Automation Functional Testing

Most common questions and answers used to hire Automation Functional Testing Engineers. We’ve compiled a list of the most common and frequently asked interview questions in Automation Function Testing. If you want to ace your job interview, then checkout these Interview Questions.


Q.1 Define the steps involved in the Automation Process.
Steps involved in the automation process are -
1. Selecting the Test tool
2. Define scope of automation
3. Planning, design, and development
4. Test execution
5. Maintenance
Q.2 According to what condition we cannot use automation testing for the Agile method?
Automation testing is not useful for agile methods because -
1. Agile testing always ask for changes in requirements
2. Exhaustive level of documentation is required in Agile
3. Suitable for those regression tests during agile testing like continuous integration
Q.3 What are the key features of good automation tool?
The key features of good automation tool are -
1. Test Environment support and easy to use
2. Good debugging facility
3. Robust object identification
4. Object and Image testing abilities
5. Object identification
6. Testing of database
7. Support multiple frameworks
Q.4 What according to you is the scripting standard when performing automation testing?
When writing the scripts for automation, following must be considered -
1. Uniform naming convention.
2. 3 Lines of comments for every 10 lines of code
3. Adequate indentation.
4. Robust error handling and recovery scenario
5. Use of Frameworks wherever possible
Q.5 What are the basis that map the success of automation testing?
The success of automation testing can be mapped on the following basis -
1. Defect Detection Ratio
2. Automation execution time and time savings to release the product
3. Reduction in Labour and other costs
Q.6 When is automation testing considered useful?
Automation testing is considered useful under given scenarios -
1. Regression testing: In case of a bug fix or new module implementation, one has to ensure that the already implemented or unchanged functionality is not affected. In which case, we end up running the regression test case multiple times. For instance after each change request or bug fix, after each iteration in case of incremental development approach etc.
2. Non-functional Testing: Testing the non-functional aspects of an application. For instance Load testing or performance testing etc, are very difficult for humans to track and analyze.
3. Complex calculation checks or tests scenarios that are prone to human errors.
4. Repeated execution of same tests: At times we have to run the same set of test case for a different set of data or after each build release or on multiple hardware, software or combination of both.
Q.7 What are the most popular tools for automation testing?
The most popular test tool for automation testing are -
1. QTP (HP UFT)
2. Rational Robot
3. Selenium
Q.8 What are the conditions to automate a test?
The conditions to automate a test are -
1. Repetitive Tasks
2. Smoke and Sanity Tests
3. Test with multiple data set
4. Regression test cases
Q.9 What is Automation Functional Testing?
Automation Functional Testing is the process of using automated tools and scripts to execute functional test cases in a software application.
Q.10 Why is automation testing important?
Automation testing enhances test efficiency, coverage, and repeatability, reducing manual effort and human errors.
Q.11 Name some popular automation testing tools.
Popular tools include Selenium, Appium, TestComplete, and Robot Framework, among others.
Q.12 What is Selenium WebDriver?
Selenium WebDriver is a widely-used tool for automating web browser interactions and testing web applications.
Q.13 Explain the difference between manual and automation testing.
Manual testing is performed manually by testers, while automation testing is executed using scripts and automation tools.
Q.14 What are the advantages of automation testing?
Advantages include faster execution, greater test coverage, early defect detection, and repeatability.
Q.15 What is a test automation framework?
A test automation framework is a set of guidelines and practices that provide a structured way to create and manage automated tests.
Q.16 Why automation testing?
Automation testing improves efficiency of testing.
Reduced testing efforts and costs.
Testing can be replicated across different platforms.
Gives accurate results.
Usually used for large applications with stringent deadlines.
Q.17 What are the different types of test automation frameworks?
Types include keyword-driven, data-driven, modular, and hybrid frameworks.
Q.18 When will you automate a test?
Automation in preferred in following cases
Repetitive Tasks
Smoke and Sanity Tests
Test with multiple data set
Regression test cases
Q.19 What is a test script in automation testing?
A test script is a set of instructions or code that defines the steps to be executed in an automated test.
Q.20 Explain load testing on websites?
To access a website, a user sends a “request” to that website’s server, and the server sends back a response in the form of the website you want to access. quality assurance engineers and automation engineers just need to multiply the number of responses sent to simulate different traffic loads, to load test a website. The web server’s response to the influx of virtual users be measured. To determine performance issues and server capacity this is used.
Q.21 What is the purpose of a test automation tool's object repository?
An object repository stores information about the application's elements (objects) and helps locate them during test automation.
Q.22 Give the features and benefits of quick test pro(qtp)?
The features and benefits of Quick Test Pro:
It is a key word driven testing
Suitable for web based application for both the client and the server
It has better error handling mechanism
Data driven testing features are excellent
It has record and play feature
The screen shots can be recorded
For persisting values Run time data can be used.
Q.23 Explain the term "test data" in automation testing.
Test data refers to input values, configurations, and conditions used to execute test cases during automation testing.
Q.24 When you will not automate testing?
One should not automate in following cases :
When the Application Under Test changes frequently
One time test cases
Adhoc – Random testing
Q.25 What is an assertion in automation testing?
An assertion is a verification point that checks whether an expected result matches the actual result during test execution.
Q.26 Are you familiar with selenium? if yes, what is it?
Built for web applications, its a suite of software testing and automation tools. Bty utilizing Selenium, software tests can be written in languages like Java, Perl, Python, and more. The framework itself can be deployed on the three major operating systems: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Q.27 How do you handle dynamic elements in automation testing?
Dynamic elements can be located using techniques like Xpath expressions, CSS selectors, or waiting mechanisms to ensure they are present before interaction.
Q.28 What is build verification testing, bvt?
BVT: it is a group of tests that execute on every newly build of products for verification in which the build is testable prior to the release of build into the hands of the test team. The application software's main stream functionality is tested using BVT. BVT lets the developers know if any serious problems exist with the build. By avoiding the test of an unstable build they save the test team time and frustration .
Q.29 What is a test case in automation testing?
A test case is a set of pre-defined steps or conditions that verify whether a specific functionality or feature of an application works as expected.
Q.30 What steps are involved steps in the automation process ?
In the automation process:
Selecting the Test tool
Define scope of automation
Planning, design and development
Test execution
Maintenance
Q.31 How can you handle pop-up windows in automation testing?
Pop-up windows can be handled using WebDriver methods for switching to and interacting with them.
Q.32 While planning phase of automation whets are the points that are covered?
During the planning phase of automation things which has to be taken in concern:
Selection the “right” Automation tool
Selection Automation Framework if any
List of In scope and out of scope items for an automation
Test Environment setup
Preparing Grant Chart of the Project timelines for test script development & execution.
Identify Test Deliverables
Q.33 What is data-driven testing in automation?
Data-driven testing involves executing the same test script with multiple sets of test data to validate various scenarios.
Q.34 What are some other automation testing tools that you are familiar with?
Besides Selenium, there is Sahi, Load Runner, Jmeter, QTP, Silk Test, WinRunner, etc.
Q.35 How do you report and analyze test results in automation testing?
Test results are typically logged and reported using automation testing frameworks, and they can be analyzed to identify defects and trends.
Q.36 Stop automating the tests which only run once?
Ensure that certain test cases might be running once and not included in the regression testing. Avoid automating such test modules.
Q.37 Explain the concept of test automation ROI (Return on Investment).
Test automation ROI measures the benefits gained from automation in terms of time saved, reduced costs, and improved product quality.
Q.38 What are the conditions during which we cannot use automation testing for agile method?
Automation testing is not useful for agile methods in conditions like:
When Agile testing always ask for changes in the requirements
When there is a need of Exhaustive level of documentation in the Agile
Only appropriate for those regression tests during agile testing like continuos integration.
Q.39 What is the role of version control in automation testing?
Version control systems like Git help manage and track changes to test scripts and ensure collaboration among team members.
Q.40 What kind of tests would you automate?
Regression tests, Load tests, and sanity tests are the sorts of tests any quality engineer would typically automate.
Q.41 How do you handle test script maintenance in automation testing?
Test script maintenance involves updating scripts to accommodate changes in the application, improving robustness and reliability.
Q.42 In automation testing what is tree view?
In Quick Test Pro a tree view has statements in keywords or in tree structure. The testing process in the keyword created and viewed in the keyword drive modular format.
Q.43 What are the advantages and disadvantages of record-and-playback tools in automation testing?
Advantages include ease of use, while disadvantages may include limited flexibility and difficulty handling dynamic elements.
Q.44 Give the primary features of good automation tool?
Test Environment support and easy to use.
Good debugging facility.
Robust object identification.
Object and Image testing abilities.
Object identification.
Testing of database.
Support multiple frameworks.
Q.45 What is parallel test execution in automation testing?
Parallel test execution involves running multiple test cases concurrently to reduce execution time.
Q.46 Does automation testing have any disadvantages?
Designing the tools and tests to run software through takes a lot of human, manual effort, although there are frameworks and tests ready made for engineers to use. Even with automated testing, human error is still a factor – tools can be costly, buggy, inefficient, and sometimes even technologically limited in what kinds of tests they can run on their own.
Q.47 How do you handle test environment setup and teardown in automation testing?
Automation scripts can include setup and teardown steps to prepare the test environment before execution and clean up afterward.
Q.48 Highlight the pre-requisites to start automation testing?
The first step involves segregation of the different test cases that are to be automated, followed by preparing test data as per the needs of the test cases. Reusable functions need to be written which are frequently used in those test cases. Later test scripts are prepared by using reusable functions and apply loops and conditions wherever necessary.
In a nut shell, the following are the pre-requisites for starting automation testing:
Build should always be stable
Get the functionalities to repeat
Filtering the automated test cases
Q.49 What are some common challenges in automation testing?
Challenges may include test maintenance, handling dynamic elements, synchronization issues, and test data management.
Q.50 Give the types of framework used in software automation testing?
Four types of framework are used:
Data driven automation framework
Keyword driven automati4on framework
Modular automation framework
Hybrid automation framework
Q.51 What is the Page Object Model (POM) in Selenium?
POM is a design pattern that represents each web page as a separate class, making it easier to maintain and enhance automation scripts.
Q.52 Name the type of tests can be run with the selenium framework?
Selenium framework can be used for load testing, regression testing, and functional testing of web applications.
Q.53 How do you handle browser compatibility testing in automation?
Browser compatibility testing can be performed by executing tests on multiple browsers and versions using Selenium WebDriver.
Q.54 Explain how qtp identifies objects?
For each object class that QTP identifies, it has a set of properties stored. These include mandatory properties, which is essentially a description of any given object, which checks if it’s a child or parent object as well. Next are the assistive properties, which QTP resorts to only if the mandatory properties are insufficient at identifying the object. If all else fails, QTP resorts, finally, to its ordinal identifier.
Q.55 What is an automated test suite?
An automated test suite is a collection of test cases grouped together for efficient execution and reporting.
Q.56 List the five essential types of test steps?
Test object
Functions
Utility
Comment
Programming logic
Q.57 Explain the concept of test-driven development (TDD).
TDD is a software development approach where tests are written before the code, ensuring that the code meets the desired functionality.
Q.58 What environment does qtp run in?
test batch runner .mtb
results .xml
test file .mts
recovery scenario .qrs
shared object repository .tsr
local object repository .mtr
function library .qfl
Q.59 What is the purpose of continuous integration (CI) in automation testing?
CI involves regularly integrating code changes into a shared repository and running automated tests to identify defects early in the development process.
Q.60 Can you list some technologies that support qtp?
.NET
Delphi
Web
Java (Core)
Java (Advanced)
Windows Mobile
Oracle
SAP
WPF
Siebel
PeopleSoft
Flex
Silverlight
Q.61 How do you handle database testing in automation testing?
Database testing involves verifying data integrity, consistency, and accuracy by executing SQL queries within test scripts.
Q.62 Does the selenium ide have any drawbacks?
The Selenium IDE lacks conditional statements, logging and reporting functionality, loops, database testing, and it can not handle exceptions or automatically re-run tests that have failed. It also can’t take screenshots. Another downside is that it’s Firefox only. If the Selenium IDE is used in the Firefox browser’s side-bar, then the quality engineer can’t use it to record any actions undertaken by a user in a separate window.
Q.63 What is the significance of automation testing frameworks like JUnit and TestNG?
These frameworks provide structure for test execution, reporting, and test suite management in automation testing.
Q.64 Explain the concept of headless browser testing.
Headless browser testing involves running browser automation without a visible browser UI, which can be faster and more resource-efficient.
Q.65 What are some best practices for creating effective automation test scripts?
Best practices include using meaningful test names, minimizing dependencies, and following the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle.
Q.66 What is the purpose of the "before" and "after" hooks in test automation frameworks?
These hooks allow you to perform setup and teardown actions before and after test execution, such as initializing resources and cleaning up.
Q.67 What is the role of test automation in a DevOps pipeline?
Test automation is essential in a DevOps pipeline to ensure continuous testing and validate software changes throughout the development process.
Q.68 How do you handle authentication in automation testing for web applications?
Authentication can be handled by providing credentials programmatically or by using built-in browser capabilities like handling alerts and pop-ups.
Q.69 What is the purpose of continuous testing in DevOps?
Continuous testing ensures that automated tests run continuously throughout the software development lifecycle, providing rapid feedback.
Q.70 Explain the concept of test data management in automation testing.
Test data management involves creating, maintaining, and provisioning test data to ensure effective test case execution.
Q.71 How can you handle third-party integrations in automation testing?
Third-party integrations can be simulated or mocked to avoid dependencies on external services during testing.
Q.72 What is a code review, and how does it relate to automation testing?
Code reviews involve peers reviewing automation test scripts to ensure quality, readability, and adherence to best practices.
Q.73 How do you handle testing of mobile applications using automation?
Mobile application testing can be automated using tools like Appium or by simulating user interactions on emulators or real devices.
Q.74 What is a test harness in automation testing?
A test harness is a set of tools, libraries, and scripts used to execute automated tests and collect results.
Q.75 Explain the concept of continuous testing in a CI/CD pipeline.
Continuous testing involves running automated tests at each stage of the CI/CD pipeline to identify defects early and ensure software quality.
Q.76 What is a test management tool, and how does it assist in automation testing?
Test management tools help plan, organize, and track test cases, test execution, and results in automation testing projects.
Q.77 How do you handle test reporting and logging in automation testing?
Automation frameworks often include built-in reporting and logging mechanisms to capture and analyze test results.
Q.78 What is the purpose of parameterization in automation testing?
Parameterization allows you to run the same test with different sets of data, increasing test coverage.
Q.79 Explain the concept of "testability" in automation testing.
Testability refers to designing software applications with testing in mind, making them easier to automate and test thoroughly.
Q.80 How do you handle complex user interactions in automation testing?
Complex user interactions can be automated by scripting sequences of actions and verifications using automation tools.
Q.81 What are the challenges of testing mobile applications in automation?
Challenges include handling various devices, screen sizes, and OS versions, as well as dealing with limited device resources.
Q.82 How do you implement cross-browser testing in automation?
Cross-browser testing involves creating scripts that can execute tests on different browsers and browser versions using automation tools.
Q.83 What is the purpose of a test strategy in automation testing?
A test strategy defines the overall approach and objectives of testing, including automation goals and scope.
Q.84 How can you optimize the execution speed of automation tests?
Execution speed can be optimized by using parallel test execution, headless browsers, and efficient test scripts.
Q.85 Explain the concept of a "test pyramid" in automation testing.
The test pyramid represents the distribution of different types of tests, with unit tests at the base, followed by integration tests and a smaller number of UI tests at the top.
Q.86 What is "shift-left testing" in the context of automation testing?
Shift-left testing involves moving testing activities earlier in the development process to identify and address defects sooner.
Q.87 How do you handle testing of APIs and web services in automation?
APIs and web services can be tested using tools like Postman, RestAssured, or by making HTTP requests within automation scripts.
Q.88 What is "continuous validation" in automation testing?
Continuous validation involves constantly validating that the application meets specified requirements throughout the development process.
Q.89 How do you ensure test data privacy and security in automation testing?
Test data should be anonymized or obfuscated to protect sensitive information while ensuring valid test scenarios.
Q.90 Explain the concept of "smoke testing" in automation.
Smoke testing involves running a subset of essential test cases to quickly verify whether the application is stable enough for more extensive testing.
Q.91 What are some common automation testing anti-patterns?
Anti-patterns include hard-coding data in scripts, neglecting maintainability, and not considering test data management.
Q.92 How do you handle test flakiness in automation testing?
Test flakiness can be reduced by improving test scripts, enhancing synchronization, and using robust locators for test elements.
Q.93 What is the purpose of "test-driven automation" in automation testing?
Test-driven automation involves writing automation scripts based on the expected behavior of the application, similar to test-driven development (TDD).
Q.94 How do you deal with test script failures in automation testing?
Failed test scripts should be investigated, and the cause of failure should be identified and documented for further analysis and resolution.
Q.95 Explain the concept of "keyword-driven testing" in automation.
Keyword-driven testing involves defining test steps using keywords and associating them with corresponding actions and data in a table format.
Q.96 What is "headless testing" in automation, and when is it beneficial?
Headless testing involves running tests without a graphical user interface, which can be useful for running tests in environments without a GUI, such as servers or CI/CD pipelines.
Q.97 How do you handle version control for automation test scripts?
Automation test scripts should be stored in version control systems like Git for tracking changes and collaboration among team members.
Q.98 What is "code coverage" in automation testing, and why is it important?
Code coverage measures how much of the codebase is exercised by automated tests, helping identify untested or insufficiently tested areas.
Q.99 How do you determine the test automation scope for a project?
Test automation scope is determined based on factors like project objectives, budget, timelines, and the criticality of test cases.
Q.100 What is a "test environment" in automation testing?
A test environment is a controlled setup that replicates the production environment to execute automated tests accurately.
Q.101 How do you prioritize test cases for automation in a project?
Test case prioritization is based on factors such as business impact, regression risk, and frequently executed scenarios.
Q.102 What is "keyword-driven framework" in automation testing?
A keyword-driven framework allows testers to write test cases using keywords that correspond to specific automation actions and verifications.
Q.103 What is the role of test data-driven frameworks in automation testing?
Data-driven frameworks separate test data from test scripts, making it easier to execute tests with different datasets.
Q.104 How do you handle test script maintenance in a dynamic and rapidly changing application?
Regularly update and refactor test scripts to accommodate changes, and use version control to track changes.
Q.105 What is "test execution orchestration" in automation testing?
Orchestration involves coordinating the execution of multiple automated tests in a specific order or parallel to optimize testing workflows.
Q.106 Explain the concept of "test execution agents" in automation testing.
Test execution agents are components or devices that run automated tests in various environments, such as browsers, mobile devices, or servers.
Q.107 What is the purpose of test automation frameworks like Cucumber and SpecFlow?
These frameworks enable behavior-driven development (BDD) by allowing stakeholders to write tests in natural language.
Q.108 How do you handle automated tests for applications with frequent updates and releases?
Continuous integration and continuous testing practices help ensure that automated tests are executed as part of the development pipeline.
Q.109 What are some strategies for optimizing test automation script execution time?
Strategies include running tests in parallel, minimizing unnecessary wait times, and using efficient locators.
Q.110 How do you handle automated tests for applications with complex user interfaces, such as single-page applications (SPAs)?
Implement robust locators and synchronization techniques, and consider using specialized testing libraries for SPAs.
Q.111 What is the role of automated regression testing in a DevOps pipeline?
Automated regression testing verifies that new code changes do not introduce defects and helps maintain software quality during rapid development cycles.
Q.112 How do you ensure test case coverage in automation testing?
Coverage can be ensured by mapping test cases to requirements and regularly reviewing and updating test suites to reflect changes.
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