Software Quality Assurance Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes functional testing?

1. Testing the user interface components

2. Testing the system's performance under load

3. Verifying that the application behaves as specified

4. Checking for security vulnerabilities in the software

The correct answer is: Verifying that the application behaves as specified

Functional testing is primarily focused on verifying that the application performs its intended functions as specified by the requirements. It entails assessing whether the software behaves according to the predefined criteria, including the requirements documented in the software specifications. This type of testing checks the outputs generated in response to specific inputs and determines whether the application's operations align with user expectations and requirements. Functional testing encompasses various test levels, including unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing, all centered around ensuring that the software fulfills the business needs for which it was developed. This evaluation assures stakeholders that the software is capable of meeting required functionalities before it is deployed. In contrast, testing user interface components involves checking the visual elements and usability aspects of the software but does not encompass the full scope of functional behavior. Performance testing focuses on how the application handles load, which is not specifically related to functional correctness. Lastly, checking for security vulnerabilities intends to identify weaknesses in the software rather than assessing whether it meets functional requirements. Thus, the emphasis of functional testing on validating behavior as specified clearly makes the selection of this choice the best fit.