1. Introduction
One of the most common conceptual questions in the ISTQB Foundation Level exam is the difference between testing and debugging.
Many candidates confuse these two activities because both are related to defects. However, they have very different purposes and responsibilities.
ISTQB 시험에서 매우 자주 등장하는 개념이 바로 테스팅(Testing)과 디버깅(Debugging)의 차이입니다. 두 활동 모두 결함과 관련되어 있지만, 목적과 역할은 명확히 다릅니다.
2. Key Concept: Testing vs Debugging
- Testing: Determines that defects exist
- Debugging: Locates and removes defects
Testing is about revealing problems. Debugging is about fixing the problems.
테스트는 문제가 존재함을 밝혀내는 활동이고, 디버깅은 그 문제(결함)를 찾아 수정하는 활동입니다.
3. Practice Question
❓ Question
Which of the following statements BEST describes the difference between testing and debugging?
- a) Testing causes failures while debugging fixes failures
- b) Testing is a negative activity while debugging is a positive activity
- c) Testing determines that defects exist while debugging removes defects
- d) Testing finds the cause of defects while debugging fixes the cause of defects
✅ Correct Answer: c)
4. Explanation (EN / KR)
✔ c) Testing determines that defects exist while debugging removes defects — Correct
Testing identifies that a defect exists:
- Directly, during reviews or static analysis
- Indirectly, by causing failures during dynamic testing
Debugging is a separate activity, usually performed by developers, and focuses on locating and fixing defects.
테스트는 결함이 존재함을 확인하는 활동입니다. 이는 정적 테스트(리뷰, 분석) 또는 동적 테스트(실패 유발)를 통해 이루어집니다. 디버깅은 테스트와 분리된 활동이며, 보통 개발자가 결함을 찾고 수정합니다.
❌ a) Testing causes failures while debugging fixes failures — Incorrect
Dynamic testing does cause failures, but debugging does not fix failures. Debugging fixes the defects that cause failures.
디버깅은 실패(Failure)를 수정하는 것이 아니라, 실패의 원인이 되는 결함(Defect)을 수정합니다.
❌ b) Testing is a negative activity while debugging is a positive activity — Incorrect
Both testing and debugging contribute positively to quality. Labeling testing as “negative” is a narrow and outdated view.
Testing includes:
- Positive testing: verifying expected behavior
- Negative testing: checking invalid or unexpected behavior
테스트와 디버깅 모두 품질 향상에 기여하는 긍정적인 활동입니다. 테스트에는 정상 흐름을 확인하는 긍정 테스트와 비정상 상황을 확인하는 부정 테스트가 모두 포함됩니다.
❌ d) Testing finds the cause of defects while debugging fixes the cause — Incorrect
The cause of defects is usually a human error. Testing finds defects (directly or indirectly), and debugging fixes defects. So, testing does not find the cause of defects and debugging does not fix the causes of defects
결함의 근본 원인은 보통 사람의 실수(Error)입니다. 테스트는 결함을 발견하고, 디버깅은 결함을 수정합니다. 따라서 테스트는 결함의 원인을 발견하는 것이 아니며, 디버깅 또한 결함의 원인을 해결하는 것이 아닙니다.
5. Summary Table
| Option | Result | Reason | 한글 요약 |
|---|---|---|---|
| c | ✔ Correct | Clear distinction between testing and debugging | 시험에서 요구하는 정확한 정의 |
| a | ✖ | Debugging fixes defects, not failures | 실패 ≠ 수정 대상 |
| b | ✖ | Both activities are positive | 테스트도 긍정적 활동 |
| d | ✖ | Causes are errors, not defects | 원인은 Error, 수정 대상은 Defect |
6. Final Takeaway
For ISTQB questions, remember this simple rule:
Testing shows that a defect exists.
Debugging finds and removes the defect.
ISTQB 시험에서는 이 한 문장만 기억해도 충분합니다.
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