What is Software Testing Life Cycle?

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a comprehensive testing strategy that helps organizations efficiently meet software quality standards. STLC is a structured approach to testing, with testing activities performed in a defined sequence of phases. While STLC may be confused with the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), the key distinction is that STLC is solely focused on the testing aspect of the software development process, whereas SDLC encompasses the entire development lifecycle.

The STLC framework offers several benefits:

  • Refinement of the agile testing process: STLC helps teams increase the consistency and effectiveness of their testing practices.
  • Clear definition of goals and expectations: STLC ensures that the objectives and expectations for each project phase are clearly defined.
  • Application of time constraints: STLC helps apply appropriate time constraints to the testing process.
  • Ensuring feature completeness: STLC verifies that each feature is thoroughly tested and passing before additional features are added.
  • Validation of requirements: STLC helps teams confirm that the project's requirements are fully met.

Software Testing Life Cycle



The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a well-structured process that is commonly followed in software testing. This comprehensive framework consists of six distinct phases, each designed to contribute to the overall quality of the software being developed.

1. Requirement Analysis

The Requirement Analysis phase of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) involves close collaboration between testers and key stakeholders to define and understand the testing objectives. This information is meticulously documented in a Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM), which serves as the foundation for the overall test strategy.

The key stakeholders involved in this phase include:

  • Product Owner: Represents the business and defines the problem that needs to be solved.
  • Developer: Represents the development team and is responsible for building the solution.
  • Tester: Represents the QA team and is tasked with verifying the functionality of the solution and identifying potential issues.
To foster effective collaboration and ensure clarity among these stakeholders, teams often employ Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) practices. BDD emphasizes the importance of clear and testable requirements, reducing ambiguity and improving the overall understanding among all involved parties.

2. Test Planning

After the Requirement Analysis phase, the next step in the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is the development of a comprehensive Test Plan. This plan serves as a detailed roadmap that outlines the overall testing strategy and approach.

The Test Plan typically includes the following key elements:
  • Test Objectives: The plan clearly defines the testing goals, which can include functionality, usability, security, performance, and compatibility assessments.
  • Test Deliverables: The necessary test artifacts, such as test cases, test data, and test scenarios, are identified and documented.
  • Test Scope: The plan determines which software components and features will be included in the testing process.
  • Resource Allocation: The required resources, including personnel, tools, testing environments, and data, are estimated and allocated accordingly.
  • Timeline: The testing milestones are established, and they are aligned with the overall development and deployment schedules.
  • Testing Approach: The plan selects the appropriate testing techniques, levels, and types that will be employed to achieve the defined testing objectives.
To enhance project flexibility and address any unexpected challenges, the Test Plan may also include a contingency plan that outlines the strategies for dealing with such situations.

3. Test Case Development


Following the definition of test scenarios and functionalities in the previous phase, the next step is the creation of detailed Test Cases. These test cases provide clear and comprehensive instructions on the steps to be performed, the expected outcomes, and the potential test data to be used.

To efficiently document and track manual test cases, including the test steps, results, and any identified defects, testing teams often utilize specialized Test Case Management tools. For automated testing, there are various tools available, such as TestArchitect, Airmobi, TestComplete, and Selenium, which provide user-friendly interfaces or scripting capabilities to create and execute test cases.

Some common starting points for test case development include:
  • API testing
  • Functionality testing of the login page
  • Verification of the registration process
  • Testing of specific banking application features
  • Interactions with an e-commerce website
  • Evaluation of the search functionality
The number of test cases required depends on the complexity of the software being tested. Effective testers think creatively to uncover potential issues, often considering how users with limited system knowledge might interact with the software.

4. Test Environment Setup

Concurrent with the development of Test Cases, the testing team also focuses on establishing a suitable Test Environment. This involves the configuration of hardware, software, and network components to closely mimic the production environment.

The key considerations for the Test Environment setup include:

  • Hardware and Software Specifications: Ensuring that the test environment's hardware and software specifications match the requirements of the production environment.
  • Network Configuration: Verifying that the necessary network connectivity and security measures are in place to support the testing activities.
  • Data Requirements: Creating representative test data sets while adhering to relevant data privacy regulations.
  • Environment Isolation: Implementing measures to separate the test environment from the production environment, preventing any potential data corruption or interference.
  • Disaster Recovery: Establishing robust backup and restore procedures to maintain the stability and integrity of the test environment.

By carefully setting up a Test Environment that closely replicates the production environment, the testing team can ensure that the testing process accurately reflects the real-world conditions in which the software will be deployed. This helps to identify and address any potential issues early in the development lifecycle, ultimately improving the overall quality of the final product.

5. Test Execution

With the Test Cases and the Test Environment now in place, the testing team proceeds to the execution of the test scripts. This phase involves verifying the software's functionality and uncovering any potential defects.

Both manual and automated testing methods are employed during this stage:

  • Manual Testing: This approach is well-suited for exploratory testing and subjective assessments, where testers can interact with the software in a more organic and intuitive manner.
  • Automated Testing: Automated testing excels in repetitive and objective test scenarios, allowing for the efficient execution of a large number of test cases and the quick identification of any deviations from the expected results.

As the testing process unfolds, any identified defects are thoroughly documented and reported to the development team. These defects are then tracked through a dedicated Defect Management System to ensure their timely resolution.

6. Test Cycle Closure

The final phase involves reviewing the testing process. Testers analyze results, identify lessons learned, and document findings to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in future projects. Regular assessment of the QA team's performance is crucial for maintaining control and driving continuous improvement throughout the software development lifecycle.

In conclusion, software testing is an essential process that is integral to the development and delivery of high-quality, reliable software. By identifying and addressing defects early on, minimizing risks to critical systems, ensuring consistent product performance, and enhancing customer trust, software testing is a crucial component in the pursuit of software excellence.

At AGEST, we are pioneers in digital transformation solutions. Leveraging our expertise in software testing and quality assurance, we are well-equipped to help you elevate your business to new heights. Contact us today to learn how we can support your organization in delivering reliable, high-performing software that exceeds your customers' expectations.

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