Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

The process of software testing is referred to as the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC). It comprises various phases that help ensure the software meets the required standards and quality. Each phase is meticulously executed in a well-organized and systematic manner to enhance the software product’s quality.

Let’s explore the different steps in the STLC.

The Software Testing Life Cycle consists of the following phases:

1. Requirement Analysis
2. Test Plan Creation
3. Environment Setup
4. Test Case Execution
5. Defect Logging
6. Test Cycle Closure

1. Requirement Analysis

The Requirement Analysis phase is the first step in the manual testing procedure. Here, the tester reviews the requirement documents from the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to understand the client’s needs. The goal is to assess if the software meets the defined requirements.

• Entry Criteria: Requirement specifications, application architecture documents, and well-defined acceptance criteria should be available.
• Activities:
  • List all requirements and queries, then resolve them with the Technical Manager, Lead, System Architect, Business Analyst, or Client.
  • Identify types of tests to be performed (e.g., performance, functional, and security).
  • Define the test environment, including all necessary tools to execute test cases.
• Deliverables:
  • A list of necessary tests for testable requirements.
  • Test environment details.

2. Test Plan Creation

The Test Plan Creation phase is crucial as it outlines all testing strategies. The tester defines the effort and cost estimations for the entire project. This phase follows the successful completion of Requirement Analysis and sets the stage for test case execution.

• Entry Criteria: Requirement documents.
• Activities:
  • Define objectives and scope for testing.
  • Outline methods and approaches for testing.
  • Set up testing schedules, control procedures, and roles.
  • Identify testing deliverables and assess any risks.
• Deliverables:
  • Test strategy document.
  • Effort estimation document.

3. Environment Setup

The Environment Setup phase is an independent activity that can occur in parallel with Test Case Development. A proper test environment is critical, as testing cannot proceed without it. The setup involves both hardware and software resources, with the development team typically handling this.

• Entry Criteria: Test strategy, test plan document, and test case document.
• Activities:
  • Prepare the software and hardware requirements by analyzing the specification document.
  • Once the environment is set up, execute smoke tests to ensure its readiness.
• Deliverables:
  • Test execution report.
  • Defect report (if applicable).

4. Test Case Execution

In the Test Case Execution phase, the testing team begins writing detailed test cases and executing them. Test data may also be prepared if needed. All test cases are reviewed by peers or the Quality Assurance leader. The Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) is created during this phase to track the requirements.

• Entry Criteria: Requirement document.
• Activities:
  • Write and execute test cases.
  • Map test cases to corresponding requirements using RTM for traceability.
• Deliverables:
  • Test execution results.
  • Detailed list of functions with defect explanations.

5. Defect Logging

During the Defect Logging phase, testers and developers assess the software’s completion based on criteria such as test coverage, quality, time, cost, and business objectives. The goal is to identify any defects, categorize them by severity and type, and determine their impact. If defects are found, the software is sent back to the development team for fixes and re-testing.

• Entry Criteria: Test case execution report, defect report.
• Activities:
  • Evaluate defects based on severity and type.
  • Re-test the software after defects are fixed.
• Deliverables:
  • Closure report.
  • Test metrics.

6. Test Cycle Closure

The Test Cycle Closure phase involves documenting the entire testing process, including software design, development, test results, and defect reports. This phase also assesses the overall testing process, development strategy, and any identified defects, with the goal of applying these learnings to future projects.

• Entry Criteria: All relevant software documents and reports.
• Activities:
  • Evaluate the testing strategy, development process, and identified defects.
  • Apply best practices for future projects with similar specifications.
• Deliverables:
  • Test closure report.

This streamlined process ensures that the software meets the quality and functional requirements, while also providing valuable feedback for future improvements.