The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a systematic process that defines the various phases, activities, and tasks involved in testing a software application or system. It helps ensure that software is thoroughly tested to meet quality and functionality requirements. The STLC typically includes the following phases:
Requirement Analysis: In this initial phase, testers analyze the software requirements and specifications to understand the scope of testing. They identify testable requirements, define testing objectives, and create a test plan outlining the testing approach, resources, and schedule.
Test Planning: Test planning involves creating a comprehensive test plan document that outlines the testing strategy, test objectives, scope, test environment setup, resource allocation, test schedules, and deliverables. It serves as a roadmap for the testing process.
Test Design: In this phase, test cases and test scripts are developed based on the test plan and requirements. Test design includes defining test scenarios, selecting test data, and creating test cases that cover various aspects of the software, including functional, non-functional, and edge cases.
Test Environment Setup: Testers prepare the required test environments, which may include hardware, software, network configurations, and test data. Ensuring that the test environment mirrors the production environment is crucial for accurate testing.
Test Execution: This phase involves the actual execution of test cases in the test environment. Testers run the test scripts, record test results, and report defects or issues discovered during testing. Automated testing tools are often used to streamline this process.
Defect Reporting and Tracking: Testers document and report any defects or issues encountered during test execution. These issues are logged in a defect tracking system, and the development team is responsible for addressing and resolving them. The tracking system helps manage the defect lifecycle until issues are fixed and retested.
Regression Testing: After defects are fixed, regression testing is performed to ensure that the changes did not introduce new issues and that the existing functionality is still intact. This is particularly important in Agile and iterative development environments.
Test Closure: Once all test cases are executed, and the software meets the defined exit criteria (e.g., a certain level of test coverage and defect resolution), the testing team prepares test summary reports. Test closure activities involve evaluating the testing process, identifying lessons learned, and finalizing testing documentation.
Test Metrics and Reporting: Throughout the STLC, test metrics are collected and analyzed to track the progress of testing activities, identify trends, and assess the quality of the software. These metrics help stakeholders make informed decisions about the release readiness of the software.
Continuous Improvement: After the completion of testing, the testing team reviews the testing process and results to identify areas for improvement. Lessons learned and best practices are documented to enhance future testing efforts.
It's important to note that the STLC is a cyclical process, and testing activities may need to be repeated as new features are added or changes are made to the software. The STLC can be tailored to suit different project methodologies, such as Waterfall, Agile, or DevOps, to ensure that testing aligns with the project's goals and timelines.
