Detailed Explanation

In the Requirement Analysis phase, the primary goal is to thoroughly understand the specifications of the software that needs testing. This involves reviewing documents like Business Requirement Documents (BRD) and Functional Specifications. The QA team looks for any gaps or inconsistencies in the requirements and determines which aspects can be tested. Collaborating with the Business Analyst (BA) or Product Owner is crucial for clarifying any unclear or ambiguous points in the requirements.

The key outputs of this phase include the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) and a Requirements Review Report, which help ensure that all requirements are covered in testing. To start this phase, certain conditions (entry criteria) must be met, such as having the necessary documentation available and a QA team in place. The phase concludes when the understanding of requirements is signed off and the RTM is initiated.

Detailed Explanation

During the Test Planning phase, the focus shifts to strategizing how testing will be conducted. This involves determining the overall goals of testing, identifying what types of tests will be performed (e.g., functional or regression testing), and estimating the resources and efforts required. Critical decisions are made about which tools will be used and assigning roles and responsibilities to team members. Additionally, entry and exit criteria for testing phases are defined to ensure a structured approach.

The deliverables for this phase include the Test Plan Document, which outlines the entire testing approach, and a Risk Management Plan that identifies potential obstacles. The phase starts once the requirement baseline is established and ends when the plan has been reviewed and approved, and the team is prepared to begin testing.

Detailed Explanation

In the Test Case Development phase, the QA team creates specific tests that will verify if the software meets its requirements. This includes writing manual test cases or developing automated testing scripts. The team also creates test data—dummy inputs that will be used during testing to simulate real-world scenarios. After crafting the test cases, they are subjected to a review process for completeness and coverage to ensure all aspects are tested.

Successful completion of this phase results in approved Test Cases & Test Scripts, alongside prepared Test Data. This phase starts once the Test Plan has been approved, and it concludes with all test cases being reviewed, approved, and test data being ready for execution.

Detailed Explanation

The Test Environment Setup phase involves preparing all the necessary hardware and software needed for testing. This includes configuring test servers, databases, and staging environments where the software will be tested. Key tools required for testing, such as Selenium for automated testing, are also installed during this phase. Finally, a 'smoke test'—a preliminary check to ensure the environment is ready for detailed testing—is conducted.

Deliverables from this phase include the Environment Validation Report and access credentials. It starts only when environment requirements are clear and available resources are in place, and ends when the environment is tested for stability and accessibility.

Detailed Explanation

In the Test Execution phase, the actual testing of the software takes place. The previously developed test cases are executed, whether manually or via automated systems. As tests are executed, the results are recorded, and any defects or bugs found are logged in tracking tools like JIRA. After fixes are made for any defects, those tests are run again (retesting) to ensure that the issues have been resolved.

The deliverables from this phase consist of the Test Execution Report, Defect Report, and updates to the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM). This phase begins when all test cases and corresponding test data are ready and the test environment is operational, concluding once all tests are executed and critical bugs are addressed.

Detailed Explanation

The Test Cycle Closure phase marks the conclusion of the testing process. It involves confirming that all test cases have been executed and any defects have been addressed satisfactorily. Metrics related to test coverage and overall quality are assessed to judge the testing efforts. A retrospective or post-mortem analysis is conducted to assess what worked well and what could be improved. Finally, all testing artifacts are archived for future use.

Deliverables from this phase include a Test Summary Report, a Lessons Learned Document, and a finalized Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM). The phase begins after the test execution is complete and defects are settled and ends when all necessary documentation is submitted and the quality assurance team has provided their sign-off.

Detailed Explanation

Entry and exit criteria are critical components of the STLC that help maintain quality and structure throughout the testing process. Entry criteria specify the conditions that must be met to start a new testing phase, helping to prevent incompleteness or rushing into testing without proper preparation. Exit criteria define what has to be accomplished before concluding a phase or moving on to the next, ensuring that all necessary steps have been completed and that quality is maintained.