The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC Phases) is a methodical approach to assess a software application, verifying its compliance with requirements and ensuring it is devoid of defects. This process comprises a sequence of steps or phases, each with distinct objectives and outcomes. STLC is employed to guarantee that the software attains high quality, reliability, and aligns with end-users’ expectations.
Table of Contents STLC Phases
The primary objective of STLC phases is to pinpoint and document defects or issues in the software application at the earliest stages of development. This proactive approach enables the resolution of problems before the software is released to the public.
The key stages of STLC Phases encompass Test Planning, Test Analysis, Test Design, Test Environment Setup, Test Execution, Test Closure, and Defect Retesting. Each stage involves specific activities and deliverables geared toward ensuring comprehensive testing and alignment with end users’ requirements.
In essence, STLC Phases stands as a crucial process in assuring the quality of software applications, presenting a systematic testing approach. It empowers organizations to deliver top-notch software that not only meets customer needs but also fosters satisfaction and contributes to business success.
STLC Phases
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.
Key activities during the Requirement Analysis phase involve:
- Reviewing the software requirements document (SRD) and associated documents.
- Conducting interviews with stakeholders to gather additional information.
- Identifying ambiguities or inconsistencies in the requirements.
- Locating any missing or incomplete requirements.
- Assessing potential risks or issues that might impact the testing process.
- Establishing a requirement traceability matrix (RTM) to correlate requirements with test cases.
By the conclusion of this stage, the testing team should possess a clear understanding of the software requirements and have pinpointed any potential issues that could affect the testing process. This clarity ensures that the testing efforts are directed towards the critical areas of the software, enabling the testing team to deliver results of the highest quality.
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.
During the Test Planning stage, the following activities unfold:
- Identifying Testing Objectives and Scope:
- Clearly defining the objectives and scope that testing aims to cover.
- Developing a Test Strategy:
- Choosing appropriate testing methods and techniques to be employed.
- Identifying Testing Environment and Resources:
- Pinpointing the necessary environment and resources for seamless testing.
- Identifying Test Cases and Test Data:
- Specifying the test cases to execute and the corresponding test data to utilize.
- Estimating Time and Cost for Testing:
- Calculating the anticipated time and costs essential for testing activities.
- Identifying Test Deliverables and Milestones:
- Listing the expected test deliverables and establishing key milestones.
- Assigning Roles and Responsibilities:
- Allocating specific roles and responsibilities to the testing team members.
- Reviewing and Approving the Test Plan:
- Conducting a comprehensive review and obtaining approval for the test plan.
By the conclusion of this stage, the testing team should possess a detailed plan outlining the testing activities to be undertaken. This plan ensures a clear understanding of testing objectives, scope, deliverables, and resource requirements. The well-organized testing process resulting from this phase contributes to the testing team’s ability to deliver high-quality results.
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.
Key activities conducted in the Test Case Development stage include:
- Identification of test cases earmarked for development.
- Composition of test cases that are lucid, succinct, and easily comprehensible.
- Generation of test data and formulation of test scenarios for integration into the test cases.
- Specification of expected results for each test case.
- Scrutiny and validation of the prepared test cases.
- Updating the Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) to establish a clear mapping between requirements and corresponding test cases.
By the conclusion of this stage, the testing team should possess a comprehensive and precise set of test cases, ensuring extensive coverage of the software or application. This meticulous approach aids in conducting a thorough testing process, facilitating the identification and resolution of potential issues before the software is released.
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.
The activities encompassed in the test execution stage include:
- Test Case Execution: The test cases and scripts crafted in the test design phase are implemented against the software application, aiming to pinpoint any defects or issues.
- Defect Logging: Any identified defects or issues encountered during the test execution phase are systematically recorded in a defect tracking system. The entries include crucial details such as severity, priority, and a description of the issue.
- Test Data Preparation: Preparing and loading test data into the system in readiness for the actual test execution.
- Test Environment Setup: Configuring the necessary hardware, software, and network settings required for the seamless execution of tests.
- Test Result Analysis: After the completion of test execution, the results are meticulously analyzed to gauge the software’s performance and identify any lingering defects or issues.
- Defect Retesting: Defects identified during the initial test execution undergo retesting to verify that the corrections have been implemented correctly.
- Test Reporting: Documenting and reporting the test results to pertinent stakeholders.
It is imperative to emphasize that test execution is an iterative process and may necessitate multiple repetitions until all identified defects are rectified, ensuring the software attains a state deemed suitable for release.
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.
Key activities during the test closure stage include:
- Test Summary Report: Creation of a comprehensive report summarizing the entire testing process, encompassing details such as executed test cases, identified defects, and the overall pass/fail rate.
- Defect Tracking: Monitoring and managing all identified defects until their resolution, ensuring a comprehensive closure of outstanding issues.
- Test Environment Clean-Up: Cleanup of the test environment, including archiving test data and artifacts, to maintain a tidy and organized workspace.
- Test Closure Report: Generation of a detailed report documenting all testing-related activities, covering testing objectives, scope, schedule, and the resources employed.
- Knowledge Transfer: Sharing knowledge about the software and the testing process with the broader team and relevant stakeholders, facilitating future maintenance or support requirements.
- Feedback and Improvements: Gathering feedback from the testing process and utilizing it as valuable input for refining and enhancing future testing methodologies.
