Software Testing - Software Testing Life Cycle

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a step-by-step process that defines all the activities carried out during the testing of software.
It ensures testing is systematic, efficient, and effective.

Phases of STLC

1. Requirement Analysis

• Goal: Understand what needs to be tested.

• Activities:

  • Analyze functional and non-functional requirements.

  • Identify testable requirements.

  • Review with stakeholders.

• Output: Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM), clarification documents.

2. Test Planning

• Goal: Define the testing strategy and resources.

• Activities:

  • Decide test scope, objectives, schedule, budget.

  • Identify test environment needs and tools.

  • Assign roles and responsibilities.

• Output: Test Plan document.

3. Test Case Design (Test Design)

• Goal: Create detailed test cases and test data.

• Activities:

  • Write test cases for each requirement.

  • Prepare test data.

  • Review and approve test cases.

• Output: Test cases, test scripts.

4. Test Environment Setup

• Goal: Prepare hardware, software, and network for testing.

• Activities:

  • Configure systems and tools.

  • Install required software builds.

  • Ensure environment matches production as closely as possible.

• Output: Ready test environment.

5. Test Execution

• Goal: Run the test cases on the software build.

• Activities:

  • Execute tests (manual or automated).

  • Log results and defects.

  • Retest after fixes.

• Output: Test execution reports, defect reports.

6. Test Closure

• Goal: Finalize and evaluate the testing process.

• Activities:

  • Assess if testing objectives were met.

  • Document lessons learned.

  • Archive test artifacts for future reference.

• Output: Test summary report, closure report.