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Functional testing focuses on verifying that the application behaves according to its specified requirements and performs the intended functions. It typically includes test types like unit testing, integration testing, and system testing, ensuring that features work as expected. Non-functional testing, on the other hand, evaluates aspects such as performance, security, usability, and scalability. It includes load testing, stress testing, and security testing, assessing how well the application performs under stress or with large volumes of users. Functional testing is applied during the development phase to ensure core functionality works, while non-functional testing is typically applied after the core features are functional to ensure the application can handle real-world conditions.

My approach to test automation involves selecting stable, repetitive, and high-risk areas of the application that would benefit from consistent testing over time. The criteria I use to decide what to automate include:

Repetitiveness: Tests that need to be run frequently, such as regression tests, are ideal for automation.

Stability: I prefer automating tests for features that are stable and unlikely to change frequently, as automation is more beneficial for stable code.

High Impact: Features critical to the application's functionality, such as payment gateways or login systems, should be automated to ensure they are thoroughly tested with every release.

Test Execution Time: Automated tests are useful when they can significantly reduce the time it takes to execute tests, especially for large, complex applications.

I use frameworks like Selenium, Cypress, or TestNG for web applications and ensure the automated tests are integrated into CI/CD pipelines to allow for continuous testing and fast feedback.

In handling and tracking bugs, I follow a systematic process to ensure they are identified, reported, prioritized, and resolved efficiently. First, I document the bug with as much detail as possible, including steps to reproduce, the expected result, and the actual result, along with logs and screenshots if applicable. I then report the bug using a bug tracking tool like Jira, Bugzilla, or Azure DevOps, categorizing it based on severity (critical, major, minor) and priority. I also assign the bug to the appropriate team member for resolution. Throughout the process, I track the bug’s status, ensuring it progresses through the proper stages (e.g., open, in progress, resolved, verified). After the bug is fixed, I verify the resolution through regression testing to ensure the fix doesn't break any other part of the system.

Ensuring the effectiveness of testing across multiple platforms requires a comprehensive strategy that includes selecting the appropriate tools and creating reusable test cases. I start by identifying the unique challenges each platform presents—such as different screen sizes for mobile or varying browser behaviors for web applications. For mobile testing, I use tools like Appium or Espresso to test across various devices and OS versions, ensuring compatibility and performance. For web applications, I use Selenium or Cypress to ensure consistent behavior across browsers. I also focus on cross-platform compatibility testing to ensure that the application provides a seamless experience across all platforms. I prioritize critical workflows and commonly used features in the testing process, ensuring that the most essential parts of the system are covered across different environments.

In an Agile environment, I integrate testing throughout the development process rather than at the end. During sprint planning, I participate by helping the team identify testable stories and acceptance criteria, ensuring that quality is built into the features from the start. Throughout the sprint, I perform continuous testing, including unit testing, functional testing, and regression testing, as well as performing exploratory testing to uncover issues early. I also collaborate closely with developers and product owners to ensure that the features meet the user stories and expectations. At the end of each sprint, I assist in preparing for the sprint review by ensuring the quality of the product increment and participating in sprint retrospectives to identify areas of improvement in both the process and testing coverage. I use CI/CD pipelines to streamline testing and integrate it with the team’s continuous development practices.