Software Testing Lifecycle | Introduction To Software Testing

Introduction

The Software Testing Lifecycle (STLC) is a series of phases that guide the testing process of a software product. The goal of STLC is to ensure that the software meets the specified requirements and is free of defects. This lifecycle helps in organizing and managing the testing activities efficiently.

Phases of STLC

STLC consists of several phases that are executed in a sequential manner:

Requirement Analysis
Test Planning
Test Case Design
Test Environment Setup
Test Execution
Test Closure

1. Requirement Analysis

In this phase, testers analyze the requirements from stakeholders to determine what needs to be tested. The goal is to ensure that all requirements are clear and testable.

Example: If a requirement states, "The system shall allow users to log in," the tester will analyze how this can be validated.

2. Test Planning

This phase involves defining the scope and objectives of testing. Test plans are created that outline the testing strategy, resources, schedule, and deliverables.

Example: A test plan may specify that functional testing will be performed on the login feature within a two-week timeframe.

3. Test Case Design

Test cases are created based on the requirements and the test plan. Each test case includes specific input data, execution conditions, and the expected results.

Example: A test case could be: "Verify that a user can log in with valid credentials." It would specify the input (username and password) and the expected output (successful login).

4. Test Environment Setup

In this phase, the testing environment is prepared to execute the test cases. This includes setting up hardware, software, and network configurations.

Example: Setting up a test database and configuring the application server to simulate the production environment.

5. Test Execution

During test execution, testers run the test cases and document the results. Any defects found are reported and tracked for resolution.

Example: Executing the login test case and noting if the actual result matches the expected result. If it fails, a defect is logged.

6. Test Closure

The final phase involves evaluating cycle completion criteria based on test coverage, quality, cost, time, critical business objectives, etc. Test closure activities include reporting, documentation, and knowledge transfer.

Example: Compiling a test closure report that summarizes the testing activities, defects found, and overall quality assessment of the software.

Conclusion

The Software Testing Lifecycle (STLC) is crucial for ensuring the quality and reliability of software applications. By following these phases, organizations can systematically manage testing efforts and deliver products that meet user expectations.