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Fault Interaction Between Modules

publish date: 2026/06/18 03:56:40.129121 UTC

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A module calls another module expecting a correct return value. The called module has a subtle fault and returns a value that is valid but incorrect. The error only becomes obvious when a later computation using the returned value goes wrong. What does this scenario illustrate?

A buffer overflow caused by excessive return values

Fault interaction between modules where defects in one module are only detected because of another module's unexpected behavior

A timing error between concurrent processes

Interface misuse due to wrong parameter types

Correct Answer

Fault interaction between modules where defects in one module are only detected because of another module's unexpected behavior

Explanation

This scenario illustrates fault interaction between modules. A fault in one object may only be detected when another object behaves unexpectedly. The returned value is valid but incorrect, and the problem only becomes obvious later when a computation using that value goes wrong. This makes such defects hard to trace to their origin.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Component Testing and Interface Types