3 - Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

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Requirement Analysis

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Teacher
Teacher

Welcome everyone! Today, we are starting with the first phase of STLC, which is Requirement Analysis. This phase is crucial because we need to clearly understand what we are going to test. Can anyone tell me why it's important to analyze requirements?

Student 1
Student 1

To ensure that we test the right features!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! We want to identify any gaps, inconsistencies, or ambiguities in the requirements. What do you think we will deliver at the end of this phase?

Student 2
Student 2

I think we produce the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) and possibly a Requirements Review Report.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! The RTM will help us track test coverage against the requirements. Remember, we must have documented entry criteria like having the BRD and user stories ready before we start analyzing. Clearly defining entry and exit criteria is a theme throughout STLC. Let's move on. Why do you think involving a Business Analyst (BA) is important in this phase?

Student 3
Student 3

Because they can clarify the requirements for us!

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! Now, to summarize this phase, we'll ensure requirements are fully understood, identified gaps are noted, and the RTM is initiated which will set the foundation for our next steps.

Test Planning

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Teacher
Teacher

Moving on to the second phase – Test Planning. This is where we define our strategy and scope. Why do you think having a good test plan is critical?

Student 4
Student 4

It helps to align everyone on what to test and how to do it!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The test plan outlines objectives and types of testing. Can anyone name a few types of testing we might include here?

Student 2
Student 2

Functional, regression, and smoke testing!

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Additionally, in this phase, we have to estimate resources and define roles and responsibilities. What deliverable do we create at the end of this phase?

Student 1
Student 1

The Test Plan Document!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Ensuring that our test plan is reviewed and approved is vital before moving to the next phase. Remember, entry criteria will guide this phase's start and exit criteria will confirm its completion.

Test Case Development

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Teacher
Teacher

Now let's talk about the Test Case Development phase. What do we focus on in this phase?

Student 3
Student 3

We create and review detailed test cases!

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! We write manual test cases or automated scripts. Why is reviewing these test cases important?

Student 4
Student 4

To make sure they cover all scenarios and requirements!

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! Each test case needs to be comprehensive to validate the functionality of the software. What is the primary deliverable from this phase?

Student 2
Student 2

Test cases and test data prepared for testing!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Preparing the test data is just as essential as preparing the test cases themselves. Once we have all test cases reviewed and approved, we are set to move forward. Be mindful of our entry criteria from the previous phases!

Test Execution

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s dive into Test Execution. Now that we have our test cases and environment ready, what do we do in this phase?

Student 1
Student 1

We execute the test cases and log defects!

Teacher
Teacher

Right! It’s essential to record actual results and compare them with expected outcomes. What happens when we find defects?

Student 3
Student 3

We log them into a tracking tool, like JIRA!

Teacher
Teacher

Correct again! Updating the RTM is also part of our deliverables during this phase. Before we finish this phase, what are the exit criteria we need to check?

Student 2
Student 2

All test cases must be executed, and critical bugs must be resolved or deferred!

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent! That ensures we are properly concluding the test execution phase before we officially close the test cycle.

Test Cycle Closure

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Teacher
Teacher

Finally, we arrive at the Test Cycle Closure phase. What is the main goal of this phase?

Student 4
Student 4

To ensure all test cases have been executed and analyze the results!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! We also need to evaluate test coverage and quality metrics. What deliverable do we create here?

Student 1
Student 1

The Test Summary Report!

Teacher
Teacher

That's right! Additionally, conducting a retrospective analysis helps us document lessons learned. Why do you think it's important to archive testware?

Student 2
Student 2

So we can reuse it in future projects!

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! Archiving helps future projects by providing historical insights. Always remember the importance of having both entry and exit criteria in effectively managing the STLC.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) outlines the process and phases followed by QA teams to conduct systematic and effective software testing.

Standard

STLC is a structured methodology that guides QA teams through the various phases of testing, including requirement analysis, test planning, test case development, and execution. Each phase has distinct objectives, activities, and deliverables, ensuring thorough coverage and quality assurance throughout the software testing process.

Detailed

Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a well-defined process that encompasses several phases critical for effective software testing. While the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) focuses on software development, STLC hones in on the testing aspect, ensuring thorough examination and validation of software.

Phases of STLC

The STLC comprises the following key phases:
1. Requirement Analysis: This phase aims to understand the requirements, identify what needs testing, and find gaps and ambiguities in requirements. Deliverables include the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) and Requirements Review Report.
2. Test Planning: Here, the focus is on strategizing the testing approach, estimating resources, and defining entry and exit criteria for each test. The main deliverable is the Test Plan Document.
3. Test Case Development: This phase involves designing detailed test cases based on the requirements and preparing corresponding test data, with test cases and scripts as the primary deliverables.
4. Test Environment Setup: Parallel to test case development, the testing environment must be configured and validated to ensure readiness for testing activities. An Environment Validation Report is a key deliverable.
5. Test Execution: During this phase, test cases are executed, results are analyzed against expectations, and defects are logged. The Test Execution Report summarizes the findings.
6. Test Cycle Closure: The final phase evaluates testing outcomes, ensures all tests are executed, and documents lessons learned. Deliverables include the Test Summary Report and any lessons learned documents.

Each phase has entry and exit criteria that must be fulfilled to maintain process integrity and ensure quality control throughout the testing lifecycle.

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Introduction to STLC

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The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a structured process that defines specific steps and phases followed by the QA team to ensure that software testing is carried out systematically, efficiently, and effectively.

While SDLC focuses on software development, STLC focuses on software testing.

Detailed Explanation

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) outlines the systematic process that quality assurance (QA) teams should follow when testing software. Its purpose is to make sure testing is conducted in an organized and thorough manner. Unlike the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), which emphasizes the stages of software development, STLC is specifically aimed at the various aspects of testing software. Having a structured approach helps in minimizing errors and ensures that all testing activities are documented and executed correctly.

Examples & Analogies

Think of STLC like preparing for a big exam at school. You can't just sit down and start answering questions without a plan. You would typically have to review your study materials, create a study schedule, practice past papers, and finally, evaluate your performance after the exam. Similarly, STLC includes phases that ensure the testing process is effective and well-prepared.

Requirement Analysis Phase

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✅ 1. Requirement Analysis
Objective: Understand what needs to be tested and identify testable requirements.
Activities:
● Review Business Requirement Documents (BRD), Functional Specs, User Stories
● Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or ambiguities
● Determine testable and non-testable requirements
● Involve BA/Product Owner for clarification
Deliverables:
● Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)
● Requirements Review Report
Entry Criteria:
● BRD/FRD/User Stories are available
● QA team is identified
Exit Criteria:
● Requirement understanding is signed off
● RTM is initiated

Detailed Explanation

The Requirement Analysis phase is critical because it establishes a clear understanding of what needs testing. The objective is to ensure that the requirements gathered are complete, clear, and can be tested effectively. The QA team reviews documents such as Business Requirements Documents and User Stories to identify if there are any missing pieces or unclear sections. The deliverables for this phase, like the Requirements Traceability Matrix, help link requirements to test cases, ensuring that all requirements are tested. This phase cannot begin unless the necessary documents are available, and it ends when the requirements are agreed upon and documented.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a chef preparing a new dish. Before cooking, the chef needs to ensure they have a complete recipe and understand every ingredient's role. If there are gaps in the recipe, the dish may not turn out as expected. Similar to this, the QA team needs to analyze the requirements thoroughly to ensure nothing is missing to deliver a quality software product.

Test Planning Phase

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✅ 2. Test Planning
Objective: Define the strategy, scope, objectives, and logistics of the testing process.
Activities:
● Identify test objectives and types (functional, regression, smoke)
● Estimate effort and resources
● Decide tools, roles, responsibilities
● Define Entry and Exit Criteria for each test phase
Deliverables:
● Test Plan Document
● Risk Management Plan
● Effort Estimation Sheet
Entry Criteria:
● Requirements baseline is completed
● Test strategy template is available
Exit Criteria:
● Test plan is reviewed and approved
● Team and environment are ready

Detailed Explanation

During the Test Planning phase, the focus shifts from simply understanding requirements to outlining how testing will be conducted. This involves establishing the objectives of testing, defining what types of testing will be performed, estimating the necessary resources, and choosing the right tools for the job. The outcomes are documented in a Test Plan, which acts as a blueprint for the testing process. This phase begins only after the requirements are solidified, and it concludes when the testing plan is approved and the team is prepared to start testing.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine organizing a wedding. You need to decide the venue, caterer, guest list, and schedule before the event. Each decision impacts how the day will unfold. Similarly, a QA team must prepare a detailed testing plan to ensure that testing runs smoothly and meets deadlines.

Test Case Development Phase

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✅ 3. Test Case Development
Objective: Design detailed test cases based on requirements and prepare test data.
Activities:
● Write manual test cases or automated scripts
● Identify and create test data (dummy inputs)
● Review test cases for completeness and coverage
Deliverables:
● Test Cases & Test Scripts
● Test Data
● Review Comments/Sign-off
Entry Criteria:
● Test plan is approved
● RTM is finalized
Exit Criteria:
● All test cases are reviewed and approved
● Test data is prepared

Detailed Explanation

In the Test Case Development phase, the QA team translates the requirements into specific test cases that detail how each requirement will be tested. This includes both manual and automated testing scripts and the creation of necessary test data to verify those cases. It’s essential that all test cases are thoroughly reviewed for accuracy and completeness before moving forward. The phase concludes once all test cases are approved and the necessary test data is prepared for execution.

Examples & Analogies

Think of this phase like a teacher preparing exam questions based on the syllabus. The teacher must ensure each question relates clearly to the content taught, and the assessment tools are available. If not prepared correctly, the assessment may not accurately measure student understanding.

Test Environment Setup Phase

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✅ 4. Test Environment Setup (Parallel Phase)
Objective: Prepare the hardware/software setup required for testing.
Activities:
● Configure test servers, databases, staging environments
● Install required tools (e.g., Selenium, JIRA, TestRail)
● Validate environment readiness (smoke test)
Deliverables:
● Environment Validation Report
● Access credentials and URLs
Entry Criteria:
● Environment requirements are known
● Hardware/software is available
Exit Criteria:
● Test environment is stable and accessible

Detailed Explanation

During the Test Environment Setup phase, the necessary hardware and software conditions are prepared to ensure that tests can be executed effectively. This includes configuring servers and databases as well as installing any required testing tools. A smoke test is conducted to verify that the environment is functioning as needed before actual testing begins. This phase starts when the required environment specifications are finalized and ends when the testing environment is confirmed to be stable.

Examples & Analogies

Setting up the testing environment can be compared to preparing a classroom before students arrive. The teacher ensures that all materials, desks, and tools are ready for a smooth learning experience. Similarly, QA teams must ensure every technical aspect is in place before test execution.

Test Execution Phase

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✅ 5. Test Execution
Objective: Execute test cases and report any defects found.
Activities:
● Execute manual/automated tests
● Record actual results and compare with expected outcomes
● Log defects in tools like JIRA
● Retest after defect fixes
Deliverables:
● Test Execution Report
● Defect Report & Bug Tracker Updates
● Updated RTM
Entry Criteria:
● Test cases and test data are ready
● Test environment is up and running
Exit Criteria:
● All test cases executed
● All critical bugs are fixed or deferred with approval

Detailed Explanation

In the Test Execution phase, the actual testing happens as planned. Test cases are executed either manually or through automation, and the results are compared against expected outputs. Any discrepancies or failures are logged as defects, and the QA team may need to retest once fixes are applied. This phase ensures that all aspects of the application are checked for quality and compliance with requirements. It begins when the test cases and environment are ready and ends when all critical tests are complete.

Examples & Analogies

Executing test cases is like conducting a quality check on a product in a factory. Each product needs to be tested for quality against specifications. If any product fails, it needs to be brought back for corrective action before it can be released to customers.

Test Cycle Closure Phase

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✅ 6. Test Cycle Closure
Objective: Formally close testing activities, assess metrics, and document learnings.
Activities:
● Ensure all test cases are executed and defects addressed
● Evaluate test coverage and quality metrics
● Conduct retrospective or post-mortem analysis
● Archive testware for reuse
Deliverables:
● Test Summary Report
● Lessons Learned Document
● Final RTM
Entry Criteria:
● Test execution is complete
● Defect status is resolved or accepted
Exit Criteria:
● All deliverables are submitted
● QA sign-off is obtained

Detailed Explanation

The Test Cycle Closure phase is where the testing process is formally concluded. The QA team makes sure that all test cases have been executed and all defects have been addressed appropriately. They will also analyze data related to test coverage and quality to learn from the experiences gained. This phase provides a summary of testing outcomes through reports and final documentation, ensuring that lessons learned can be applied in future testing cycles. It starts after test execution is complete and ends with formal acceptance and submission of all deliverables.

Examples & Analogies

Think about wrapping up a project at school. After completing the project, you review your work, reflect on what went well or what you'd do differently, and prepare a final report. This phase is much like that, as the QA team reflects on the testing journey and consolidates all insights for future reference.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Requirement Analysis: Understanding and identifying what needs to be tested.

  • Test Planning: Defining strategies for testing and estimating resources.

  • Test Case Development: Creating test cases and preparing test data.

  • Test Environment Setup: Configuring necessary software and hardware for testing.

  • Test Execution: Carrying out test cases and logging defects.

  • Test Cycle Closure: Reviewing test outcomes and documenting lessons learned.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • During Requirement Analysis, if a functional specification is missing a user story, this may lead to gaps in testing coverage.

  • In Test Planning, defining an entry criterion like having 'all critical requirements documented' ensures clarity before moving forward.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In Requirement Analysis, we see, what we test must be clear and free!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once a team started testing too soon, they found bugs covered in a cartoon. With proper planning and criteria to meet, they averted mishaps and faced no defeat.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember the phases: R-T-C-E-E-C - Requirement, Test Planning, Test Case, Execute, and Close!

🎯 Super Acronyms

STLC

  • Systematic Testing Leads to Quality.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: STLC

    Definition:

    Software Testing Life Cycle, a structured process defining phases in software testing.

  • Term: Entry Criteria

    Definition:

    Conditions that must be met before starting a testing phase.

  • Term: Exit Criteria

    Definition:

    Conditions that must be fulfilled to conclude a testing phase.

  • Term: RTM

    Definition:

    Requirements Traceability Matrix, a document linking requirements to test cases.

  • Term: Test Plan Document

    Definition:

    A formal document outlining the scope, approach, resources, and schedule of intended testing activities.

  • Term: Test Summary Report

    Definition:

    A document summarizing the outcomes of the testing activities and the state of the software being tested.