API Testing · Senior · Question 32 of 75

What is the oracle problem in API testing, and a way around it?

1The API has no documentation; ask the developers what it does
2Exact results are unknown; check invariants or compare with a reference
3Oracle databases can't be used for API tests

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Correct answer: Exact results are unknown; check invariants or compare with a reference

Explanation

For complex calculations, compare with a previous version, a simpler implementation or relations between inputs (metamorphic testing).

Further reading

Wikipedia: Test oracle ↗

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