Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) represents a methodical strategy that guarantees that software applications adhere to quality standards and operational needs.

Drawing from my background in creating various software solutions, I have utilized the STLC to identify and then resolve fundamental problems throughout the development process.

So, let me help you understand how the STLC helps in producing reliable, high-quality software.

What is the Software Testing Life Cycle?

The Software Testing Life Cycle is a defined sequence of activities conducted to perform software testing. This ensures the software meets its quality standards and functional requirements.

It includes stages such as requirement analysis, test planning, test case development, environment setup, test execution, and test closure, etc. Every phase comes with some defined criteria for starting and ending. This guarantees a comprehensive and organized approach to testing.

Based on my experience, understanding the basics of STLC is essential for pinpointing and removing bugs prior to the software's launch. It improves dependability and efficiency for everyone involved in the software development process.

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What is the Role of STLC in SDLC?

Software Testing Life Cycle plays a crucial role in Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), as it elevates the functionality and quality of software.

During my developer days, I put first emphasis on the SDLC. After that I focussed on the development process using STLC. More or less, the key purposes of SDLC and STLC are the same, but the stages when I can use them are different.

The main idea behind the incorporation of STLC in SDLC is that it helps with a systematic approach. The approach aims to verify and validate software development. The integration mainly focuses on identifying and addressing defects early in the development process.

In my opinion, STLC is an integral part of SDLC as it ensures that software is reviewed properly before deployment.

In simpler words, SDLC covers most of the software development process, whereas STLC focuses on the testing phase.

Also Read: Best Software Testing Certification

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Steps in Software Testing Life Cycle

There are several stages or sequential phases present in STLC in software testing, stages are:

1. Requirement Analysis

Any kind of software development starts with a requirement analysis phase. I always start by understanding the purpose of functional and non-functional requirements of software.

Once I grasp these requirements, my focus shifts to understanding the design specifications and the flow of operations. This involves examining how different modules and components will interact. Ensuring that the software architecture supports efficient functionality and scalability.

With an understanding of both requirements and design, I then move on to planning the tests. This involves strategizing how each requirement will be tested to ensure it meets user expectations and performance.

This phase is crucial as it sets the stage for rigorous testing throughout the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC). It ensures that the final product not only meets but exceeds client expectations in terms of functionality and user experience.

Also Read: Software Testing Career Path

2. Test Plan Creation

All things I understood during the requirement analysis, including functionalities and details, are turned into QA strategy.

We also understand the steps that we can test automatically and steps needed to be checked manually. Once all these details are clearly documented, test management sets roles and timelines for work completion.

While the test plan is ongoing, testers begin writing detailed case scenarios and structured test cases. The QA team now starts testing as per their understanding and detailed test requirement documentation or analysis is prepared.

I prefer using the traceability matrix in order to understand the details of the test case requirements. However, provided my experience in the field, I emphasize the repeatability of the tests more to get the same results.

3. Environment Setup

Once the parameters of the test environment (hardware, test data, software data, and network configurations, etc) are ready, tests are initiated. In this phase, the testers identify and note any defects, ensuring that software tests are properly conducted.

Additionally, I also go for ‘Smoke Test’ data, which are actually parts of the deliverables of the STLC phases. Smoke test data confirms that the software is ready for more comprehensive testing.

Also Read: Fundamentals of Software Testing

4. Test Case Execution

During the test case execution phase of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC), my role as a software developer is important to ensure the software meets stringent quality standards.

This phase involves executing predefined test cases in an environment designed to simulate real-world scenarios. We follow the test execution plan, which prioritizes critical functionalities and manages dependencies effectively, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Testers execute each test case, carefully documenting outcomes and deviations from expected results. Both automated and manual tests are conducted, with automated tests particularly beneficial for repetitive tasks and regression testing.

When defects are identified during case execution, I use detailed reports, including steps to reproduce, severity levels, and supporting evidence. As a developer, I closely collaborate with testers to review these logs. I plan to diagnose issues, and implement effective fixes.

This collaboration ensures that defects are addressed swiftly and efficiently, maintaining the integrity and functionality of the software.

5. Defect Logging

Defect logging is simply finding bugs and other defects present in the application process. The testing team checks for potential issues and logs defects, as well as their status and priority. Then they assigned them to their development team. The following methods help in tracking the defects, they are:

●     Information capture for starting the debugging process.

●     Reproduce past defects to understand the bug development process.

●     Prioritize the defects as per their severity and importance.

●     Communicate who is fixing or creating the defects.

●     Test the applications on different combinations of software and hardware environments.

As the defects are closed, brief reports are generated and shared with the development team.

Also Read: End to End Testing Best Practices

6. Test Cycle Closure

As a software developer, the test cycle closure phase is critical for finalizing our testing proper documentation.

We begin by reviewing all planned test cases to confirm they have been executed. We also go for documenting reasons for any that were not. We analyze defect logs, ensuring all reported defects are addressed, retested, and closed while documenting the status and severity of any remaining issues.

Next, we compile final test metrics and reports, providing a quantitative measure of testing efforts and software quality.

We conduct a test closure meeting with the team and stakeholders for test coverage, discuss critical issues, and gather feedback. This meeting is also an opportunity to discuss lessons learned and potential improvements for future projects.

Finally, we archive all test components, such as test plans, cases, logs, and reports, and prepare a comprehensive test closure report summarizing all activities and outcomes. This ensures a clear and detailed record of our testing efforts, contributing to the overall success and quality assurance of the software project.

Also Read: Quality Assurance Vs Quality Control

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is essential for ensuring high-quality software development. My extensive experience with STLC has equipped me with the skills to identify and rectify software defects efficiently, ensuring class-apart software products.

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Also Read: Sanity in Software Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does the industry follow the STLC process?

The industry follows the STLC process to ensure high software quality, mitigate risks, and comply with standards. Additionally, it also helps to manage costs, enhance customer satisfaction, and cater to continuous improvement of software development.

2. What is the most important phase of STLC?

The test execution phase is crucial in STLC as it validates software functionality and identifies defects, creating high-quality software deployment. Hence, this is the most important part of the software testing life cycle that a developer should properly handle.