The testing of software does not demonstrate the absence of defects, but rather the presence of defects or the conformance of the software to the specified requirements1. Testing can never prove that the software is defect-free, as it is impossible to test all possible scenarios, inputs, outputs, and behaviors of the software2. Testing can only provide a level of confidence in the quality of the software, based on the coverage, effectiveness, and efficiency of the testing activities3.
The other options are correct because:
A. Properly designed tests that pass reduce the level of risk in a system, as they verify that the system meets the expected quality attributes and satisfies the needs and expectations of the users and clients4. Risk is the potential for loss or harm due to the occurrence of an undesirable event5. Testing can help to identify, analyze, prioritize, and mitigate the risks associated with the software product and project6.
C. Software testing identifies defects, which can be used to improve development activities, as they provide feedback on the quality of the software and the effectiveness of the development processes7. Defects are flaws or errors in the software that cause it to deviate from the expected or required results or behavior. Testing can help to detect, report, track, and resolve the defects, and prevent them from recurring in the future.
D. Performing a review of the requirement specifications before implementing the system can enhance quality, as it can ensure that the requirements are clear, complete, consistent, testable, and aligned with the needs and expectations of the users and clients. Requirements are the specifications of what the software should do and how it should do it. Testing can help to validate that the requirements are met by the software, and verify that the software is implemented according to the requirements.
1 ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 10
2 ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 11
3 ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 12
4 ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 13
5 ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 97
6 ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 98
7 ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 14
[8] ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 15
[9] ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 16
[10] ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 17
[11] ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 18
[12] ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 19