Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) Practice Test

What does the absence-of-errors fallacy imply?

1. Software can be error-free

2. A program without defects means it meets requirements

3. Debugging can replace testing

4. Defects are irrelevant if no user complaints exist

The correct answer is: A program without defects means it meets requirements

The absence-of-errors fallacy implies that just because a program does not exhibit any visible defects or errors, it does not necessarily mean that it meets the actual requirements of the users. This fallacy highlights the distinction between having no apparent faults and fulfilling the intended functionality and expectations. When a software product is developed, it may operate without crashing or showing errors, but that does not guarantee that all user requirements have been satisfied. A program might function correctly from a technical standpoint but still fail to deliver the intended value or meet user needs. Therefore, this option captures the critical understanding that defect-free software does not equate to meeting user requirements, reinforcing the importance of thorough requirements analysis and testing against those requirements. In this context, other options misinterpret these principles: software being "error-free" does not validate its functionality or user satisfaction; debugging cannot entirely take the place of testing, as they serve different purposes in quality assurance; and the absence of user complaints does not negate possible defects; it could simply indicate lack of insight or engagement from users.