What is Software Testing Life Cycle ?

Software testing lifecycle (STLC) is a process of testing software applications or systems to ensure that it meets quality, reliability, and functionality. 

It consists of several phases that help identify and resolve defects or issues before the software is made available to the external customer (i.e Production) . 

 The following are the typical phases involved in the software testing lifecycle:

Requirement Analysis: In this phase, testers review the software requirements and specifications to gain a clear understanding of the expected behavior and functionality of application. It helps identify potential test scenarios and ensures that the testing process aligns with the project goals.


Test Planning: Test planning involves creating a comprehensive test plan that outlines the testing approach, objectives, scope, test environments, resources, and schedules. It identifies the types of tests to be conducted and defines the entry and exit criteria for each test phase.


Test Design: During this phase, test cases are designed based on the identified test scenarios. Test cases outline specific steps, inputs, and expected outputs for executing the tests. Testers may use techniques like boundary value analysis, equivalence partitioning, or decision tables to create effective and efficient test cases.


Test Environment Setup: The test environment includes the hardware, software, and network configurations required for executing the tests. Testers set up the necessary infrastructure, install the software, and configure the test environment to replicate the production environment as closely as possible.


Test Execution: Test execution is the actual process of running the test cases and scripts to validate the software. Testers follow the predefined test procedures, record the results, and compare them against the expected outcomes. Defects or issues found during testing are documented and reported to the development team for resolution.


Defect Tracking: Defect tracking involves capturing, documenting, and managing identified defects or issues. Testers use defect tracking tools to record detailed information about each defect, including its severity, priority, steps to reproduce, and status. This phase ensures that all reported defects are properly tracked and addressed.


Test Reporting: Test reporting involves preparing test summary reports, test metrics, and other documentation that provides insights into the testing progress and results. It helps stakeholders understand the quality of the software and make informed decisions based on the test findings.


Test Closure: The test closure phase marks the end of the testing process. Testers evaluate the overall testing activities, review the test coverage, and identify areas for improvement in future projects. Lessons learned and best practices are documented for future reference.