Difference between Selenium and Cypress?

Automation testing tools  play a crucial role in delivering high-quality software with greater reliability.They execute tests on software products automatically, reducing the need for manual intervention. These tools help improve testing efficiency, accuracy, and coverage by running repetitive and complex test cases quickly. 

They support a range of testing types such as functional, regression, and performance testing, allowing teams to identify defects early and accelerate the development cycle. They can be integrated with development environments and continuous integration pipelines.

Top 5 Automation Testing Tools in 2025:

1.Selenium.

2.Playwright

3.Cypress

4.Appium

5.Katalon studio.

	Selenium	Cypress
Ease of Use	Setup is a bit complex as it requires downloading browser-specific drivers	Setup is simple and does not require additional downloads
Browser Support	Supports almost all browsers	Supports Chrome
Video Support	Not supported	Supported
Language Support	Java,Javascript,Python etc	Javascript
Performance	Slow	Fast
Tab Switch	Supported	Not Supported
Architecture	Web driver interacts with browser	Can run test directly in browser

Is Cloud based Testing the future of QA in 2025? What are the benefits and challenges of Cloud based Testing

 

In 2025, cloud-based Testing is very crucial for ensuring rapid software delivery in agile and DevOps workflows. It offers highly scalable, cost-effective access to diverse environments and real devices globally.

Cloud-based Testing helps testing teams test faster, from anywhere, and without spending too much on hardware and other resources. If you're working in software or QA, right now is a great time to learn how cloud testing works and use it in your projects and applications. It’ makes tester job easier, more efficient, and ready for the future.

Traditional testing environments often suffer from lot of scalability issues, higher infrastructure costs, and limitations in accessibility. Cloud testing, however, leverages the power of distributed computing to offer on-demand, scalable, and collaborative environments.

Benefits and Challenges of Cloud based Testing:

Benefits:

Accessibility: Test from anywhere, anytime using internet-based platforms.

Cost Savings: Reduces the need for expensive hardware and on-premises infrastructure.

Scalability: Easily scale test environments up or down based on demand.

Real Device Testing: Access a wide range of devices and browsers via cloud platforms.

Faster Test Cycles: Speeds up continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD).

Challenges:

Security Concerns: Risks related to data privacy, especially with sensitive information.

Compliance Issues: Needs alignment with industry and regional regulations (e.g., GDPR).

Latency & Downtime: Internet-based testing can face slow speeds or outages.

Tool Integration: Some legacy tools may not work well in cloud environments.

Learning Curve: Requires knowledge of cloud platforms and configurations.

 

Top 3 Cloud based Software Testing Tools:

1.BrowserStack:

BrowserStack eliminates the need for in-house device labs by offering on-demand access to real environments. BrowserStack enables quick testing of mobile apps for bug-free releases. App Automate is a product that automates real devices in the cloud. It can replicate actual user conditions using more than native device features like GPS, network simulation, and localization.

2.CloudTest:

CloudTest is a performance and load testing tool designed for web and mobile applications. It allows users to simulate thousands of concurrent users in real time to test scalability and reliability. CloudTest provides real-time analytics dashboards for immediate insights during test execution.

3.LambdaTest:

LambdaTest is a cloud-based testing platform that enables users to perform cross-browser and cross-platform testing of web and mobile applications. It supports manual and automated testing using tools like Selenium, Cypress, and Appium. LambdaTest offers real-time testing on a wide range of browsers, operating systems, and devices.

Differentiate between Data Driven Framework and Keyword Driven Framework

A framework in automated testing is a collection of rules, best practices, and resources used to automate software application testing. Frameworks offer an organised method for effectively creating, managing, and organising automated test scripts. They contribute to increased test coverage, better maintainability, reusability, and reduction of redundancy. 

The purpose of the Data-Driven Framework is to isolate the test data from the test logic. It increases the flexibility and reusability of the tests by enabling the execution of the same set of test scripts using several data sets.

Every action (or keyword) in a test is linked to a particular function in the Keyword-Driven Framework, also called the Table-Driven Framework. The test scripts are constructed in a manner that defines and stores the operations (keywords) in an external file or table.

Data Driven Framework	Keyword Driven Framework
Requires understanding of scripting and handling data files.	Can be used by non-programmers once keywords are defined.
Easier to maintain test data separately	complex with a large number of keywords.
One test script is executed with multiple data inputs.	One test script is executed based on a sequence of keywords.
Best suited for Tests with varying data, such as login scenarios with different credentials.	Best suited for Tests with standard actions (e.g., opening a browser, clicking buttons).
Test data is stored separately (e.g., Excel, CSV).	Test steps (keywords) are stored in a data table (e.g., Excel, CSV).
Test scripts are written to handle data inputs.	Test scripts are written to handle keywords (actions).
High reusability by reusing the same test script with different data.	High reusability by reusing the same keywords across multiple test cases.

Top 5 Testing Challenges in Salesforce

Salesforce is a most famous and widely used Customer Relationship Manager(CRM).Salesforce testing is unquestionably a crucial component of the QA team. It is a multi-layered ecosystem of  tools that can be customised to fit an endless number of use cases, in addition to being a very popular CRM solution.

Testing in Salesforce application can present unique and complex challenges. 

The top 5 Testing challenges in Salesforce Applications:

1.Integration with Third Party Applications:

Salesforce's ability to integrate with third-party apps, ranging from data storage options to marketing automation tools, is one of its most significant features. To make sure that systems operate correctly and that the client experience is uninterrupted, testing these integrations are essential. Integration testing is an ongoing and essential component of the testing process since changes made to one system frequently affect other applications.

2.Frequent Updates and Releases:

With frequent upgrades and the introduction of new features, Salesforce is a platform that is always changing. This implies that regular testing is necessary to make sure the system is operating as intended.

3.Data Security and Privacy:

Thorough security testing will be a primary priority because cyber threats and data breaches remain serious issues. Companies will concentrate on carrying out thorough security audits in order to find weaknesses in their Salesforce apps and safeguard private client information.Salesforce handles private client and business information in highly regulated sectors. As a result, privacy and security are important factors. To protect their Salesforce environments from attacks, data breaches, and unwanted access, organisations need to implement stringent security testing procedures and perform frequent security audits.

4.Complex Applications:

Basic Salesforce settings may be simple to test, but more intricate setups will be more difficult. Think of a platform similar to Visual force, where developers create unique user interfaces for web or mobile applications. Because you need full coverage, testing this can be somewhat challenging.

5.Data Migration:

Data transfers to or between Salesforce instances are essential processes that need to be managed precisely and carefully. Operational problems brought on by poor data quality may result in lost revenue, harm to one's reputation, and occasionally even expensive fines. Data consistency and integrity are guaranteed by thorough testing during data movement.

 

What is the role of Test Manager in Agile Projects?

 The ways that waterfall and agile approaches organize, manage the teams and communicate are different. Test teams in traditional waterfall models are managed by a test manager and kept apart from the development team. The test manager would normally allocate work, oversee progress in meetings, evaluate and approve estimates, and offer technical advice.

 Test Manager's role adapts in Agile environments:

1.Collaboration and Communication:

Cross-functional Team Member: Ensures that requirements and quality standards are understood clearly by collaborating closely with developers, product owners, and other stakeholders.

Facilitator: Assists team members in communicating with one another to resolve problems, make requirements clear, and guarantee that testing objectives are being met.

2.Test Planning and Strategy:

Adaptive test planning creates adaptable test techniques that can adjust to shifting priorities and requirements. Agile test plans are iterative and more dynamic.

Test Coverage: Works with the team to identify important areas for testing, such as functional, non-functional, and exploratory tests, in order to ensure thorough test coverage.

3.Test Execution and Automation:

Test Case Execution Oversight: Ensures that manual and automated test cases are carried out in accordance with Agile sprints and iterations.

Automation Advocate: Encourages and backs automated testing where it makes sense, incorporating it into the continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) pipeline to facilitate frequent and quick releases.

4. Continuous Improvement:

Feedback Loop: Utilizes feedback from test results and team retrospectives to continuously improve testing practices and processes.

5. Risk Management:

Risk Identification: Identifies and manages risks related to software quality and testing. Works with the team to address potential issues early in the development cycle.                                            Contingency Planning: Develops contingency plans for addressing critical issues or delays that may impact the project timeline or quality.

What is API Testing? Types of API Testing

 API(Application Programming Interface) Testing is the process of sending request to an API with or without test parameters and verifying the response.It is basically an interface testing.This type of testing involves sending requests to the server and analyze the response for its correctness.

Types of API Testing:

The different types of API testing are:

1.Security Testing:It is the process of checking the vulnerabilities in API.The security testing identifies the flaws in the infrastructure such as weak passwords,default credentials.It identifies the security vulnerabilities in the software application.It is one of the important API testing type.

2.Functional Testing:This testing ensures that the newly added functionality and the existing functionality works correctly as per requirement.It can be performed by sending requests and validating the responses.

3.Performance Testing:This type of testing is performed to ensure that application handles large volumes of data without impacting the performance of an application.The different parameters considered for measurement are throughput and response time along with uptime.

4.Reliability Testing:It ensures API can produce correct and consistent results and the connection between client and server is reliable when sending the request from the client and receiving the response from the server.

Benefits of API Testing:

• GUI independent testing.
• Early validations.
• Enhance security by checking API authentication.
• Reduced testing cost.
• Better Integration.

Tools for API Testing:

The different tools that can help perform API testing are:

• Postman.
• SoapUI.
• Swagger.
• API Fortress.
• SOAtest.

Switching from Manual to Automation Testing Career

Transiting from Manual Testing to Automation Testing has been a need of time.Automation Testing offers lot of advantages over Manual Testing.Manual Testers familiar with some programming languages like Java,Python can easily migrate into Automation Testing.

Manual Testing is performing all the testing activities without the help of third party tool.Hence can prove to be time consuming.Automation Testing on other hand is the testing performed with the help of third party tools like Selenium,QTP etc. 

Switching the role from Manual to Automation Testing requires dedication and continuous learning.

Following are some of the guidelines one can follow :

1.Get familarize with some basic programming concepts.Learn the core concepts of languages like Java,Python to easily understand  automation tools like Selenium ,Appium and Cypress.Understand the importance of tool ,its features and limitations.Online tutorials and free courses can help gain hands on practical knowledge and frameworks of these tools.

2. Next Seek opportunities in your current organization and assist the automation teams to gain real time knowledge.Demonstrate your interest in learning new technologies and tools.Understand and build the frameworks.

3.Join online testing communities and forums where you can get insights about latest updations in the field of automation testing.Improve your engagement with automation testers so that they can offer guidance and mentorship.

4.Tailor your resume on job portals like Naukri,Sine and LinkedIn with newly learned testing tools.

5.Consider to enroll yourself in certification testing programs if any.Certification offers added advantage to resume.

What is Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD), and how do they relate to automation testing?

 Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery are the set of practices that development teams use to handle code changes in reliable and efficient way.It is generally used by Devops team.Continuous  Integration is a practice of automating the integration of code. Continuous Delivery is a process carried away after Continuous Integration to make sure we can release the new changes error free to the customer.

Benefits of CI/CD:

1.Risk Reduction:It reduces the risk of major failures and downtime as continuous deployment process allows developer to fix issues early.

2.Quality Improvement:It improves the overall quality of software.Automated testing in CI/CD pipelines helps identify bugs, regressions, and integration issues early in the development cycle.

3.Enhanced Security:Security updates and patches can be applied more quickly.

4.Increased Collaboration: CI/CD promotes collaboration among development, testing, and operations teams.

5.Rollback and Recovery:CI/CD pipelines include rollback mechanisms allowing the user to revert to previous version of application.

Automation Testing and CI/CD:

Automation Testing in CI:

Unit,Integration and other types of testing are executed automatically whenever any changes in code are integrated.In case of failure CI can block thecode integration process.

Automation Testing and CD:

Automation testing can be performed for system testing and user acceptance testing.It can also perform security testing and non functional testing.

Thus automation testing plays a vital role in CI/CD process.

What is Xpath in Selenium?

XPaths in Selenium:

Selenium is a popular tool for automating web browsers, and it supports XPath as a way to locate elements on a web page. XPath is a powerful tool for selecting elements and data from an XML or HTML document, and it's widely used in development and testing.XPath is an important and core component of XSLT standard. It is used to traverse the elements and attributes in an XML document.

XPath is a language used to select elements in an XML or HTML document. XPath is used to locate elements on a web page. Selenium provides a find_element_by_xpath() method that allows you to locate an element using an XPath expression. We can select elements based on their attributes, their position in the document hierarchy, or their relationship to other elements.

Syntax:

1.Launching a web browser

driver = webdriver.Chrome()

2.Navigate to a web page:

driver.get('https://example1.com')

3.Locate an element using XPath:

element = driver.find_element_by_xpath('//tagname[@attribute="value"]'

where

The XPath expression consists of the following components:

• tagname: The name of the HTML tag of the element you want to select. For example, div, a, input, etc.

• @attribute: The name of the attribute you want to use to select the element. For example, class, id, name, value, etc.

• "value": The value of the attribute you want to use to select the element.

4.Locate an element with class attribute:

//div[@class='topic']

where 

// selects any element in the document hierarchy.

div selects all div elements.

[@class='topic'] selects only div elements that have a class attribute equal to "topic".

What are the benefits of AI and Machine Learning in Software Testing?

 

Benefits of AI and ML in Software Testing:

AI and ML plays a vital role in every emerging field.AI and ML provides a new way to automate a testing process.It can also improves the accuracy of the overall testing process. It provides a new dimension to the Quality domain. 

1.Faster Testing: AI and machine learning can be used to identify important areas of an application that are most likely to cause the performance issues, allowing software testers to focus their efforts on those areas. 

2.Improved Accuracy: software testing can be more accurate than ever before With AI and machine learning. Algorithms can be used to identify patterns in data, such as common defects or performance issues, and use that knowledge to detect similar issues in future tests. This can help reduce the number of false positives and false negatives in testing, resulting in more accurate results. 

3.Predictive Analytics: AI and machine learning algorithms can be trained to predict potential defects or performance issues in software applications, based on historical data and other factors. This can help organizations identify and address issues before they become major problems, reducing the risk of downtime or other issues that can impact users. 

4.Continuous Improvement: By analyzing testing data and identifying areas for improvement, organizations can refine their testing strategies and improve the accuracy and efficiency of their testing processes over time. This continuous improvement can help to reduce cost and time efforts. 

5.DevOps Integration: AI and machine learning can be integrated into Dev Ops processes, helping organizations deliver software faster and with greater quality. Companies can thus speed up the release cycle without compromising quality.

 

What is Defect Density?

 Quality is inversly proportional to defects.Software is tested based on various parameters like quality,performance,security,functionality and many more important parameters.Software developers must find the errors/defects and fix it before delivering it to clients.An early fix of the defect will reduce the cost marginally.In order to calculate quality of software developers use defect density.The process of defect detection ensures that the end product meets the client standards and needs.

 More Defects = Less Quality

Less Defects=More Quality.

Defect Density indicates the number of bugs found in the  software or product.

Steps to calculate Defect Density:

Defect Density= Average number of Defects/KLOC.

where KLOC is lines of code per thousands

Eg.

Module 1 = 10 bugs

Module 2 = 15 bugs

Module 3 = 10 bugs

Total bugs=10+15+10 =35

Lines of Code

Module 1 =1000

Module 2=2000

Module 3=500

Total Lines of Code= 1000+2000+500=3500

Defect Density = 35/3500 =.01 Defects/LOC = 10 Defects/KLOC.

Advantages:

1.Detect areas that need improvement.

2.Identify components of high risk.

3.Helps testers to estimate amount of testing required.

4.Understand quality of product.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Jira Software

 

What is Jira Software?

It is a product of Atlassian released in 2002.Intially it was a bug tracking tool, later it started project management services. Jira software is used by many organizations for building software and tracking the issues. This software is mainly used by Agile developers.

With Jira Software the project teams can perform following main activities:

1.Create user stories.

2.Track versions.

3.Develop sprints.

4.Reprioritize user stories and bugs.

5.Real time reporting sprint by sprint.

Jira Software can be used by Agile teams, Project management teams, Testing teams and Software development teams.

It supports two famous frameworks:

1.Scrum.

2.Kanban.

Jira Pros and Cons:

Pros:

1.Supports cloud version and server version.

2.Third party integration support.

3.Ready to use and customizable dashboards.

4.Detailed insights and reporting.

5.Developer tool integrations.

Cons:

1.Reports are not reusable.

2.Complicated user interface.

3.Limited file size upload.

4.Limited project management features.

5.No built in timeline to track project progress.

Is TestNG better then JUnit?

 Both TestNG and JUnit are popular frameworks for unit testing.TestNG is similar to JUnit but has some added functionalities. TestNG framework is inspired by NUnit and JUnit.

JUnit Framework:

It is an open source framework.It is used for unit testing and is written in Java.This framework is useful for writing automation test for web.The tester can execute automation test.

TestNG Framework:

It is also an open source framework like JUnit but with some additional functionalities.It helps in unit testing,integration testing,end to end testing.This framework is more famous among the testers. TestNG framework was released after JUnit framework.

Features	JUnit	TestNG
Parallel Test Execution	Not allowed	Allowed
Dependency Test	Doesn't support this feature	Supports this advanced feature
Support for Assumptions	Yes	No
Executes before each test method	@After	@AfterMethod
Executes after all tests in the suite	N/A	@AfterSuite
Executes after a test runs	N/A	@AfterTest

Top 5 Database Testing Tools in 2022

 A database is a collection of file system. The files are stored in different layers like UI layer, business layer, access layer. Hence we need to perform testing at these different layers. The database should always be in a consistent state.

Database testing is an activity of performing testing related to the database's validation and integrity. To evaluate the system's performance, it's required to test the data integrity. Database instability is a fundamental problem that every business faces. A tiny database crash renders the entire operation.

Top 5 Database Testing Tools :

1.SQLUnit :

SQLUnit is a free and open-source tool for regression testing database stored procedures. A test suite in sqlunit is written in XML file.XML is simple and easy to learn. It is written in Java .The database can be accessed through JDBC.

2.SQLmap :

It is a open source tool .It helps to check whether the website is vulnerable from   SQL injection attack. In this technique attacker compromises the database through malicious sql queries. SQL injection attack can take control of databases like oracle, sql server etc.

3.Orion :

It is also known as Oracle IO Number. It helps to measure the performance of a system without installing oracle software. It is generally used for load testing. It is used to manage the work load. It is a simple tool to measure the disk i/o operation.

4.DTM Data Test Generator :

This tool helps us to produce data rows and columns for performing testing. It is the beneficial tool for QA team. It is simple powerful and easy to customize. It automatically creates data values for database testing. It also helps in schema verification.

5. SLOB :

It is also referred as Silly Little Oracle Benchmark. It is a oracle I/O workload generator tool kit .SLOB consist of simple pl/sql  and supports testing extreme REDO logging I/O.

What are locators and types of locators in Selenium?

 In Selenium Locators are the way to identify a HTML element on a web page.Locating elements in Selenium WebDriver is performed with  findElement() and findElements() methods.The main objective of using element locators is to identify the element  on the web page accurately.

findElement() returns a Web Element  based on a specified search criteria and throws an exception if it does not find any element matching the specified search criteria.

findElements() returns multiple Web Elements matching the search criteria. 

Selenium web driver uses eight locators to locate elements :

1.By id - Locates a web element using the ID attribute.

Syntax : driver.findElement(By.id (element ID))

2.By name -  Locates an element based on Name attribute.

Syntax : driver.findElement(By.name (element name))

3.By class name - Locates an element using class attribute.

Syntax : driver.findElement(By.className (element class))

4.By tag name - Locates an element using HTML tag.

Syntax : driver.findElement(By.tagName (htmltagname))

5.By CSS - Locates an element using CSS selector.

Syntax : driver.findElement(By.cssSelector (css selector))

6.By Xpath - Locates an element using Xpath.

Syntax : driver.findElement(By.xpath (xpath))

7.By link text - Locates a web element using link text.

Syntax : driver.findElement(By.linkText (linktext))

8.By Partial link text - Locates a web element using partial link text.

Syntax : driver.findElement(By.partialLinkText (linktext))

What is Cucumber Testing?

 Cucumber is an open source software testing tool. It supports BDD(Behavior Driven Development) approach. It is written in Ruby Programming language. Cucumber supports various programming languages like Java, .Net, Javascript, PHP. This tool helps entire testing team to understand automation in simple way. Cucumber tool helps to write test cases that everybody can understand.

What is Feature File?

Feature file contains high level description of  Test Scenario. All the feature files have .feature extension. It contains code written in Gherkin

Sample Feature File :

Feature : Login Functionality.

Scenario : Login to application with valid credentials.

When user enters with valid credentials

And click on Login Button

Then Home page should be displayed.

Scenario : Login to application with invalid credentials.

When user enters invalid credentials

And click on Login Button

Then Error message should be displayed.

What is Step Definition File?

This file contains the actual code written by programmer. It maps the steps in the scenario with the code written. Step definitions can be written in various programming languages. When cucumber executes a step in feature file a corresponding function in step definition file is called.  

The BDD life cycle consists of following steps :

1.Behavior Description.

2.Step Definition.

3.Run and Fail.

4.Modify Code

5.Run and Pass.

What is the difference between SDET and Manual Tester?

 SDET stands for Software Development Engineer In Test. SDET can be viewed as a combination of developer and tester but mainly related to testing phase.SDET requires  skills of development and testing both.

SDET can be responsible for performing different types of testings like Functional, Non Functional  and Security testing and hence should be aware of Scripting technologies.They should also be highly proficient in latest test automation tools.

SDET must be able to develop  test automation frameworks as well as work with development and deployment teams and should be able to resolve issues if any.

SDET are expected to have  good domain knowledge in order to carry out different activities in Testing in an efficient and productive way.

Hence SDET pay packages are at higher level compared to that of manual testers.

SDET	Manual Tester
1. Development and Testing knowledge is mandatory.	1. Testing knowledge is mandatory.
2. Responsible for automating test cases.	2. Responsible for designing and executing test cases
3. Good programming skills are required.	3. Limited programming skills are required.
4. work on test automation tools and generate scripts	4.Usually responsible for performing manual testing.
5. Offered higher salary package than testers.	5. Lower salary package as compared to SDET.

Does software testers need to know programming?

 

The goal of software tester is to test an application with an intend to find a bug.The software tester needs to understand an application from end user perspective.

Is Programming knowledge really mandatory?

Well it depends on the the type of testing that is to be performed on an application based on the client requirement.

If the application requires manual testing then no programming knowledge is required. The manual tester needs to have good understanding of business needs,good communication skills,good knowledge of testing techniques,good troubleshooting skills.

If the application demands automation testing then programming skills are mandatory.The automation tester should be able to write the test scripts to test the functionality of an application.

If automation testing is performed on UFT  tool then VBScript knowledge is required to test an application.

If automation testing is performed on Open source tool such as Selenium one needs to know basic concepts of OOP(Object Oriented Programming),Scripting knowledge and better understanding of languages like Java,Python etc.

What is the difference between Test Case and Test Script?

 Test Case:

A test case is a document prepared by software test engineer which contains steps to be executed to test the functionality of software product.A test case document is prepared by referring Software Requirement Specification document.It is prepared after a Test Plan document.No prograaming knowledge is required.

Test Script:

Test Script is a set of instructions written to test the functionality of software product.Test Scripts are generally prepared by Automation Testers.Programming knowledge is required.

Test Case	Test Script
1.Usually prepared by Manual Testers.	1.Prepared by Automation Testers.
2.No programming knowledge is required.	2.Programming knowledge is required.
3.This term is used in manual testing environment.	3.This term is used in automation testing environment.
4.Test cases are executed manually.	4.Test Scripts are executed using automation tools.
5.It is classified as positive test cases, negative test cases.	5.It is classified as manual test scripts and automation test scripts.