The process of confirming and validating whether a piece of software or application is bug-free complies with all technical specifications set forth during its design and development, and effectively and efficiently satisfies user requirements while handling all exceptional and boundary cases is known as software testing. In addition to seeking out software flaws, program testing looks for ways to improve the software’s efficiency, precision, and usefulness. It primarily seeks to gauge a software program or application’s specification, functionality, and performance. The manner and quality of testing are evolving. More technical skills and a focus on processes are now prerequisites for testers. Today, testing has a larger scope and is necessary from the very beginning of the project, even before the requirements are finalized. It is no longer only about discovering bugs. since examinations are also standardized. Testing has a lifecycle, much like software development does.
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Simply said, a lifecycle is the progression of changes from one form to another. Any tangible or intangible object is susceptible to these alterations. Everything has a lifecycle, from creation through death or retirement. Software is a comparable example of an entity. The testing life cycle refers to the process of carrying out testing operations in a systematic and planned manner, much to how developing software comprises a sequence of processes that must be carried out in a specific order. The term “Software Testing Life Cycle” refers to a testing procedure with particular phases that must be completed in a particular order to guarantee that the quality objectives have been reached. Each step of the STLC process is completed in a planned and orderly manner. Goals and deliverables vary for each phase. The STLC phases vary according to the organization, but the fundamentals are the same.
Use of STLC Lifecycle
We may infer that STLC contains several stages, including planning, control, implementation, standardization, and so forth because we can define it as a collection of testing measures. All of this points to the necessity of the STLC for the following purposes in addition to testing the developed product:
- Addressing its issues in the earliest and most advantageous stage of growth;
- Enhancing the development process’s transparency and quality;
Ensuring that the product’s quality is fully under control at every stage of the SDLC;
- Figuring out how the utilization of the testing life cycle is affected by the implementation of Agile, Scrum, SAFe, etc.;
- Delivering an excellent product to both the client and the users.
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Role of STLC Lifecycle
Software is tested to ensure that quality standards are fulfilled using a process known as the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC). Testing is carried out methodically through a number of steps. Until a product is approved for release, STLC phases may be repeated throughout the product development process. The STLC lifecycle’s functions include:
- The agile testing process’ speed and consistency should be improved.
- For each project component, specify the expectations and goals in detail.
- Set time limits for project testing.
- Before adding more features, make sure that each one has been tested and is functioning properly.
- Verify that the requirements for the project are being met.
- Evaluation of the system requirements for users and other interested parties
- Building a traceability matrix (a document that determines project completeness by comparing requirements with features)
- Identifying the testing kinds and methodologies required for each feature
- Prioritization of the desired features
- Analysis of automatable task types
- Environmental information identification
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STLC Phases
There are six phases in the software testing life cycle, each with specific entrance and exit criteria, associated tasks, and deliverables. When a phase can begin and the end is determined by entry and exit criteria. Activities and deliverables specify the acts are taken and the desired outcome. While some of these phases can be carried out concurrently, some call for the earlier completion of other phases.
- Requirement Analysis
In this stage, testable components of feature requirements gathered through the SDLC process are identified. Testing teams may need to speak with stakeholders to explain requirements if necessary. These requirements, which define the capabilities and features of a feature, can either be functional or non-functional. This step also assesses the testing’s capacity to be automated.
- Entry Criteria: Documented requirements, acceptability standards, and the anticipated product architecture are entry criteria.
- Exit criteria: approved automation feasibility study and requirement traceability matrix (RTM).
- Test Planning
The test strategy is described in a test plan document during this phase. This plan outlines the necessary tools, testing procedures, and roles and duties. The choice of this technique is made using a cost-benefit analysis, as well as a planned testing schedule.
- Entry Criteria: Requirement analysis, RTM, and an automation feasibility report are the entry requirements.
- Exit Criteria: Approved test plan including timelines, cost/risk analysis, and exit criteria.
- Test Case Development
Test cases are made in this stage. Each example outlines the test inputs, processes, conditions, and expected outcomes. Test cases must be clear, effective, and flexible. Test coverage should be 100% after all test cases have been developed. During this stage, any required automation scripts are also written.
- Test Environment Setup
Configured and deployed testing environments take place in this stage. Various testing technologies, such as TestComplete, Selenium, Appium, or Katalon Studio, may be used during this phase. The setup of test servers is occasionally included in this phase. Smoke tests are run after environments have been deployed to make sure they are functioning with all intended features.
- Test Execution
During this phase, features are tested in the deployed environment using the established test cases. Test results are collected and compared to expectations to provide feedback to the development teams.
- Test Cycle Closure
The preparation of a test result report occurs during this, the final step of the STLC. The complete testing procedure should be summarised in this report, including comparisons of the actual results to those anticipated. Objectives achieved, time spent, overall costs, test coverage, and any flaws detected are all compared in these comparisons.
- Test results and reporting from all prior phases are entry requirements.
- Delivered and approved test closure report for exit criteria.
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Conclusion
You may streamline an otherwise disorganized process by using the software testing life cycle to better manage your testing workflow. Each phase contains several aspects to take into account, as well as various testing instrument needs. Although planning is an essential step, it doesn’t have to be a laborious manual procedure. Solutions for Software Quality Intelligence can help you make decisions based on data.
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