When it comes to software development, the SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) is often
emphasized on. However, the testing phase within the average SDLC is home to its very own
life cycle – the STLC, or Software Testing Life Cycle.
This quick, snackable guide provides insight on what the STLC consists of, and what each of its
phases undertakes. Read on to know more!
As the phrase suggests, this initial phase of software testing focuses on all objectives that need
to be attained through testing. Objectives need to focus on both user and system requirements,
while ensuring certain regulations such as data privacy are also maintained.
A testing blueprint is created, based on the initial information and collateral provided. While
coordination with project managers and product owners will still be routine here, two variables in
particular will heavily contribute to the plan:
Test cases: Composing test cases for all items to be tested is a key process, since these will
eventually determine what needs to be observed and which outcomes need to be sought, during
any individual testing procedure.
Test environments: It is important to emulate the environment that your client will eventually use
to run your software or application, to ensure accurate testing results. This can include
everything from physical infrastructure to servers to databases.
The final blueprint will include what needs to be done, along with who will be delegated to each
enlisted task. A timeline outlining how long each task will take will provide insight into the
duration of the project. Other variables such as automation may also be elaborated on,
depending on how intricate the testing project is.
This is where the test plan is put into action. Software testers get to work by either manually
inspecting for bugs, or supervising a tool which automatically does so. Items that fail their tests
are reverted back to the development team, who investigate, fix and circle back for re-testing.
Upon execution of the test plan, a predetermined threshold of approval needs to be passed in
order to conclude testing. This threshold can vary from project to project, and it is up to the
software development team and their client to ascertain what this can be. For example, 95% of
passed tests can be considered a threshold that can indicate closure of the initial testing
process, and move the application over to deployment.
In due course, reporting on the outcomes of all the tests conducted will provide teams the
insight they need to understand how accurate the product is at its current stage – and which
items need to be fixed and re-tested after deployment.
Software testing is a life cycle in itself, and its accuracy determines the overall quality of your
software product. From requirement gathering and planning, and over to final execution and
reporting, understanding the nuances that make your software product unique eventually
influence initial testing procedures, but also those that need to run well after deployment