1. What is the difference between Verification and Validation?

Verification: Focuses on whether the product is being built right. It involves static testing techniques like reviews, walkthroughs, and inspections.
Validation: Focuses on whether we are building the right product. It involves dynamic testing—executing the code to see if it meets user requirements.

2. Explain the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC).

In 2026, STLC has become highly iterative, aligning closely with DevOps pipelines. The standard phases include:

3. How is AI testing different from traditional software testing?

Traditional testing is deterministic (fixed input = fixed output). AI testing is probabilistic. You aren't just checking if a button works; you're validating model accuracy, bias, and performance over time (model drift). In 2026, testers use techniques like Metamorphic Testing to validate AI systems where expected results aren't easily predictable.

4. What is 'Shift-Left' and 'Shift-Right' Testing?

Shift-Left: Moving testing activities to the beginning of the SDLC (e.g., TDD, requirements testing) to catch bugs early when they are cheapest to fix.
Shift-Right: Testing in production using techniques like Canary releases, A/B testing, and real-user monitoring (RUM).

5. Scenario: A critical bug is found in production. What is your immediate process?