3.2 - Summary Table of STLC Phases

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Requirement Analysis

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Teacher
Teacher

In the Requirement Analysis phase, we focus on understanding what needs to be tested. Can anyone tell me what documents we might review during this phase?

Student 1
Student 1

We would look at the Business Requirement Documents and User Stories.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! These documents help us identify testable requirements. Remember, we also need to clarify any gaps or ambiguities with the BA or Product Owner. Why do you think this is important?

Student 2
Student 2

To ensure we test the right functionalities and avoid missing anything.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! So, what is one of the key deliverables from this phase?

Student 3
Student 3

The Requirements Traceability Matrix!

Teacher
Teacher

Great! Now, let’s summarize this phase: Remember, its goal is to have all requirements clear and approved before we move to the next phase.

Test Planning

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Teacher
Teacher

The next phase is Test Planning. What do you think is the primary goal of this phase?

Student 4
Student 4

To define the strategies, objectives, and logistics for testing.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! We need to consider test objectives, estimation of resources, and tool selection. Can anyone name a key document produced in this phase?

Student 1
Student 1

The Test Plan Document.

Teacher
Teacher

Right! Remember, without a solid plan, testing can be haphazard. What do we need to have completed to move to this phase?

Student 2
Student 2

The requirements baseline needs to be done.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! In summary, proper planning is essential for effective testing.

Test Case Development

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s discuss Test Case Development. What is the main task in this phase?

Student 3
Student 3

Writing test cases and preparing test data.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! It's essential to ensure these are complete and well-reviewed. Why is reviewing these documents important?

Student 4
Student 4

To make sure we have covered all scenarios and requirements.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! What do we want to achieve before we move on from this phase?

Student 1
Student 1

All test cases must be reviewed and approved.

Teacher
Teacher

Right! So, it's clear that this phase sets the groundwork for our actual testing.

Test Execution

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s talk about Test Execution. What do we do in this phase?

Student 2
Student 2

We run the test cases and log any defects.

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! During execution, we compare expected vs. actual results. Why is this step critical?

Student 3
Student 3

It helps us ensure that the software functions as intended.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! What do we provide as deliverables after this phase?

Student 4
Student 4

The Test Execution Report and the Defect Report.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! And always remember—attention to detail here is crucial for the overall quality of the software.

Test Cycle Closure

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Teacher
Teacher

Finally, we have the Test Cycle Closure. What is the focus of this phase?

Student 4
Student 4

To assess test coverage and document lessons learned.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! It's our time to analyze the success of our testing phase. What document do we produce at the end?

Student 1
Student 1

The Test Summary Report!

Teacher
Teacher

Right! It's vital that we learn from each cycle to improve future testing processes. Let’s summarize: this closure phase not only wraps up testing but also helps enhance future efforts.

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section outlines the phases of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) along with their entry and exit criteria, key deliverables, and objectives.

Standard

The Summary Table of STLC Phases presents a structured overview of each phase involved in the STLC process. It highlights objectives, activities, entry and exit criteria, and key deliverables for each phase, emphasizing the importance of systematic and effective testing.

Detailed

Detailed Summary of STLC Phases

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) consists of essential phases that ensure quality assurance in the software development process. Each phase has distinct objectives, activities, entry and exit criteria, and deliverables as outlined below:

1. Requirement Analysis

  • Objective: Understand what needs to be tested.
  • Activities: Involves reviewing documentation, identifying testable requirements, and clarifying ambiguities with stakeholders.
  • Deliverables: Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM), Requirements Review Report.

2. Test Planning

  • Objective: Define the overall strategy, including scope and objectives.
  • Activities: Identification of test objectives, estimation of resources, and preparation of a test plan.
  • Deliverables: Test Plan Document, Risk Management Plan, Effort Estimation Sheet.

3. Test Case Development

  • Objective: Establish detailed test cases and prepare necessary test data.
  • Activities: Writing and reviewing test cases and scripts.
  • Deliverables: Test Cases & Test Scripts, Test Data.

4. Test Environment Setup

  • Objective: Ensure all testing environments are correctly configured.
  • Activities: Installing tools, configuring environments, and validating readiness through smoke testing.
  • Deliverables: Environment Validation Report, Access Credentials.

5. Test Execution

  • Objective: Execute each test case and document findings.
  • Activities: Running tests, logging defects, and retesting post-defect fixes.
  • Deliverables: Test Execution Report, Defect Report.

6. Test Cycle Closure

  • Objective: Close testing activities formally.
  • Activities: Assessing metrics, archiving testware, and documenting lessons learned.
  • Deliverables: Test Summary Report, Lessons Learned Document.

Importance of Entry & Exit Criteria

Entry and exit criteria are essential components in each phase, ensuring that a phase has been adequately addressed before moving on. This structure reduces ambiguity and aids in process maturity.

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Requirement Analysis Phase

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Phase Entry Criteria Exit Criteria Key Deliverables
Requirement docs available RTM initiated, gaps identified clarification RTM draft, log

Detailed Explanation

The Requirement Analysis Phase is where the focus is on identifying what needs to be tested. Before this phase begins, the necessary requirement documents must be available to the team. The exit criteria specify that the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) should be initiated and any gaps or ambiguities in the requirements should be clarified. The key deliverables from this phase include a draft of the RTM and a log of identified gaps.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine preparing for a big test. Before you start studying, you need a syllabus (requirement docs) that outlines what topics you need to cover. You check if any chapters are unclear to ensure you focus on the right areas. Your study notes (RTM draft) will guide your preparation, ensuring you know exactly what areas might need more attention.

Test Planning Phase

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Phase Entry Criteria Exit Criteria Key Deliverables
Requirements Approved test baseline Test Plan, Risk Plan

Detailed Explanation

In the Test Planning Phase, the team defines the strategy for testing. This begins once the requirements have been approved and a test strategy template is available. The exit criteria for this phase ensure that the test plan is reviewed and approved. Key deliverables include the Test Plan Document and the Risk Management Plan, which outline how to navigate potential obstacles during testing.

Examples & Analogies

Think of planning a trip. Before you go, you need to finalize your itinerary (test plan) based on your destination (approved requirements). You may think about the risks, like bad weather (risk plan), and ensure you have all the resources needed for your travel.

Test Case Development Phase

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Phase Entry Criteria Exit Criteria Key Deliverables
Test plan approved All test cases reviewed Test Cases, Test Data

Detailed Explanation

During the Test Case Development Phase, testers design detailed test cases based on the approved test plan. The entry criteria indicate that the test plan must be approved first. By the end of this phase, all test cases should be reviewed and approved along with the prepared test data. Key deliverables include the test cases and the test data, which will be used for executing the tests.

Examples & Analogies

It’s like setting up a recipe before cooking. You first check that you have your ingredients ready (test plan approved). Once you've drafted the steps (test cases) and gathered everything (test data), you run through the recipe to ensure it will work well.

Test Environment Setup Phase

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Phase Entry Criteria Exit Criteria Key Deliverables
Environment requirements identified Environment validated via smoke testing Environment Checklist

Detailed Explanation

In the Test Environment Setup Phase, the focus is on ensuring that the necessary hardware and software are properly installed and configured for testing. Entry criteria require that the environment requirements be well understood. The exit criteria ensure that all setups pass a preliminary check (smoke test) and that the environment is stable and accessible for testing. A primary deliverable is the Environment Validation Report, which confirms readiness.

Examples & Analogies

This is akin to setting up a stage for a play. You need to know what props and lights (environment requirements) you need. Before the show starts (testing), you run a rehearsed scene in front of a small audience (smoke test) to ensure everything works as intended.

Test Execution Phase

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Phase Entry Criteria Exit Criteria Key Deliverables
Test cases + environment ready All test cases executed, bugs logged Execution Logs, Bug Reports

Detailed Explanation

The Test Execution Phase is where actual testing occurs. The entry criteria denote that all test cases and test data must be ready, along with the test environment. By this phase's end, all test cases should be executed, and any bugs must be logged. Key deliverables here include execution logs, which capture the results of each test, and bug reports that summarize any defects found.

Examples & Analogies

Think of this phase as a live performance. You’ve prepared everything (test cases, environment), and now it’s time to perform. You document the performance (execution logs) and take note of any mistakes (bug reports) to improve for next time.

Test Cycle Closure Phase

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Phase Entry Criteria Exit Criteria Key Deliverables
Test execution completed Summary report, retrospectives held Final RTM, Lessons Learned

Detailed Explanation

The Test Cycle Closure Phase marks the conclusion of testing activities. The entry criteria require that testing is complete, and the status of defects is resolved or accepted. Exit criteria ensure that all necessary deliverables are submitted and that the Quality Assurance (QA) team provides final sign-off. Key deliverables include a Test Summary Report detailing the outcomes and a Lessons Learned document for future reference.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine running a project and, once it’s over, you sit down to review how it went and what could be improved. That summary report captures everything, including successes and mistakes (lessons learned), to help in future projects.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Entry Criteria: Conditions that must be fulfilled before a testing phase can begin.

  • Exit Criteria: Conditions that must be fulfilled before advancing to the next phase.

  • Test Environment Setup: Preparing the necessary environment for executing test cases.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • An example of Requirement Analysis is when a QA team reviews functional specifications to identify what needs to be tested and what is feasible.

  • During Test Planning, if the team decides to utilize automation testing tools, they must document this decision in the Test Plan Document.

Memory Aids

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

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Before we test, make sure it's best; check the docs and create a quest.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a software explorer who checks maps (requirements) thoroughly before journeying into testing lands—the foundation of successful testing!

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember the acronym 'RTE-TC' for Requirement Analysis, Test Planning, Test Case Development, Test Environment Setup, Test Execution, and Test Cycle Closure.

🎯 Super Acronyms

SIT-C (Software In Testing - Completion) represents the phases of STLC you must navigate.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

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  • Term: Requirement Analysis

    Definition:

    The process of assessing documentation to identify testable requirements.

  • Term: Test Planning

    Definition:

    The phase in which a testing strategy and scope are defined.

  • Term: Test Case Development

    Definition:

    The creation of detailed test cases and required test data.

  • Term: Test Environment Setup

    Definition:

    The configuration and validation of the environment for testing.

  • Term: Test Execution

    Definition:

    The phase where test cases are executed, and results are documented.

  • Term: Test Cycle Closure

    Definition:

    The final phase that formally concludes testing and assesses outcomes.

  • Term: Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)

    Definition:

    A document that traces and links requirements to their test cases.

  • Term: Defect Report

    Definition:

    A document that records and tracks identified defects in the software.