Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) Practice Test

To which phase of testing does a "reactive approach focused on defect detection and removal" primarily relate?

1. Validation

2. Inspection

3. Verification

4. Static Review

The correct answer is: Validation

The concept of a "reactive approach focused on defect detection and removal" relates most closely to the validation phase of testing. Validation is the testing phase where the primary goal is to assess whether the software meets the requirements and specifications given by stakeholders. A reactive approach indicates an emphasis on identifying and fixing defects once the code has been developed, rather than proactively trying to prevent them earlier in the development cycle. During validation, testing is often carried out by executing the software in a real-world scenario to see how it performs and whether it meets user expectations. This phase typically involves a variety of testing techniques to detect defects. Since the goal is to ensure the product fulfills intended use and is free from critical defects, the focus on detection and removal aligns perfectly with the essence of validation. In contrast, inspection and static review are more about early detection and formal evaluations, typically taking place before the code is executed. Verification is largely about ensuring that the software development process and intermediate outputs adhere to specific requirements and designs, rather than focusing primarily on defect detection. Therefore, the emphasis on defect detection and removal positions validation as the most appropriate phase in this context.