Software Quality Assurance Practice Exam

What is the first step in the inductive debugging process?

1. Prove the hypothesis

2. Devise a hypothesis

3. Fix the error

4. Study their relationships

The correct answer is: Devise a hypothesis

In the inductive debugging process, the first step is to devise a hypothesis. This step is crucial as it involves formulating a potential explanation for the errors observed in the software. The hypothesis serves as a guiding framework for the testing and debugging efforts, allowing the tester to make informed decisions about which areas of the code to examine further. By creating a hypothesis, the tester focuses on specific assumptions about what might be causing the issues. This targeted approach streamlines the debugging process, as it prevents unnecessary exploration of irrelevant parts of the code and instead directs attention to areas that are most likely to contain errors. Subsequently, the process involves testing this hypothesis through various means, which may include additional testing or analyzing error reports. The importance of this initial step cannot be overstated, as a well-formed hypothesis will significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the debugging workflow. The proper identification of potential causes lays the groundwork for the subsequent steps, ultimately leading to effective solutions and improvements.