If you are preparing for a software development, DevOps, or project management role, being well-versed in Team Foundation Server (TFS) can be a huge advantage.
In this guide, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked Team Foundation Server TFS interview questions to help you crack your next technical interview with confidence.
Whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional, understanding TFS concepts like version control, build automation, and project management tools is critical for interview success.
Let’s dive in!
Introduction to TFS
Before we jump into the questions, let’s cover the basics:
What is TFS and why is it used?
Answer:
Team Foundation Server (TFS) is a Microsoft product that provides source code management (either via Team Foundation Version Control or Git), reporting, project management, automated builds, testing, and release management capabilities.
TFS is widely used for managing the entire application lifecycle.
Frequently Asked Team Foundation Server (TFS) Interview Questions
1. What is the main purpose of Team Foundation Server?
Answer:
The main purpose of TFS is to offer an integrated platform for version control, project tracking, requirements management, build automation, and release management.
It streamlines the software development lifecycle (SDLC) by bringing teams together on a common platform.
2. What is the service name of Team Foundation Server?
Answer:
The main service for TFS is called “TFS Job Agent”.
It runs background jobs for TFS operations. Depending on the version and configuration, you may also see services like Team Foundation Background Job Agent and TFS Application Tier.
3. What is TFS and why is it used?
Answer:
TFS is Microsoft’s collaborative software development tool.
It is used for:
- Source code management
- Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)
- Project tracking with Agile/Scrum/Kanban support
- Automated testing and bug tracking
- Centralized repository for team collaboration
4. What are the main components of TFS?
Answer:
- Version Control System (Team Foundation Version Control or Git)
- Work Item Tracking (Tasks, Bugs, Features)
- Build Automation
- Testing Tools
- Release Management
- Reporting and Analytics
5. What is the difference between TFS and Azure DevOps?
Answer:
- TFS is the on-premises version.
- Azure DevOps is the cloud-based version with additional features like cloud-hosted build agents, better scalability, and integration with many third-party services.
6. What is a Work Item in TFS?
Answer:
A Work Item is a database record that represents something you want to track like a bug, task, user story, or feature.
Work Items are essential for managing development progress within TFS.
7. What is Build Definition in TFS?
Answer:
A Build Definition specifies how the application is built.
It includes steps like compiling source code, running unit tests, and packaging artifacts.
8. Explain Continuous Integration (CI) in TFS.
Answer:
Continuous Integration in TFS automates the process of building and testing code every time a team member commits changes to version control, ensuring early detection of bugs.
9. What is Source Control in TFS?
Answer:
TFS provides two types of source control:
- TFVC (Team Foundation Version Control): Centralized control
- Git: Distributed version control
10. What are Check-In Policies?
Answer:
Check-In Policies are rules set up in TFS that must be followed before code changes can be checked into source control.
Examples include mandatory code reviews or successful builds before check-in.
11. How does branching work in TFS?
Answer:
Branching in TFS allows teams to work on different versions of a project simultaneously.
It helps manage releases, feature developments, and bug fixes without affecting the main codebase.
12. What is a Build Agent in TFS?
Answer:
A Build Agent is a machine that listens for build requests and executes them.
It compiles code, runs tests, and creates deployable artifacts.
13. What is Gated Check-In?
Answer:
Gated Check-In ensures that changes are built and tested before they are committed to the main codebase, minimizing integration problems.
14. How does TFS integrate with Visual Studio?
Answer:
TFS integrates directly into Visual Studio, allowing developers to:
- Check in and check out code
- Create and manage work items
- View build results
- Deploy applications
15. What is Shelving and Unshelving?
Answer:
- Shelving: Temporarily store your pending changes without committing them.
- Unshelving: Retrieving the shelved changes back into your workspace.
16. What is a Build Queue?
Answer:
The Build Queue holds all build requests.
Build Agents pick up jobs from the queue and execute them based on priority and availability.
17. What are Areas and Iterations?
Answer:
- Areas: Categorize Work Items (for different components/modules).
- Iterations: Represent timeframes like sprints, allowing work to be scheduled.
18. What is Test Case Management in TFS?
Answer:
TFS offers built-in tools for test case management, including manual testing, automated testing, and tracking test results.
19. How does Release Management work in TFS?
Answer:
Release Management automates the deployment of applications across multiple environments, ensuring faster and safer software delivery.
20. What are Team Projects in TFS?
Answer:
A Team Project in TFS is a collection of source code, work items, builds, and releases for a particular product or solution.
People Also Ask
What is the main purpose of Team Foundation Server?
TFS is mainly used to manage source code, track work, automate builds, manage releases, and improve collaboration among development teams.
What is the service name of Team Foundation Server?
The service is typically called TFS Job Agent or Team Foundation Background Job Agent, depending on the TFS version.
What is TFS and why is it used?
TFS is a Microsoft product used for source code management, project tracking, and automation of the software development lifecycle.
Conclusion
Mastering these frequently asked Team Foundation Server TFS interview questions will help you prepare for any software development, DevOps, or project management interview.
TFS remains a widely used tool in many organizations, especially those that have not fully migrated to Azure DevOps.
Good luck with your preparation — and remember, a strong understanding of TFS basics, CI/CD processes, and version control practices can significantly boost your chances of success!