Regression Testing test (Intermediate)

Sample questions

5 sample questions from the Regression Testing test, with the answers. Samples are taken out of the live test, so you will not meet these when you sit it.

1. Which of the following is a best practice to avoid flaky tests in an automated test framework?

   1. Running the full regression test suite on every build
   2. Automating all UI tests without considering test stability
   3. Using data-driven tests without maintaining test data independence
   4. Using explicit waits instead of fixed sleeps to avoid flaky tests

   Answer: D. Using explicit waits instead of fixed sleeps to avoid flaky tests

   Flaky tests are caused by factors such as timing issues, shared state, or external dependencies. Using explicit waits (e.g., waiting for an element to be present or visible) helps avoid timing issues and ensures tests are more reliable. Fixed sleeps (e.g., Thread.sleep()) are discouraged because they can lead to flaky tests and are not reliable across different environments. The other options do not directly address the root cause of flaky tests or are not related to test automation best practices.

2. Which statement correctly describes the best practice for determining the execution order of tests in a regression test suite?

   1. Tests with the longest execution time should be executed first to maximise test coverage early in the process.
   2. All tests should be executed in the order they were written, without any changes to their sequence.
   3. Tests should be executed randomly to ensure unbiased results and prevent any bias in the order of execution.
   4. The test suite's execution order should be prioritised so that tests with the highest risk are run first, ensuring that critical functionality is validated early in the test cycle.

   Answer: D. The test suite's execution order should be prioritised so that tests with the highest risk are run first, ensuring that critical functionality is validated early in the test cycle.

   The correct approach to test case execution order is to prioritise tests based on risk, which involves running tests that are most critical to the application's functionality first. This allows teams to detect and address critical issues early in the testing process. Other options may suggest incorrect or incomplete approaches, such as ignoring risk, not considering the order of execution, or focusing solely on test coverage without considering risk.

3. Which of the following is NOT a valid strategy for test prioritization by test stability?

   1. Prioritizing tests with the lowest flaky rate first
   2. Prioritizing tests with the highest flaky rate first
   3. Prioritizing tests with the lowest failure history first
   4. Prioritizing tests with the highest failure history first

   Answer: B. Prioritizing tests with the highest flaky rate first

   Prioritizing tests with the highest flaky rate first is not a correct approach to prioritization by test stability, as flaky tests are unreliable and should be addressed or quarantined rather than prioritized. Tests with the highest stability (lowest flaky rate) should be prioritized first to ensure consistent and reliable test outcomes. Other options are valid strategies for test prioritization based on stability.

4. Which of the following is a best practice for managing test data in regression testing to ensure consistency and reliability?

   1. Store all test data in a shared database to reduce setup time.
   2. Allow test cases to modify shared test data without resetting it after each test.
   3. Reuse production data for all test cases to ensure realism.
   4. Use isolated test data for each test case to avoid interference between tests.

   Answer: D. Use isolated test data for each test case to avoid interference between tests.

   Test data management involves ensuring that test data is properly isolated and controlled to maintain test reliability and performance. Using isolated test data for each test case ensures that tests are independent and do not interfere with each other, which is essential for consistent and reliable test outcomes. Other options may not directly relate to test data management or may not be best practices in this context.

5. Which method is most effective for identifying test case dependencies when selecting regression tests based on code changes?

   1. Relying on file names to identify affected tests
   2. Impact analysis using code coverage maps and dependency graphs
   3. Using a random selection of tests based on past defect history
   4. Manual review of code changes by developers

   Answer: B. Impact analysis using code coverage maps and dependency graphs

   Impact analysis using code coverage maps and dependency graphs is the most effective method for identifying test case dependencies, as it maps which tests are affected by changes in code, ensuring that only relevant tests are selected for regression testing. This approach improves performance and reduces complexity by avoiding unnecessary test execution. Other methods, such as relying on file names or manually reviewing code, are error-prone and less efficient.