In software testing, how the error, fault and failure are related to each other?
2015
In software testing, how the error, fault and failure are related to each other?
- A.
Error leads to failure but fault is not related to error and failure.
- B.
Fault leads to failure but error is not related to fault and failure.
- C.
Error leads to fault and fault leads to failure.
- D.
Fault leads to error and error leads to failure.
Attempted by 226 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct relationship: Error → Fault → Failure.
Error: A human mistake or incorrect decision during requirements, design, coding, or use (for example, misunderstanding a specification or typing the wrong algorithm).
Fault: A defect or bug in the code, design, or configuration that was introduced because of an error.
Failure: An observable incorrect behavior of the system during execution when a fault is activated by a specific input or condition.
How they relate:
A human error can create a fault in the software.
When that fault is executed under certain conditions, it can cause a failure (incorrect output, crash, or wrong behavior).
Brief example:
A developer misunderstands a requirement and writes the wrong formula (error).
The wrong formula is committed to the codebase (fault).
When the program runs with certain input, it produces incorrect results (failure).
Testing implication: Find and fix faults before they cause failures; use reviews and static analysis to catch errors early.