CTFL_Syll2018 Exam Dumps : ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (Syllabus 2018)

Static analysis is a technique to find defects in software source code and software models, performed without executing code. Static analysis can be done manually or automatically using tools that examine the code or design of a software system without running it. Static analysis can help identify and prevent defects, measure complexity, check compliance, or improve quality.

The other statements are not correct definitions of static analysis because they describe different concepts related to testing. For example:

• A. The decision between using white or black box test techniques: This statement describes a test strategy, which is an approach or method for designing and executing test cases based on various factors, such as scope, objectives, risks, resources, etc.
• B. Executing software to validate the most common path through the code: This statement describes dynamic testing, which is a technique to find defects in software by executing it under various conditions and inputs and comparing the actual results with the expected results.
• D. It is a testing technique used during system testing: This statement describes a test level, which is a group of test activities that are organized and managed together based on some criteria, such as objectives, scope, target audience, etc.

You can find more information about static analysis in [A Study Guide to the ISTQB® Foundation Level 2018 Syllabus], Chapter 6, Section 6.3.

One of the basic principles of testing is that for a software system, it is not possible under normal conditions to test all input and output combinations because they are too many and too complex to cover within a reasonable time and budget. Therefore, testers have to select a subset of inputs and outputs that are representative and relevant for testing based on criteria such as requirements, risks, priorities, etc. This principle implies that testing cannot prove that a software system is defect-free or has a certain level of quality because there might be some untested inputs or outputs that could reveal defects or failures. Testing can only provide information about the quality and risk level of a software system based on the observed behavior and results under certain conditions and assumptions. You can find more information about the basic principles of testing in A Study Guide to the ISTQB® Foundation Level 2018 Syllabus, Chapter 11.

It is not allowed as organizations can’t change the test levels as these are chosen on the basis of the SDLC (software development life cycle) model. The V-model is a type of SDLC model that defines four test levels: component testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing. Each test level corresponds to a development phase in a parallel manner. Integration testing is an essential part of the V-model, as it verifies that the components work together correctly and consistently2 explains this as follows:

The V-model is a graphical representation of a systems development lifecycle. It is used to produce rigorous development lifecycle models and project management models. The V-model falls into three broad categories, the German V-Modell, a general testing model and the US government standard.

The V-model summarizes the main steps to be taken in conjunction with the corresponding deliverables within project execution and delivery. It describes software development activities from requirements specification to maintenance.

The V-Model demonstrates the relationships between each phase of the development life cycle and its associated phase of testing.

A, C, and D are incorrect answers. A implies that integration testing is not an important test level and can be dispensed with, which is not true as integration testing ensures that the system functions as a whole and meets its requirements. C implies that organizations can decide on which test levels to do depending on the context of the system under test, which is not true as test levels are determined by the chosen SDLC model and its objectives. D implies that integration testing is a very important test level and ignoring it means definite poor product quality, which is true but not relevant to why it is not allowed to do away with integration testing in a V-model.