whether an exception is thrown or not.

• finalize is a method in Java used for cleanup operations before an object is garbage collected.

Identify, analyze, and resolve production issues through systematic investigation and collaboration.

• 1. Acknowledge the issue: Confirm the problem reported by users or monitoring tools.

• 2. Gather information: Collect logs, error messages, and user reports to understand the context.

• 3. Reproduce the issue: Attempt to replicate the problem in a controlled environment to analyze it further.

• 4. Analyze the root cause: Use debugging tools and techniques to identify the underlying caus...read more

Steps to debug errors in APIs and microservices

• Identify the source of the error by checking logs and monitoring tools

• Reproduce the error by sending the same request that caused it

• Use debugging tools like Postman, cURL, or browser developer tools to inspect requests and responses

• Check the code for any logical errors or misconfigurations

• Collaborate with developers to understand the code flow and potential issues

• Write unit tests to isolate the problem and verify fixes

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

This Java code increments the last element of an array, handling overflow by resetting to zero if it exceeds 9.

• Increment Last Element: The last element of the array is incremented by 1.

• Overflow Handling: If the incremented value exceeds 9, it resets to 0 and increments the second last element.

• Example 1: For input [1,2,3,4], output is [1,2,3,5].

• Example 2: For input [1,2,3,9], output is [1,2,4,0].

• Edge Case: For input [9,9,9,9], output should be [1,0,0,0] after carrying over.

Feature file linking is the process of connecting feature files with step definition files in BDD testing.

• Feature files contain scenarios written in Gherkin language

• Step definition files contain the actual code implementation for the steps in feature files

• Linking is done by specifying the path to the step definition file in the feature file

• This allows the automation tool to execute the steps defined in the feature file

Various software development models guide the process of software creation, each with unique methodologies and examples.

• Waterfall Model: A linear approach where each phase must be completed before the next begins. Example: Traditional project management.

• Agile Model: An iterative approach focusing on collaboration and flexibility. Example: Scrum and Kanban frameworks.

• V-Model: An extension of the Waterfall model emphasizing verification and validation. Example: Testing phases a...read more