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Writer's pictureChetana Karla Shakti

Interview Questions: Problem Solving in Quality Assurance for Developing Software and Apps

Here are some interview questions and sample answers a developer who also handles quality assurance (QA) might be asked regarding problem-solving in a software and app development environment:


1. How do you approach debugging a software issue?

Sample Answer:I start by gathering as much information as possible about the issue, such as error messages, logs, and user feedback. I then try to reproduce the bug in a controlled environment to understand the exact conditions that cause it. From there, I break down the issue by checking recent code changes or known areas of the code that might be causing the problem. I prioritize based on severity and impact, using tools like debuggers and log analyzers to trace the root cause. Once identified, I test potential solutions and verify that fixing the bug doesn’t introduce new ones.

2. Describe a time when you identified a major bug during QA that others missed. How did you handle it?

Sample Answer:In a previous project, I was testing a new feature, and I noticed an intermittent issue that didn’t appear during regular test cases. Instead of dismissing it, I dug deeper by expanding the test conditions, running the software under different environments, and analyzing the logs. I found that the bug occurred due to a concurrency issue in the backend under high load. I immediately reported it, documented my findings, and worked with the development team to patch it. This prevented a major failure in production.

3. How would you ensure the quality of an app or software product when working on a tight deadline?

Sample Answer:When facing tight deadlines, prioritization is key. I first ensure that critical functionalities, particularly core business workflows, are thoroughly tested. I use automated testing tools to speed up regression testing and focus manual testing on areas that are high risk or can’t easily be automated. I communicate with the team to set realistic expectations, flagging high-severity bugs early to ensure they are fixed before release. Additionally, I use techniques like smoke testing and exploratory testing to cover as much ground as possible within the time frame.

4. How do you approach performance testing for an app?

Sample Answer:For performance testing, I begin by identifying the key performance metrics, such as response time, throughput, and resource utilization. I simulate different user loads using tools like JMeter or LoadRunner to measure how the app behaves under various conditions. I also test on different devices and network conditions to ensure consistent performance across environments. I monitor server and client-side logs to identify bottlenecks and optimize areas like database queries, code efficiency, and network requests. Once issues are identified, I collaborate with developers to fine-tune the system and retest to confirm improvements.

5. What steps do you take to avoid releasing software with critical bugs?

Sample Answer:Preventing critical bugs requires a proactive approach, starting with writing clear and comprehensive test cases based on requirements and user stories. I follow a mix of manual and automated testing strategies, ensuring that the core functionality, edge cases, and negative scenarios are all covered. Peer reviews, continuous integration (CI), and automated unit tests help catch errors early. Additionally, I conduct regression testing to ensure that new features or bug fixes don’t break existing functionality. By having a solid test plan and regularly communicating with the development team, I can significantly reduce the risk of critical bugs reaching production.

6. How do you balance feature development with bug fixing?

Sample Answer:Balancing feature development with bug fixing requires good communication and prioritization. I work closely with the product owner and development team to assess the severity and impact of bugs and prioritize them accordingly. If a bug is critical or blocking progress, it takes precedence. For less critical bugs, we usually log them and schedule them based on their priority in the next sprint. Automation helps ensure that ongoing development doesn’t introduce more bugs, and continuous integration testing allows me to catch issues early before they accumulate.

7. How would you handle a situation where you find a bug that the developer disagrees is a problem?

Sample Answer:I would approach the situation by clearly explaining the impact of the bug from a user perspective, providing evidence such as logs, screenshots, or test cases that demonstrate the issue. If needed, I’ll reproduce the bug in a controlled environment to show its consequences. I also listen to the developer’s reasoning to understand their perspective and facilitate a collaborative discussion. If we still can’t agree, I escalate the issue to a product owner or project manager to get their input on the severity and impact, ensuring it’s handled appropriately.

8. What process do you follow to test new features while maintaining the stability of existing features?

Sample Answer:I use a combination of unit testing, integration testing, and regression testing. For new features, I focus on writing specific test cases that cover both the functional requirements and possible edge cases. I ensure that automated regression tests are run regularly to check that existing functionality still works as expected. Additionally, I use feature flagging to isolate the new feature so it can be safely deployed without affecting other parts of the application. This allows for incremental deployment and rollback if any critical issue arises.

9. Can you describe a time when you solved a critical issue under pressure?

Sample Answer:In one instance, we were close to the release date when a major performance issue was identified during final testing. The application slowed down significantly under high user loads. With limited time, I quickly analyzed the logs and traced the issue to inefficient database queries. I worked with the backend team to optimize the queries and implemented caching for frequently accessed data. After rerunning performance tests, the issue was resolved just in time for release. This quick response avoided a potential delay and ensured the software met the performance benchmarks.


Here are more situational problem-solving questions and sample answers tailored for a developer with quality assurance (QA) responsibilities, focusing on scenarios you might encounter in app and software development:


1. You’re about to release an app, but during final testing, a critical bug is discovered. What steps do you take?

Sample Answer:If a critical bug is discovered just before release, I would first assess the severity and scope of the issue. I’d collaborate with the product owner and development team to determine whether the bug affects core functionality and how much it impacts the user experience. If it's too risky to release, I’d advocate for delaying the release to fix the bug. Simultaneously, I would prioritize fixing the issue, allocate resources to tackle it immediately, and ensure that additional testing is performed after the fix to avoid further issues. Clear communication with stakeholders is essential throughout the process to manage expectations.

2. You find a recurring issue that keeps happening across multiple features in the app. How would you handle this?

Sample Answer:When I notice a recurring issue across multiple features, it indicates a deeper, systemic problem. I’d first gather all the instances of the bug and look for commonalities, such as specific modules, coding patterns, or data inputs that could be causing it. Once I identify the root cause, I would suggest refactoring the underlying code to address the issue at its source, rather than applying isolated patches. Additionally, I’d recommend updating our automated test suite to include checks for this specific bug so we can catch it early in future development.

3. You’re tasked with testing a feature, but you realize that the requirements are unclear. How would you proceed?

Sample Answer:If I encounter unclear requirements, I would immediately reach out to the product owner or project manager to clarify the intended functionality. If they are unavailable or if the timeline is tight, I would review any available documentation and user stories to gather context. I would also discuss the feature with the developers to understand their perspective. In the meantime, I would proceed by testing the basic functionality and common use cases while keeping notes on areas that need further clarification. Once the requirements are confirmed, I’d adjust my tests accordingly to ensure full coverage.

4. How would you handle a situation where a release deadline is approaching, but your testing indicates the product isn’t ready?

Sample Answer:In this situation, I would prioritize transparency and communicate the risks of moving forward with the release. I would provide evidence from the testing results, including the severity of any unresolved bugs, and explain the potential impact on users. I’d also outline the time needed to fix critical issues and offer potential solutions, such as extending the deadline or releasing a hotfix shortly after launch. If the decision is made to release, I’d suggest limiting the release to a smaller audience or rolling it out in phases to minimize potential damage.

5. A client reports a bug that your team cannot reproduce. How would you handle this situation?

Sample Answer:If a client reports a bug that we cannot reproduce, I’d begin by gathering as much information as possible from the client, such as the steps they took, the device they used, and any error messages. I’d attempt to replicate the client’s environment, including their device type, operating system, and network conditions. If I still can’t reproduce the bug, I’d consider adding additional logging or diagnostic tools in the next update to capture more detailed information. Throughout this process, I’d keep the client updated, letting them know we’re investigating and would appreciate any additional details they can provide.

6. You’re in the middle of a sprint, and the development team introduces a last-minute feature that hasn’t been tested. How do you respond?

Sample Answer:Introducing a last-minute feature is always risky, so I’d first assess the importance and potential impact of the feature. I’d discuss with the team to understand how the feature interacts with the rest of the application and whether it introduces new dependencies or risks. If the feature is critical, I’d prioritize it in my testing, focusing on both its core functionality and its impact on existing features. I would also advocate for a rollback plan in case the feature causes issues after deployment. If time is limited, I might suggest a phased release or feature flagging to allow for further testing in production.

7. After deploying a new feature, users begin reporting performance issues. How would you investigate and address this problem?

Sample Answer:When users report performance issues, I’d start by reviewing the recent deployment logs to pinpoint any anomalies, such as spikes in resource usage. I’d replicate the issue in a test environment to understand the conditions that trigger the performance degradation, focusing on metrics like response time, CPU/memory usage, and network activity. I’d also check the performance of related services (like databases or APIs) to see if they are contributing to the issue. Based on the findings, I’d collaborate with the development team to optimize the performance, possibly by caching data, reducing database calls, or refactoring inefficient code. After applying the fix, I’d rerun load tests to ensure the problem is resolved.

8. A third-party API your app relies on becomes unreliable, causing the app to fail intermittently. How would you mitigate the issue?

Sample Answer:If a third-party API becomes unreliable, I’d start by implementing error-handling mechanisms in the app to manage the API's downtime gracefully, such as retry logic with exponential backoff, or switching to a fallback method when the API fails. I’d also reach out to the API provider for status updates and workarounds. To mitigate future risks, I’d recommend building a more robust architecture, perhaps using service degradation techniques, like caching API responses for critical data, or considering alternative providers. Monitoring the API's uptime would also be essential, so I’d set up alerts to quickly respond if the issue recurs.

9. You discover that a bug that was marked as resolved in the previous sprint is still occurring. How do you handle this?

Sample Answer:First, I’d investigate why the bug was thought to be resolved—whether it was due to incomplete testing, misunderstanding the root cause, or changes in the codebase after the fix. I’d reopen the issue and perform a detailed analysis, replicating the bug and reviewing the previous fix. Once I’ve pinpointed why the issue resurfaced, I’d collaborate with the developer to implement a more thorough solution. Additionally, I’d update the test cases and regression tests to ensure that this bug is caught in the future, preventing it from slipping through the cracks again.

10. How do you handle a situation where fixing one bug introduces a new bug in a different area of the app?

Sample Answer:Introducing new bugs while fixing others is common, especially in complex systems. When this happens, I would first confirm whether the new bug is directly related to the recent changes by comparing the codebase before and after the bug fix. If it is related, I would review the new code and look for any unintended side effects, such as changes to shared dependencies or logic. I’d ensure both the original and new bugs are addressed by isolating the issue and thoroughly testing affected areas. To prevent future occurrences, I’d also advocate for comprehensive regression testing whenever we implement changes.

These situational problem-solving questions reflect real-world challenges that may arise in a QA or development role, allowing you to showcase your technical abilities, collaborative mindset, and problem-solving process.

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