Software Quality Assurance Practice Exam

What is likely to occur when users are required to make changes to the program?

1. Automated tools will work more efficiently

2. Errors may be masked

3. Debugging processes will be simplified

4. Traceability will be improved

The correct answer is: Errors may be masked

When users are required to make changes to a program, it is likely that errors may be masked. This can happen for several reasons. As users modify the code or configuration of the software, they may inadvertently introduce new errors or fail to notice existing ones, especially if they are not fully aware of the software's original intentions or structure. This masking occurs because users might not have a comprehensive understanding of how their changes affect the overall system or the interaction between different components. Additionally, the pressure to deliver changes quickly can lead to shortcuts being taken, which may overlook rigorous testing and validation practices. As a result, issues may exist in the system but not be immediately apparent, making them harder to detect in subsequent testing phases. This phenomenon emphasizes the necessity of thorough testing and clear communication among team members to ensure that all changes are well-documented, understood, and integrated into the software effectively.