CTFL-Foundation Exam Dumps - ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level

The value of static code analysis lies in its ability to detect defects early in the development process. By analyzing the code without executing it, static analysis can identify potential issues, such as coding errors or violations of coding standards, which can be addressed before they lead to more significant problems.

The failure rate in testing already completed is a useful metric to monitor progress along with test preparation and execution. It provides insight into the effectiveness of the tests and the quality of the product, helping to identify areas that may require additional attention or resources.

When a defect is detected and fixed, the software should be retested to confirm that the original defect has been successfully removed. This process is called confirmation testing (or re-testing). According to the ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, version 4.0, confirmation testing involves re-running a test to verify that a specific defect has been fixed. The main objective of this type of testing is to ensure that the initial defect no longer exists after the fix has been applied.

The syllabus states that confirmation testing is distinct from regression testing, which checks for unintended side effects of changes in the software. Confirmation testing specifically targets the areas where defects were found and fixed to ensure those defects are resolved​​.

Independent testing brings objectivity and a fresh perspective, which can uncover defects that developers might overlook due to familiarity with the system. The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0 explains that independent testers are less likely to be influenced by the same assumptions as the developers, thus increasing the likelihood of detecting unique and different defects.

Evaluating the testability of requirements (i) and developing and prioritizing test cases (iv) are part of the test analysis and design activities. Repeating testing activities after changes (ii), designing the test environment set-up (iii), and verifying the environment is set up correctly (v) are part of the test implementation and execution activities. These distinctions are part of the fundamental test process, which ensures that each phase of testing is appropriately planned and executed. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 1.4.1​​.

The V-model enables test planning to start as early as possible. This model is an extension of the waterfall model and emphasizes the importance of early test planning and development of test cases, which corresponds to the development stages. By planning tests early, the V-model ensures that testing is integrated into every phase of the software development lifecycle. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 2.1.2​​.

If the project isn't big enough to justify extensive testing, using risk-based analysis to find out which areas need to be tested is the best approach. Risk-based testing prioritizes testing activities based on the risk of failure and the impact of those failures, ensuring that critical areas of the application are tested thoroughly even with limited resources. This approach helps in focusing testing efforts where they are most needed. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 5.2.3​​.

The main purpose of use case testing is to identify defects in process flows related to the typical use of the system. Use case testing is a black-box test design technique that is based on use case scenarios. These scenarios help in validating that the system performs correctly for the specific ways in which the users will interact with it. This method is particularly effective in finding issues that users might encounter during real-world usage of the system. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.2.4​​.

Reviewing the test basis is a key activity in the Test Analysis and Design phase. This phase involves analyzing the test basis documents (such as requirements, design specifications, and use cases) to identify test conditions and design test cases. The ISTQB CTFL Syllabus explains that thorough review of the test basis ensures that the tests are aligned with the specified requirements and design, improving the accuracy and relevance of the tests​​.

Requirements management tools (ii) have traceability because they enable test conditions and subsequently test scripts and defects to be traced back to requirements. Configuration management tools (iii) also need to trace the appropriate version of a test script to the release or version of a system or module.

Performance monitoring tools (i) and static analysis tools (iv) are designed for specific objectives. Neither of these tools particularly need traceability functions.

Sometimes time/money does signify the end of testing, but it is really complete when everything that was set out in advance has been achieved.

Testing is considered complete when sufficient information has been gathered to assess the quality of the software and to make an informed decision about its release. This includes understanding the risks of any remaining defects, the test coverage achieved, and the test results. It is not practical to wait until all possible test cases have been executed or until no defects remain, as these conditions are often impossible to meet within typical project constraints.

In the MASPAR case study, several key issues were highlighted. Security failures were attributed to untested parts of code (A), despite achieving complete statement and branch coverage, a serious bug was still missed in the MASPAR operating system (B). Additionally, an obscure error required testing the function with nearly every input value to find the two special-case failures (C). Therefore, all thesepoints together (D) illustrate the complexity and challenges in software testing. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0​​.

The test-planning phase involves deciding on schedules and deliverables, hardware and software requirements, and entry and exit criteria. However, the specific types of test cases to be used are typically defined during the test design phase, not during the test planning phase. Test planning focuses on the overall approach and resources needed for testing. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 5.1.1​​.

Walkthroughs are a type of static technique used in software testing. According to the ISTQB CTFL syllabus v4.0, static techniques include activities such as reviews, inspections, and walkthroughs, where the evaluation of the software product is done without executing the code​​.

Structure-based (white-box) test case design techniques involve deriving test cases systematically from the delivered code. The ISTQB CTFL syllabus v4.0 describes that these techniques focus on the internal structure of the software, using knowledge of the code to create test cases that ensure comprehensive coverage of the code's pathways and logic​​.

Static analysis tools analyze the program code to identify potential issues such as syntax errors, unreachable code, and variables that are never used. These tools perform their analysis without executing the code, thus allowing early detection of defects. The ISTQB CTFL syllabus v4.0 highlights that static analysis tools focus on the code itself to find these types of defects​​.

(i) Executing component integration tests is usually done by developers. Developers are usually responsible for unit and component integration testing. Independent testing usually follows at system and acceptance test levels.

(ii) Static analysis is usually done by developers because: it requires an understanding of the code and therefore the person doing this needs skills in the programming language; and it can be done as soon as the code is written. Therefore it is quick and effective for the developer to do it. The risk of a lack of test independence can be mitigated by performing independent system and acceptance testing.

(iii) Setting up the test environment is an activity typically performed by a tester. It may require support from developers and staff from other departments and on some occasions environmentscould be set up by developers. However, it is a task that could be done by a tester rather than a developer.

(iv) Deciding how much testing should be automated is typically a decision made by the test leader, who will consult other staff in the decision-making process. Developers may be involved and their skills may be required to automate some tests. However, the decision on how much to automate should not be made by developers.

The three decisions are in sequence and the conditions are all mutually exclusive (if any one is true the others must be false). Hence a test case that makes the first decision true will make the second and third decisions false and so on.

So test case 1 (say Time = 6) would exercise the path True, False, False, test case 2 (say Time = 15) would exercise the path False, True, False. Test case 3 would have to be Time = 12. This combination achieves 100 per cent decision coverage because each decision has been exercised through its true and its false outcomes.

A valuable objective for a test team is to cause as many failures as possible so that faults can be identified and corrected. This approach is essential because the primary goal of testing is to uncover defects that could potentially lead to failures in the software. By intentionally causing failures, testers can identify and document faults, which can then be fixed to improve the overall quality of the software.

The ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, version 4.0, emphasizes that finding and fixing defects is a core purpose of testing. It is more important to identify and address issues than to prove the absence of defects. Therefore, causing failures to find faults aligns with the fundamental objectives of software testing​​.

A driver is a piece of code that calls a function or module to be tested and passes it the necessary test data. It is commonly used in bottom-up integration testing to simulate the higher-level modules thatinvoke the function being tested. Stubs, on the other hand, are used to simulate lower-level modules. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.3.1​​.

Incremental testing approaches involve testing components of the software in increments or steps, allowing for integration and testing of parts of the system progressively. According to the ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, version 4.0, the common types of incremental testing approaches include:

Top-down: Testing starts from the top of the module hierarchy and progresses downwards.

Bottom-up: Testing begins with the lower-level modules and progresses upwards.

Functional incrementation: Adding and testing one function at a time.

Big-bang testing, however, is not an incremental approach. In big-bang testing, all components or modules are integrated simultaneously, and the system is tested as a whole. This approach does not allow for incremental testing and integration and is therefore not considered a type of incremental testing approach​​.

Test planning involves defining the overall approach to testing and assigning resources. According to the ISTQB CTFL syllabus v4.0, the activities that form part of test planning include determining the scope, approach, resources, and schedule of testing activities. Developing test cases, building the test environment, and writing test conditions are activities that belong to the later phases of the testing process, such as test design and implementation​​.

The typical order of testing phases starts with unit testing, where individual components are tested in isolation. This is followed by system testing, where the integrated system is tested as a whole. Acceptance testing is then conducted to ensure the system meets the business requirements and is ready for deployment. Finally, maintenance testing is performed after the system is in production to ensure it continues to function correctly and to address any issues that arise.

The test process can start as soon as the software requirements have been approved. The ISTQB CTFL syllabus v4.0 emphasizes that early involvement of testing helps in identifying defects early in the lifecycle, which includes the validation of requirements and planning of testing activities based on those requirements​​.

Reporting discrepancies as incidents is part of the Test Implementation and Execution phase. During this phase, any deviations from expected results, bugs, or issues discovered are logged as incidents. These incidents are then managed and tracked until they are resolved. This phase is crucial for identifying and documenting problems that occur during the testing process​​.

Developing a test strategy or test approach often involves using a failure-based approach and a model-based approach. The failure-based approach focuses on anticipating potential failures and designing tests to expose these failures. The model-based approach uses models of the system’s behavior or structure to design test cases systematically. These approaches help in creating a robust and comprehensive test strategy. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 5.2.2​​.

The tasks of a tester typically include preparing and acquiring test data, implementing tests on all levels, executing and logging the tests, and creating test specifications. Interaction with the testtool vendor is generally not a primary task for testers but rather for test managers or tool specialists. The ISTQB CTFL Syllabus outlines these roles and responsibilities, emphasizing the technical tasks testers perform to ensure thorough testing and documentation​​.

For reviewing safety-critical components in a software project, the most adequate review types are Inspections and Technical Reviews. Inspections are a formal review technique with a well-defined process that includes thorough preparation, examination, and documentation, making them suitable for critical components. Technical Reviews involve a detailed examination of the technical aspects of the software and are conducted by experts, which ensures that any potential issues are identified and addressed early.

The Black-box testing technique is a method where the internal structure or workings of the item being tested are not known to the tester. This technique focuses on the input and output of the software system, ensuring that it meets the specified requirements without considering the internal code structure. It contrasts with White-box testing, which involves testing internal structures or workings of an application.

A valid objective of testing is to prevent defects. While correcting defects and locating defects in the code are part of the testing process, the primary goal is often to prevent defects by identifying issues early in the development cycle and improving the overall quality of the software. Ensuring no defects are present is an unrealistic objective, as testing can demonstrate the presence of defects but not their absence.

Equivalence partitioning divides input data into partitions where each partition is expected to be treated the same way by the system. The values $2,000 (no duty), $2,001 (taxed at 10%), and $10,000 (partially taxed at 12%) fall into three different equivalence classes based on the provided tax brackets, ensuring different behaviors for each class.

The fundamental test process consists of several sequential steps: planning and control, analysis, design, implementation, execution, evaluation of exit criteria and reporting, and test closure. This comprehensive process ensures that testing is methodical and covers all necessary aspects from preparation to conclusion.

Testing support tools are typically used to automate activities that are resource-intensive when done manually, repetitive tasks, and repetitive inspections. However, they are not usually designed to automate activities that cannot be executed manually at all, as such activities may require complex and sophisticated human intervention or decision-making.

According to the IEEE 829 Standard for Software Test Documentation, an incident report should include the identification of configuration items of the software or system (i), the software or system lifecycle process in which the incident was observed (ii), a description of the anomaly to enable reproduction of the incident (iii), and the classification of the cause of the incident formetrics and reporting purposes (v). The number of occurrences of the incident is not typically included.

Debugging is the process where developers identify, locate, and correct defects. Testers are then responsible for confirming that the correction has resolved the original defect. This separation of responsibilities ensures that defects are properly fixed and verified.

Test planning should be a continuous activity throughout the software development lifecycle. This ensures that the test plans remain relevant and effective, adapting to any changes in the project scope, requirements, or timelines.

The task "verify the test environment set up is correct" relates to the Implementation and Execution phase of the fundamental test process. This phase includes setting up the test environment, creating test data, and executing test cases.

To verify the non-functional requirements such as the support for a minimum number of enquiries per hour, availability, and response time during peak loads, the most appropriate set of test types would include Performance Testing to assess the responsiveness and stability, Load Testing to verify the system's ability to handle expected user loads, and Stress Testing to determine the system's behavior under extreme conditions. These tests collectively ensure that the system meets the specified non-functional criteria.

Test planning involves defining the overall approach to testing, including setting objectives, strategies, and resources. It ensures that the level of detail in test procedures is appropriate for the subsequent test execution phase. Effective test planning helps in aligning the testing activities with the project goals and ensures that the tests are executed as per the defined procedures.

Experience-based techniques rely on the testers' knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as insights from developers and users, to design test cases. These techniques do not depend on formal models or the internal structure of the software but rather on practical experience and understanding of how the software is likely to be used and where defects are likely to be found​​.

Independent testing is crucial because independent testers can provide an unbiased perspective and verify the assumptions made during the specification and implementation phases. This helps in identifying defects that might be overlooked by developers who are closely involved in the creation of the system.

It is generally not feasible to perform exhaustive testing due to time and resource constraints. Instead, testing efforts should be focused using risk analysis and priorities to ensure the most critical areas are tested thoroughly. This approach helps in maximizing the effectiveness of the testing process while managing resources efficiently.

When evaluating risks, both the likelihood of failure and the potential cost of impact must be considered. The risk with the highest level is determined by the product of these two factors. In this case, a 10% likelihood of failure with a potential cost of impact of $500,000 results in a higher risk (expected impact) compared to the other options. The expected impact is calculated as likelihood multiplied by impact, which is higher for option B​​.

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Equivalence Partitioning is a black-box testing technique that divides the input data of a software unit into partitions of equivalent data from which test cases can be derived. It helps in reducing the number of test cases while maintaining adequate test coverage.

Static techniques involve the examination and evaluation of software products without executing them. According to the ISTQB syllabus, these techniques include both manual and automated reviews and analyses of code and project documentation. This helps identify defects early in the development process, improving the overall quality and reducing the cost of fixing defects later in the lifecycle​​.

Exit criteria are the conditions that must be met to conclude a particular phase of testing. These criteria include acceptance criteria, completion criteria, and pass/fail criteria. They help ensure that the testing process is thorough and that the system meets the required standards before moving on to the next phase.

Experience-based test design techniques rely on the tester's skill, intuition, and experience to derive test cases. Techniques like error guessing and exploratory testing fall under this category. These methods do not depend on formal specifications but rather on the tester's understanding of the system and potential areas where defects might exist.

The application failed due to a defect in the purchase identification module. This defect could have been caused by a programmer mistake or an error in the specification. The incorrect counting of purchase attempts indicates a flaw in the logic or implementation of the module responsible for identifying successful purchases.

Testing is primarily used to identify defects in the software. While it can show the presence of defects, it cannot guarantee that no defects are present. Thus, testing helps in demonstrating that there are defects, which can then be addressed.

Static analysis tools are designed to analyze code without executing it. They are highly effective at identifying issues such as syntax errors, variable declaration, and usage problems. Options A, B, and D are types of defects that static analysis tools can typically detect because they relate to the code structure and syntax. However, Option C refers to a variable having the wrong numeric value passed into it, which is more of a logical error that typically requires dynamic testing to identify. Static analysis tools cannot understand the correct logical flow or expected values in the code, thus making Option C the correct answer​​ .

Statement testing is a white-box test technique that involves creating test cases to execute specific statements in the code. The goal is to ensure that all statements in the program are executed at least once during testing. This technique requires knowledge of the internal structure of the code and focuses on verifying the flow of execution and logic within the program​​.

Providing support for the test team using the tool is crucial for successful deployment. This includes training the test team on how to effectively use the tool, offering ongoing support to address any issues, and integrating the tool into existing processes. By ensuring that the team is well-equipped and confident in using the tool, the organization can maximize the benefits of the tool and improve overall testing efficiency​​.

A dynamic analysis tool would have been the most effective at detecting a defect where a code component fails to release memory after use. These tools analyze the behavior of the software while it is running, allowing them to identify issues like memory leaks, which occur when memory is not properly freed. Dynamic analysis tools can monitor the allocation and deallocation of memory in real-time, helping to pinpoint the exact location and cause of the memory leak before the software is deployed​​ .

Exploratory testing is highly effective when under severe time pressure because it allows testers to simultaneously learn, design, and execute tests. It is a flexible approach that does not require extensive preparation and documentation, making it ideal for situations where time is limited​​.

Boundary value analysis involves testing at the boundaries between partitions. For the Frequency input, valid boundaries are 1 and 5, while invalid boundaries are 0 and 6. For the Duration input, valid boundaries are 1 and 60 minutes, while invalid boundaries are 0 and 61 minutes. Therefore, Option C includes the correct set of valid and invalid boundary values for both inputs​​.

Debugging is the process that involves locating the cause of a failure and fixing the defect. Therefore, activities b) "Locating the cause of failure" and c) "Fixing the defect" are debugging activities. Identifying a failure and checking that the fix has resolved the failure are parts of testing, not debugging​​.

The correct logical order for the test cases ensures a smooth and realistic flow through the system functionalities. The sequence should start with logging into the system (Test Case 3), searching for available flights (Test Case 1), selecting an available flight (Test Case 4), viewing the selected item in My Flights (Test Case 2), confirming details and booking the flight in My Flights (Test Case 6), and finally printing the confirmation receipt and exiting (Test Case 5)​​ .

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Equivalence Partitioning is a black box test design technique used to divide input data into partitions that are expected to be treated the same by the system. It focuses on ensuring that each partition represents a set of valid or invalid states for the input, and one test case from each partition is enough to cover the entire set. This technique does not rely on the internal structure of the code but rather on the functionality and behavior as seen from the user's perspective​​.

In the provided state table, an invalid transition is represented by an empty cell. According to the table, Event E from State S4 is an invalid transition as the cell for this combination is empty. This indicates that the transition from State S4 on Event E is not defined​​.

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According to the decision table:

For TC1, since Paul is not a full member but is a Loyalty Card holder and requests 18 holes with a buggy/cart, the applicable action is £18 Green Fees plus £5 for buggy/cart, totaling £23.

For TC2, since Cheryl is not a full member, does not have a Loyalty Card, and requests 9 holes with a buggy/cart, the applicable action is £16 Green Fees with no buggy allowed​​.

An independent test function in an organization helps improve defect finding during reviews and testing by providing an unbiased perspective on the software. Independent testers are not influenced by the development team’s constraints and can evaluate the software more objectively. This leads to the identification of defects that might be overlooked by developers who are too close to their own code. Independent testing enhances the quality and reliability of the software by bringing fresh insights and ensuring thorough testing​​.

When a developer makes a mistake that introduces a fault in the code, and this fault is not detected during testing, it becomes a latent defect. The definite consequence is that if this defect is executed under specific conditions, it may cause the system to fail. The actual failure occurs only when the defect is triggered during the system's operation. This emphasizes the importance of thorough testing to catch such defects before the software is released​​.

Measurement of code coverage is important because it helps ensure that all code is exercised by tests. This does not guarantee that there are no coding errors or that all requirements are covered, but it helps identify untested parts of the code, allowing for better test coverage and more robust testing processes​​.

To meet the test plan requirements and logical dependencies, the test schedule should start with re-tests (those that have previously failed), followed by the highest priority tests. Additionally, tests should be scheduled to create necessary test data for subsequent tests. In this case, teste(log in as admin user and create a standard user) must be done first as it is necessary to perform all other actions. Following this, testa(log in as standard user and create customer account) creates the standard user needed for subsequent actions. Then, the highest priority testd(order twoitems or more), which has failed before, should be executed next, followed by testc(create invoice for order), and finally testb(order one item)​​.

The highest level of testing independence is achieved when the testing process is performed by individuals or teams who are completely independent of the development team and the organization. Option B, which involves outsourcing test design and execution to a different company, ensures that there is no bias or influence from the development team or company politics, thereby achieving the highest level of testing independence​​.

Maintenance testing is typically triggered by changes to the operational system, such as data migration, system modification, or system retirement. These triggers require testing to ensure that the changes do not negatively impact the existing functionality. However, the introduction of a test management tool does not directly affect the operational system and is not considered a trigger for maintenance testing​​.

The pesticide paradox in testing refers to the phenomenon where continuously using the same set of tests on the software eventually becomes less effective at finding new defects. Just as insects can develop resistance to pesticides over time, software defects become less detectable by tests that are not updated. Therefore, to maintain the effectiveness of testing, it is essential to regularly review and revise the test cases to introduce new tests and update existing ones​​.

Specification-based techniques, also known as black-box techniques, derive test cases from the specifications or requirements of the system. These techniques can be particularly useful when the test basis (such as documentation or requirements) is poorly defined or incomplete, as they provide a structured approach to testing based on the available specifications. This ensures that testing can proceed even when detailed documentation is lacking, helping to identify defects related to missing or incorrect functionality​​.

The correct sequence in the causal chain is "Error, fault, failure". An error (or mistake) made by a person can lead to a fault (or defect) in the software. When the fault is executed, it may cause a failure in the software system. This sequence is important to understand the cause and effect relationship in software testing and defect management​​ .

Static analysis tools are designed to analyze code without executing it. They are particularly good at finding defects related to code structure, such as variables that are not used or improperly declared. These tools can parse the code and identify issues that may not be easily detected through dynamic testing methods. Other issues like omission of a major requirement (A), inadequate decision coverage (B), and component memory leakage (C) are typically found through dynamic testing or higher-level verification techniques​​ .

According to the decision table, Test Case 1 is valid because an employee who is not a car or motorcycle driver cannot claim expenses, as shown in Rule 1. Test Case 3 is valid because a motorcycle driver can claim expenses, as indicated in Rule 2, with expenses claim band A. However, Test Case 2 is invalid because, according to Rule 5, a car driver with a diesel engine greater than 1600cc cannot claim expenses. The expected result should be that the expense claim is not allowed, not band C​​.

Decision coverage is a testing metric used to ensure that all possible paths (decisions) in the code have been executed at least once. It is not used to verify the correctness of module calls, which ismore related to integration testing or control flow testing. Options A, B, and D describe valid uses of decision coverage, ensuring that decisions are exercised in programs, business processes, and measuring the extent of coverage by a test suite​​ .

An incident report typically includes the version(s) of the software under test, expected results and actual results, and precise steps to reproduce the problem. However, the test execution schedule is not a standard part of an incident report. It is more relevant to test planning and management documents rather than incident reporting​​.

Equivalence partitioning is a black-box test design technique that divides input data into partitions that are expected to be treated similarly by the system. In this case, 0600 falls into the peak-time tariff, 1000 is at the boundary of peak-time but still included in it, and 1200 falls into the off-peak tariff. This ensures that each input is from a different equivalence partition, testing different functional areas of the system​​.

For a system with complex business rules and many branches, decision testing (a white-box technique) is appropriate because it ensures that each decision point (branch) in the code is tested. Equivalence partitioning (a black-box technique) complements this by ensuring that all functional areas (based ondifferent inputs) are adequately tested. This combination provides thorough coverage of both the internal logic and the functional requirements of the system​​.

Functional and structural testing can be applied at all test levels. Functional testing focuses on verifying that the software behaves as expected based on the requirements, while structural testing examines the internal structure and workings of the software. These testing approaches are complementary and can be used together at various stages of testing, including component, integration, system, and acceptance testing. Applying both types of tests ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the software's functionality and internal structure​​.

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