What is boundary value analysis?
Theme: Testing Techniques Role: Qa Engineer/Test Engineer Function: Technology
Interview Question for QA Engineer/Test Engineer: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About QA Engineer/Test Engineer: Ensure software quality through testing and quality assurance. This role falls within the Technology function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Testing Techniques with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Definition: Boundary value analysis is a black box testing technique used to identify errors at the boundaries of input values or conditions
- Objective: The main objective of boundary value analysis is to ensure that the system handles both valid and invalid inputs correctly
- Boundary Values: Boundary values are the minimum and maximum values that define the limits of valid input or conditions
- Test Cases: Boundary value analysis involves creating test cases that focus on the boundaries and just beyond them
- Test Data: Test data for boundary value analysis includes values at the lower and upper boundaries, as well as values just below and above those boundaries
- Equivalence Partitioning: Boundary value analysis is often combined with equivalence partitioning to create comprehensive test cases
- Advantages: Boundary value analysis helps in identifying defects that occur at the boundaries, where errors are more likely to happen
- Efficiency: By focusing on the boundaries, boundary value analysis allows for efficient testing by reducing the number of test cases needed
- Coverage: Boundary value analysis ensures that the system is tested thoroughly at critical points, increasing the overall test coverage
- Limitations: Boundary value analysis may not uncover all defects, as it primarily focuses on boundary conditions and may miss other potential issues
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Knowledge & understanding of testing techniques: Assessing if the candidate is familiar with boundary value analysis as a testing technique
- Problem-solving skills: Evaluating the candidate's ability to identify and test boundary values effectively
- Attention to detail: Determining if the candidate recognizes the importance of testing boundary values accurately
- Communication skills: Assessing the candidate's ability to explain complex testing concepts like boundary value analysis
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of understanding: Providing a vague or incorrect definition of boundary value analysis
- Inability to provide examples: Not being able to give specific examples of boundary values or explain how they are used in testing
- Limited knowledge of testing techniques: Showing unfamiliarity with other testing techniques related to boundary value analysis, such as equivalence partitioning or decision table testing
- Lack of practical application: Failing to explain how boundary value analysis can be applied to real-world scenarios or projects
- Inability to discuss limitations: Not being aware of the limitations or potential drawbacks of using boundary value analysis in certain situations