800+ Test Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Test Engineer interview questions on frameworks, testing types, bug tracking, and regression testing.

• Worked with Selenium framework with folder structure of test cases, test data, and page objects

• Functional testing includes smoke, sanity, and regression testing while non-functional testing includes performance and security testing

• Real-time scenario: prioritize and fix critical bugs first, communicate with stakeholders, and perform thorough testing before release

• Integration te...read more

Find the longest consecutive character path length for each character in a matrix given a string.

• Iterate through the matrix and for each character in the string, find the longest consecutive path in all 8 directions.

• Keep track of the current path length and update the maximum path length found so far.

• Ensure that the characters in the path are consecutive in alphabetical order.

• Return an array of the longest consecutive path lengths for each character in the string.

Old generation video game consoles faced various problems.

• Limited processing power and memory

• Low-quality graphics and sound

• Limited game storage capacity

• Lack of online connectivity

• Compatibility issues with newer TVs

• Limited multiplayer options

A type of testing is functional testing which tests the functionality of the software.

• Functional testing checks if the software meets the requirements and specifications

• It involves testing individual functions or features of the software

• Examples include unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing

Answering common questions related to software testing

• SDLC - Software Development Life Cycle

• STLC - Software Testing Life Cycle

• Smoke testing - preliminary testing to check if the software is stable enough for further testing

• Sanity testing - quick testing to check if the major functionalities are working as expected

• Regression testing - testing to ensure that changes made to the software do not affect existing functionalities

• Test strategy - a plan for how testing will be carried...read more

The different types of automation testing include unit testing, functional testing, integration testing, regression testing, and performance testing.

• Unit testing focuses on testing individual components or units of code.

• Functional testing verifies that the software meets the specified functional requirements.

• Integration testing checks the interaction between different components or modules of the software.

• Regression testing ensures that changes or updates to the software do n...read more

The current through the secondary side of a transformer can be calculated using the turns ratio.

• The turns ratio of a transformer is the ratio of the number of turns in the primary winding to the number of turns in the secondary winding.

• The current in the primary and secondary windings of a transformer is inversely proportional to the turns ratio.

• To calculate the current in the secondary winding, use the formula: I2 = (I1 * V1) / V2, where I1 is the current in the primary wind...read more

ArrayList offers fast access and is memory efficient, while LinkedList excels in insertions and deletions.

• ArrayList uses a dynamic array, allowing O(1) access time for elements.

• LinkedList uses a doubly linked structure, enabling O(1) insertions/deletions at both ends.

• Example: Use ArrayList for a list of user IDs where frequent access is needed.

• Example: Use LinkedList for a playlist where songs are frequently added or removed.

• Memory overhead is higher in LinkedList due to extr...read more

Game testing differs from software testing in terms of scope, complexity, and user experience.

• Game testing involves testing the functionality, performance, and usability of video games.

• Software testing focuses on testing the functionality and performance of software applications.

• Game testing requires specialized knowledge of game mechanics, graphics, audio, and user interactions.

• Software testing typically involves testing business logic, data processing, and user interfaces.

• G...read more

Initiating a test with less knowledge in requirement

• Start by analyzing the available information and identifying the critical areas to be tested

• Collaborate with the development team to gain a better understanding of the system

• Use exploratory testing techniques to uncover potential issues

• Create test cases based on the information gathered and execute them

• Continuously learn and update your knowledge as you test

ArrayList is dynamic and index-based, while LinkedList is node-based and allows efficient insertions/deletions.

• ArrayList: Uses a dynamic array to store elements. Example: String[] arr = new ArrayList<>();

• LinkedList: Uses a doubly linked list structure. Example: String[] arr = new LinkedList<>();

• ArrayList provides faster random access (O(1)) due to index-based access.

• LinkedList provides faster insertions/deletions (O(1)) when adding/removing elements at the beginning or end.

• Ar...read more

Checked exceptions require handling; unchecked exceptions do not. Custom exceptions can be either based on use case.

• Checked exceptions must be declared or handled (e.g., IOException).

• Unchecked exceptions do not require explicit handling (e.g., NullPointerException).

• Checked exceptions are used for recoverable conditions, while unchecked indicate programming errors.

• Custom exceptions can be created for specific application needs.

• Custom exceptions can be checked or unchecked base...read more

Immutability in Java ensures objects cannot be modified after creation, enhancing safety and consistency in multi-threaded environments.

• Immutable objects cannot be changed once created, e.g., String class in Java.

• Thread-safe: Since they cannot be modified, they prevent issues in multi-threaded applications.

• Prevent unintended side effects, making code easier to understand and maintain.

• To create an immutable class, use final fields and avoid setter methods.

• Collections can be ma...read more

Singleton pattern ensures a class has only one instance, providing a global access point for shared resources.

• Private constructor prevents instantiation from outside the class.

• Static instance variable holds the single instance of the class.

• Lazy initialization creates the instance only when needed.

• Eager initialization creates the instance at class loading time.

• Thread safety can be achieved using synchronized methods or blocks.

• Double-checked locking reduces synchronization over...read more

Singleton pattern ensures a class has only one instance, providing a global point of access to it.

• Private constructor prevents instantiation from outside the class.

• Static instance variable holds the single instance of the class.

• Lazy initialization creates the instance only when needed.

• Eager initialization creates the instance at class loading time.

• Thread safety can be achieved using synchronized methods or blocks.

• Double-checked locking reduces synchronization overhead for per...read more

Immutability in Java ensures objects cannot be modified after creation, enhancing thread safety and consistency.

• Immutable objects cannot be changed after creation, e.g., String class.

• Thread-safe: Multiple threads can access immutable objects without synchronization issues.

• Prevents unintended side effects in multi-threaded applications.

• To create an immutable class, use final fields and avoid setters.

• Collections can be made immutable using Collections.unmodifiableList().

• Useful ...read more

Java Streams enable parallel processing but have pitfalls like overhead and shared state issues. Optimization techniques exist.

• Java Streams can be parallelized using the 'parallelStream()' method, which splits tasks across multiple threads.

• Pitfall: Overhead from thread management can outweigh benefits for small datasets.

• Pitfall: Shared mutable state can lead to race conditions and unpredictable results.

• Use 'ForkJoinPool' to manage parallel tasks more efficiently.

• Optimize by e...read more

Functional interfaces in Java enable lambda expressions for concise code, supporting API evolution with default methods.

• A functional interface has exactly one abstract method, e.g., Runnable, Callable.

• Lambda expressions provide a shorthand way to implement functional interfaces.

• Functional interfaces can include multiple default or static methods.

• The @FunctionalInterface annotation ensures only one abstract method is present.

• Method references (::) allow referencing existing me...read more

Java annotations provide metadata for classes, enhancing code readability and maintainability, especially in frameworks like Spring.

• Annotations serve as metadata, providing additional information about classes, methods, and fields.

• Common built-in annotations include @Override, @Deprecated, and @SuppressWarnings.

• Spring framework uses annotations like @Component and @Service for defining beans and @Autowired for dependency injection.

• Annotations reduce boilerplate code compared ...read more

Lambda expressions enhance Java code readability and maintainability by simplifying syntax and promoting functional programming.

• Concise Syntax: Lambda expressions reduce boilerplate code. For example, instead of writing an anonymous class for a Runnable, you can use: `Runnable r = () -> System.out.println("Hello");`

• Improved Readability: Code becomes easier to read and understand. For instance, using `list.forEach(item -> System.out.println(item));` is clearer than using a for...read more

Parallel streams enhance performance but come with trade-offs like complexity and overhead in multi-threaded environments.

• Increased complexity: Debugging parallel streams can be more challenging than sequential streams.

• Overhead: Parallel streams introduce overhead due to thread management and context switching.

• Data contention: Shared mutable data can lead to race conditions and inconsistent results.

• Performance gains: For large datasets, parallel streams can significantly redu...read more

== checks reference equality; .equals() checks value equality, can be overridden for custom comparison.

• == compares memory addresses, while .equals() compares actual object content.

• Example: new String("hello") == new String("hello") returns false, but "hello".equals("hello") returns true.

• For wrapper classes like Integer, small values (-128 to 127) are cached, affecting == behavior.

• Override equals() when logical equality is needed, especially in collections.

• When overriding equa...read more

final, finally, and finalize serve different purposes in Java: constants, cleanup, and garbage collection respectively.

• final: Used to declare constants. Example: final int MAX_VALUE = 100;

• finally: Block that executes after try-catch. Example: try { ... } catch { ... } finally { cleanup(); }

• finalize(): Method called by garbage collector. Example: protected void finalize() { ... }

• final variable cannot be reassigned. Example: final String name = 'John'; name = 'Doe'; // Error

• fin...read more

The Java Memory Model defines thread interactions with memory, ensuring visibility and ordering in multithreaded environments.

• JMM specifies how threads read and write shared variables, ensuring visibility and ordering.

• Volatile keyword ensures that changes to a variable are visible to all threads immediately.

• Synchronized blocks provide mutual exclusion, preventing multiple threads from accessing critical sections simultaneously.

• Without synchronization, threads may read stale o...read more

Java annotations provide metadata for classes, enhancing code readability and maintainability, especially in frameworks like Spring.

• Annotations like @Component and @Service simplify bean management in Spring.

• Dependency injection is streamlined with @Autowired, reducing boilerplate code.

• Custom annotations can encapsulate common behaviors, improving code clarity.

• Annotations like @Transactional manage database transactions declaratively.

• Retention policies ensure annotations are ...read more

final, finally, and finalize serve different purposes in Java: constants, cleanup, and garbage collection respectively.

• final: Used to declare constants. Example: final int MAX_VALUE = 100;

• finally: A block that executes after try-catch. Example: try { /* code */ } catch { /* handle */ } finally { /* cleanup */ }

• finalize(): A method called by the garbage collector. Example: protected void finalize() { /* cleanup code */ }

• final variable: Cannot be reassigned after initialization...read more

Java's garbage collector reclaims memory from unused objects, optimizing performance and managing memory regions.

• Garbage collection is automatic, freeing developers from manual memory management.

• The heap is divided into Young Generation (short-lived objects) and Old Generation (long-lived objects).

• Minor GC occurs in the Young Generation, while Major GC (Full GC) affects the Old Generation, causing longer pauses.

• CMS (Concurrent Mark-Sweep) minimizes pause times by performing s...read more

Java's synchronized keyword offers simplicity for thread safety but can lead to performance issues and deadlocks.

• Prevents race conditions by allowing only one thread to access a block of code at a time.

• Can lead to performance bottlenecks due to thread blocking and context switching.

• May cause deadlocks if multiple threads are waiting on each other for locks.

• Starvation can occur if a thread is perpetually denied access to a resource.

• ReentrantLock offers more control with method...read more

Java Streams enable parallel processing using ForkJoin framework, but have pitfalls like race conditions and debugging challenges.

• Use parallel streams for CPU-intensive tasks to leverage multiple cores effectively.

• Avoid using parallel streams for small datasets as overhead may outweigh benefits.

• Be cautious of shared mutable state to prevent race conditions; prefer immutable data structures.

• Use forEachOrdered() for order-sensitive operations, but be aware it may negate paralle...read more

Java Streams enable parallel processing using ForkJoin framework, but have pitfalls like race conditions and debugging challenges.

• Use parallel streams for CPU-intensive tasks to leverage multiple cores effectively.

• Avoid using parallel streams for small datasets as overhead may negate performance benefits.

• Be cautious with shared mutable state to prevent race conditions; prefer immutable data structures.

• Use forEachOrdered() for order-sensitive operations, but be aware it may re...read more

Java Streams enable parallel processing using ForkJoin framework, but have pitfalls like race conditions and performance issues with small datasets.

• Use parallel streams for CPU-intensive tasks to leverage multiple cores.

• Avoid shared mutable state to prevent race conditions; use immutable data structures.

• Consider using 'collect()' with a concurrent collector for thread-safe operations.

• Use 'forEachOrdered()' for order-sensitive operations, but be aware of performance trade-offs...read more

A Test Engineer should know the difference between quality control and quality assurance, the importance of software testing, its categories, and types of manual testing.

• Quality control is the process of identifying defects in the final product, while quality assurance is the process of preventing defects from occurring in the first place.

• Software testing is the process of evaluating a software product to detect differences between existing and required conditions and to eval...read more

Different types of waits in Selenium include implicit wait, explicit wait, and fluent wait.

• Implicit wait: Waits for a certain amount of time before throwing an exception if an element is not immediately available.

• Explicit wait: Waits for a specific condition to be met before proceeding with the next steps.

• Fluent wait: Waits for a certain condition to be satisfied with a defined polling frequency.

• Examples: Thread.sleep(5000) for a static wait, WebDriverWait for explicit wait, ...read more

Test cases for a Music Player

• Test playback of different file formats

• Test volume control functionality

• Test shuffle and repeat options

• Test playlist creation and management

• Test search functionality

• Test interruption handling (e.g. phone call)

• Test compatibility with different headphones/speakers

• Test battery consumption

• Test user interface and user experience

The question covers TestNG annotations, Java collections, Xpath, Maven, Jenkins, and browser automation.

• TestNG annotations include @Test, @BeforeTest, @AfterTest, etc.

• Java collections include ArrayList, HashMap, HashSet, etc.

• Xpath is used to locate elements in XML or HTML documents.

• Maven is a build automation tool used for Java projects.

• Jenkins is a CI/CD tool used for continuous integration and delivery.

• Different browsers for automation include Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.

To measure 4 liters using a 3-liter mug and a 5-liter mug, fill the 3-liter mug, pour it into the 5-liter mug, refill the 3-liter mug, pour it into the 5-liter mug until it is full, leaving 1 liter in the 3-liter mug.

• Fill the 3-liter mug and pour it into the 5-liter mug.

• Refill the 3-liter mug and pour it into the 5-liter mug until it is full, leaving 1 liter in the 3-liter mug.

Regression is retesting of previously tested functionality to ensure that changes made to the software have not affected it.

• Regression testing is done to ensure that new changes or fixes have not introduced new bugs or issues.

• It is not necessary to do regression testing on every release, but it should be done on critical functionality or areas that have been changed.

• Regression testing can be done manually or through automation tools like Selenium.

• Examples of regression testin...read more

I would analyze the root cause of the production issue, communicate with the team, and work on a solution to fix the problem.

• Analyze the root cause of the production issue

• Communicate with the team to understand the impact and collaborate on a solution

• Work on fixing the problem and retesting the solution before deploying it to production

A string is a sequence of characters. To make 'Zycus' string to 'Zycus Infotech' in Java, concatenate the two strings.

• Use the '+' operator to concatenate the two strings.

• Create a new string variable and assign the concatenated value to it.

• Example: String str1 = 'Zycus'; String str2 = ' Infotech'; String result = str1 + str2;

RPA stands for Robotic Process Automation. It is a technology that uses software robots to automate repetitive tasks.

• RPA can help reduce errors and increase efficiency in tasks such as data entry and report generation.

• If RPA is not an option, other solutions such as process optimization or manual task delegation may be considered.

• As a test engineer, I would work with the development team to identify the root cause of any issues and propose appropriate solutions.

• For example, i...read more

Yes, I am familiar with agile methodology and use Jira. My strength lies in test automation.

• I have experience working in agile teams and following agile principles

• I am comfortable using Jira for project management and issue tracking

• My strength is in test automation, where I have expertise in tools like Selenium and Appium

• I am also skilled in manual testing and have experience in creating test plans and test cases

Questions related to defect lifecycle, moratorium, NTC Customer, NPA, regression testing, functional testing, and corporate loan.

• Defect lifecycle refers to the stages a defect goes through from discovery to resolution.

• Moratorium is a temporary suspension of an activity.

• NTC Customer refers to a customer who has been declared as 'Not Traceable, Customer' by the bank.

• NPA stands for Non-Performing Asset, a loan that has not been serviced for a certain period of time.

• Regression te...read more

I will plan testing by analyzing the requirements, identifying test scenarios, creating test cases, and executing them.

• Analyze the requirements and identify test scenarios

• Create test cases based on the identified scenarios

• Execute the test cases and report defects

• Perform regression testing to ensure the fixes do not break existing functionality

• Collaborate with the development team to resolve issues

• Ensure the testing is completed within the given timeline

Defect leakage can be handled by identifying the root cause, fixing the issue, and implementing preventive measures.

• Identify the root cause of the defect leakage

• Fix the issue causing the defect leakage

• Implement preventive measures to avoid future defect leakage

• Conduct thorough testing to ensure the defect has been resolved

• Communicate the resolution and preventive measures to the team and stakeholders

Telecom technologies refer to the various technologies used in the telecommunications industry to transmit and receive information.

• Telephony: The technology of transmitting voice signals over long distances.

• Wireless Communication: The transmission of information without the use of physical connections.

• Internet Protocol (IP): The protocol used for transmitting data packets over the internet.

• Fiber Optics: The use of thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as pulses of...read more

Possible test cases for a login page

• Verify valid username and password combination

• Verify invalid username and password combination

• Verify login with empty username field

• Verify login with empty password field

• Verify login with special characters in username or password

• Verify login with incorrect case sensitivity in username

• Verify login with incorrect case sensitivity in password

Software Testing Life Cycle involves phases like planning, designing, executing, and reporting. Different methods and levels of testing are used.

• Phases in Software Testing Life Cycle: Planning, Test Design, Test Execution, Test Reporting

• Different methods of testing: Unit Testing, Integration Testing, System Testing, Acceptance Testing

• Different levels of testing: Unit Testing, Integration Testing, System Testing, Acceptance Testing

• Bug Life Cycle or Defect Life Cycle: New, Assi...read more