What is difference between SDLC and STLC?
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC): The SDLC is a series of distinct activities conducted throughout the software development process.
Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC): The STLC is a series of distinct activities executed during the software testing process.
Table of Contents for SDLC and STLC
Distinguishing Between SDLC and STLC:
| SDLC | STLC |
|---|---|
| Primarily linked to software development. | Primarily associated with software testing. |
| Encompasses development and testing phases. | Focuses solely on testing the software. |
| Comprises six phases or steps. | Involves five phases or steps. |
| Requires a larger team (developers). | Requires a smaller team (testers). |
| Development team plans based on requirements. | Testing team (Test Lead or Test Architect) plans and designs. |
| Aims for successful software development. | Aims for successful software testing. |
| Facilitates the creation of high-quality software. | Aims to make the software defect-free. |
| SDLC phases precede STLC phases. | STLC phases follow SDLC phases. |
| Post-deployment support, enhancement, and updates included if necessary. | QA team conducts regression tests for deployed maintenance code, maintains test cases, and automated scripts. |
| Results in the creation of reusable software systems. | Yields a tested software system as the final outcome. |
Explain differences between SDLC and STLC in details as below
What is SDLC?
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured process employed by software organizations to build software systematically. It encompasses a well-defined plan outlining the steps for developing, maintaining, replacing, and enhancing specific software. This life cycle serves as a method to enhance both the overall development process and the quality of the resulting software.
Phase 1: Planning and Requirements Analysis
Effective planning is fundamental in all endeavors, especially in software development. During this initial stage, developers within the organization conduct requirement analysis. This involves gathering insights from customers, as well as data from the sales department and market surveys.
Phase 2: Requirement Definition
During this phase, the specific requirements for the intended software are clearly outlined. Approval is sought from customers, market analysts, and stakeholders for these requirements. This process is accomplished through the utilization of SRS (Software Requirement Specification), a document that comprehensively outlines all the elements requiring definition and creation throughout the entire project cycle.
Stage 3: Architectural Design
The Software Requirements Specification (SRS) serves as a guide for software designers, aiding in the formulation of optimal software architecture. Utilizing the requirements outlined in the SRS, various designs for the product’s architecture are documented in the Design Document Specification (DDS).
Market analysts and stakeholders carefully evaluate the DDS, considering multiple factors. Following a thorough assessment, the design that proves to be the most practical and logical is selected for the development phase.
Phase 4: Product Development Commencement a
During this phase, the core development of the product initiates. Developers employ a designated programming code aligning with the design outlined in the DDS. It is imperative for coders to adhere to the established protocols by the organization. Traditional programming tools, including compilers, interpreters, and debuggers, are actively utilized in this stage. Adhering to software regulations, widely recognized languages such as C/C++, Python, Java, etc., are employed by the developers.
Stage 5: Product Testing and Integration
Following the product development phase, it becomes imperative to subject the software to thorough testing to ensure its seamless operation. While minimal testing occurs at each stage of the SDLC, this particular stage is dedicated to identifying, rectifying, and retesting any potential flaws. This meticulous process is undertaken to guarantee that the product aligns with the quality specifications outlined in the Software Requirements Specification (SRS).
Documentation, Training, and Support:
Integral to the Software Development Life Cycle, software documentation plays a crucial role. Well-crafted documents serve as tools and repositories of information, offering insights into software processes, functionalities, and maintenance requirements. Documentation also serves as a guide on how to effectively use the product. Simultaneously, training endeavors aim to enhance the current or future employee performance by fostering skill development, altering attitudes, and deepening understanding.
Stage 6: Deployment and Product Maintenance :
Following meticulous testing, the finalized product is gradually released in accordance with the organization’s strategic plan. It undergoes real-world testing in an industrial environment to guarantee seamless performance. If it meets the expected standards, the organization launches the complete product. After gathering valuable feedback, the company may release it in its current state or incorporate additional enhancements to increase its utility for customers. However, deployment is just the initial step; ongoing supervision of the product is crucial to ensure its continued success.
What is STLC?
1. Requirement Analysis
The initial phase in the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is Requirement Analysis. During this stage, the quality assurance team comprehensively examines the software requirements to determine what needs to be tested. In case of any uncertainties or incomprehensibilities, the quality assurance team collaborates with stakeholders for a more in-depth understanding of the requirements.
2. Test Planning:
Test Planning stands out as a pivotal phase within the software testing life cycle, where meticulous planning for all testing activities takes shape. Once the requirement-gathering phase concludes, the testing team manager initiates this phase to calculate the estimated effort and cost for testing endeavors.
3. Test Case Development:
The initiation of the test case development phase follows the completion of the test planning phase. During this stage, the testing team meticulously documents detailed test cases, concurrently preparing the necessary test data for evaluation. Upon completion of test case preparation, the quality assurance team conducts a thorough review.
4. Setting Up the Test Environment
Establishing the test environment is a crucial aspect of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC). Essentially, the test environment defines the conditions under which the software undergoes testing. This is a standalone task that can commence concurrently with test case development. During this phase, the testing team does not play a direct role; instead, the testing environment is created by either the developer or the customer.
5. Execution of Tests
Following the development of test cases and the setup of the testing environment, the test execution phase commences. During this stage of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC), the testing team initiates the running of test cases based on the previously formulated test scenarios.
6. Test Closure
Test closure marks the concluding phase of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC), signifying the completion of all testing-related activities with thorough documentation. The primary aim of this stage is to confirm the fulfillment of all testing tasks and the software’s readiness for release.
By the conclusion of the test closure stage, the testing team should possess a comprehensive understanding of the software’s quality and reliability. Any identified defects or issues during testing should be appropriately resolved. This phase involves documenting the testing process, along with lessons learned, contributing to the enhancement of future testing procedures.
