Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC):

In the world of software development, quality is irreplaceable To ensure that software quality meets the highest standards, a structured and methodical approach to testing is needed. This is where the Software Testing Life Cycle comes into play. STLC is a systematic process that ensures software quality by planning, designing, executing, and evaluating tests to identify defects and ensure that the Software product meets the required specifications.

In this blog, we'll look into the various phases of STLC, its importance in the development process, and best practices for implementing it effectively.

What is STLC?

Software Testing Life Cycle is a process used to test software and ensure that quality standards are met. Tests are carried out systematically over several phases. During product development, phases of the STLC may be performed multiple times until a product is deemed suitable for release.STLC is dedicated to testing. However, it runs parallel to SDLC, with both processes  affecting each other.

What Is the Role of Software Testing Life Cycle?

An STLC helps teams: 

• Clearly define goals and expectations for each project aspect

• Apply time constraints to project testing

• Ensure that each feature is tested and passing before additional features are added

• Verify that project requirements are met

Activities included in STLC are:

• Analysis of client and stakeholder system requirements

• Creation of a traceability matrix (a document that determines project completeness by comparing requirements with features) 

• Identification of testing techniques and types needed for each feature

• Prioritization of features to be targeted

• Analysis of how tasks can be automated

• Identification of environment information

Advantage of STLC :

• It ensures that tests are designed meaningfully and that feature specification are clear.

• Systematic testing leads to a faster testing process and enables teams to uncover and address issues faster.

• Project progress is easier to track since testing is performed with well-defined goals and phases.

Phases of STLC

The STLC is divided into six phases, each of which plays a important role in the  testing process:

1. Requirement Analysis

• Objective: Understand the testing requirements and define what needs to be tested.

• Activities:

  • Analyze requirements for testability.

  • Identify types of tests needs to be performed.

  • Gather inputs from stakeholders.

• Deliverables: Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM), automation feasibility report.

2. Test Planning

• Objective: Develop a test plan that outlines the strategy, scope, resources, schedule, and deliverables.

• Activities:

  • Define the testing objectives.

  • Allocate resources and assign roles.

  • Identify testing tools and environments.

  • Estimate testing efforts and timelines.

• Deliverables: Test plan, risk analysis report.

3. Test Case Development

• Objective: Create detailed test cases and test scripts that define the input and expected outcomes.

• Activities:

  • Write test cases based on the requirement specifications.

  • Develop test data for executing the test cases.

  • Review and finalize the test cases.

• Deliverables: Test cases, test scripts, test data.

4. Test Environment Setup

• Objective: Preparation of the environment in which the tests will be executed.

• Activities:

  • Set up the hardware, software, and network configurations.

  • Install the necessary tools and applications.

  • Prepare test data and ensure the environment is ready for testing.

• Deliverables: Test environment setup document, access to test environment.

5. Test Execution

• Objective: Execute the test cases and compare the actual results with the expected results.

• Activities:

  • Execute test cases manually or using automation tools.

  • Log defects for any differences between actual and expected results.

  • Retest and verify the fixed defects.

• Deliverables: Test execution report, defect log, updated test cases.

6. Test Closure

• Objective: Wrap up the testing process and evaluate the testing outcomes.

• Activities:

  • Ensure all test cases are executed.

  • Conduct test closure meetings and provide feedback.

  • Archive test artifacts for future reference.

  • Analyze the lessons learned and improve the process for future projects.

• Deliverables: Test summary report, test closure report, lessons learned document.

Methodologies of Software Testing Life Cycle

There are a few main methodologies used in STLC:

1. Waterfall Model

In the waterfall model, software development progresses sequentially through defined phases (requirements, design, implementation, verification, maintenance). STLC aligns with this by having distinct testing phases corresponding to each development phase. For example, testing starts after the completion of the implementation phase and continues through to deployment.

1. Agile Model

Agile is the enabler of development through iterations and short cycles of testing referred to as sprints. The Agile STLC differs significantly from other models by being more continuous, integrating testing activities throughout the development process. In each sprint, testing tasks — such as writing test cases, executing tests, or reporting defects — are completed incrementally. This way any issues that appear can be captured early during the sprint cycle and addressed promptly.

1. Scrum 

Scrum is a particular Agile framework, characterized by the fact that development work is organized into iterations with fixed durations which are termed sprints. The STLC in Scrum engages the whole team — developers and testers alike — in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and sprint reviews. Testing tasks are interleaved across the sprint timeline. Each sprint,  primary focus is on ensuring that the product has a potentially shippable increment by the end of the sprint.

1. DevOps

DevOps is the junction where software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) meet and play well together to streamline flow and enhance harmony. The STLC within the realm of DevOps stresses on one core principle— continuous testing intertwined with continuous delivery (CI/CD). Testing components are automated when feasible, and these automated test scripts find themselves a cozy spot within the CI/CD pipeline. Their responsibility? To provide prompt feedback without delay, catching hold of any lurking defect at the earliest instance possible.

1. Iterative Model

The Iterative model is similar to Agile in the sense that it includes iterative development cycles. In these cycles, software is developed, tested and refined in each successive iteration: the testing activities are an integral part of STLC in this model. These activities support iterative testing, thereby allowing to refine the product incrementally through each iteration.

1. V Model (Verification and Validation model)

The V-Model is a system that conducts the development and testing activities side by side. With each stage in the software development process, a corresponding stage is identified within the STLC in order to carry out consistent testing practices (unit testing, integration testing, system testing, acceptance testing) which consequently ensure complete verification and validation of the product at various levels.

Characteristics of STLC

• STLC is a fundamental part of the SDLC but STLC consists of only the testing phases.

• STLC starts as soon as requirements are defined or software requirement document is shared by stakeholders.

• STLC yields a step-by-step process to ensure quality software.

In the initial stages of STLC, while the software product or the application is being developed, the testing team analyzes and defines the scope of testing, entry and exit criteria, and also test cases. It helps to reduce the test cycle time and also enhances product quality. As soon as the development phase is over, the testing team is ready with test cases and starts the execution. This helps in finding bugs in the early phase. 

Importance of STLC

1. Ensures Comprehensive Testing: By following a structured process, STLC ensures that all aspects of the software are thoroughly tested, reducing the chances of defects going unnoticed.

2. Improves Quality: With dedicated phases for planning, designing, and executing tests, STLC helps in improving the overall quality of the software.

3. Saves Time and Cost: Early detection of defects in the testing process can save significant time and cost associated with fixing issues later in the development cycle.

4. Enhances Collaboration: STLC provides better communication and collaboration between testers, developers, and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

Best Practices for Implementing STLC

• Start Early: Involve the testing team from the early stages of the SDLC to identify potential issues before they become critical.

• Use Automation: Leverage automation tools to execute repetitive tasks, improve accuracy, and save time.

• Maintain Clear Documentation: Keep detailed records of all test cases, defects, and test results to facilitate better decision-making and future reference.

• Focus on Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and refine your testing processes to adapt to new challenges and technologies.

In summary, adopting these testing strategies will greatly enhance your QA processes."

Thank You for reading :)