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Software testing is the most important step in the process of developing the software life cycle. The requirement for testing arises from the beginning of projects since testing has its own testing life cycle. The software testing life cycle follows the same processes as that of software development. The software development life cycle is followed prior to the creation of any software. Similarly, the software testing life cycle is supported by the testing phase of software development.
However, software testing competency and trends are evolving. Nowadays, testing has a larger scope and is necessary from the very beginning of the project, even before the requirements are finalized, and is no longer merely confined to discovering bugs. Moreover, the software testing sector has made enormous advances in the previous several decades to guarantee that software programs function without any errors. A student studying computer science needs to know about the software testing life cycle. In this blog post of All Assignment Help, we will examine the software testing life cycle in detail, and help you properly learn about each stage of the software development life cycle.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
What Is Software Testing?
It is a method of assessing a software product to find flaws and faults and make sure it is appropriate for usage. It can be carried out either manually, where testers apply their knowledge, ability, and intuition, or automatically, where a test script directs the tester’s activities.
The basic goal of software testing is to confirm that all of its specifications have been satisfied throughout development and that there are no defects that have gone unnoticed. However, the overarching goal of testing is to deliver value to customers or end users by quickly identifying flaws.
Software testing is an integral part of software engineering. Thus, while studying software testing, you need to make yourself familiar with different components of software engineering as well. However, there are chances that you might encounter issues while doing so. In such a case, you must take software engineering assignment help from professionals to have a thorough understanding of everything associated with this topic.
Read Here: Software Development: A complete Process for software creation
What Is the Software Testing Life Cycle And Why Is Testing So Crucial?
The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a set of precise steps taken throughout the testing process to guarantee that the software quality goals are attained. Validation and verification are both included in the STLC. Software testing is not only a separate task, despite what many people think. It is made up of a number of methodical tasks that will aid in certifying your software program.
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), a framework with 6 guiding principles, is itself a high-quality approach that is intimately connected to and a component of the STLC.
- Analysis of the requirements
- Planning
- Engineering and design
- Software development
- Testing
- Deployment
Simply said, the SDLC is a cycle in which decisions made at one level are mirrored in other phases.
Why Is Testing So Crucial?
Testing is crucial because it allows us to examine every step of the process and identify any possible problems that can arise. Below listed more reasons for its importance:
- It finds potential problems and mistakes during the software development life cycle. Additionally, it assists in identifying errors committed by programmers during the software’s development.
- It supports keeping the product’s quality high. The faith of our customers will increase if delivered a high-quality product.
- It’s critical to make sure there won’t be any errors following the application creation because they’ll drive up costs later on or in the course of the event.
Phases Involved in the Software Testing Life Cycle
There are entrance and exit criteria for each stage of the software testing life cycle, as well as activities and other outputs. However, prerequisites for entry requirements must be satisfied before testing may start.
On the other hand, exit criteria specify actions that must be taken before the testing session is over. While some of these steps can be carried out concurrently, some must be finished before continuing. However, there are chances that you get stuck in these phases. Thus, we suggest you take assignment help from software testing professionals to get a hold of all the testing phases easily and smoothly.
The following are phases of the software testing life cycle:
1 – Test Requirement Phase
In this stage of the software testing life cycle, we investigate and analyze the necessity of the procedure. Additionally, we schedule a brainstorming session with the other team member to discuss the process’ criteria, including whether or not they are examinable.
The main goal of this phase is to determine the testing scope. If any entity cannot be tested, we take a backup plan and develop a strategy to help us deal with this circumstance.
This first stage enables the quality assurance team to comprehend the requirements, such as:
- Basic information like the test product
- Software specifications
- Premium business requirements
- The characteristics that must be created and supported are shown in the architectural requirements
- Specific requirements for the system which lead developers
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Entry: Specifications for both functional and non-functional
- Exit: RTM and a feasibility study of automation (only if appropriate)
2 – Test Planning Phase
During this stage, we identify the tools and activities that will enable us to accomplish our objectives. Metrics are found, gathered, and tracked throughout the planning process. Every time we plan, we should consider all the resources needed to complete it. This helps us develop a sound plan for the remaining steps in the procedure.
The planning phase involves two essential factors:
Test strategy
Test Strategy means using available resources at one’s disposal and using them in such a manner that it could achieve the desired goal effectively. It is part of the planning, and it ensures that how the testing objectives would be met adequately to the desired expectations.
Risk analysis and mitigation
Risk analysis is a process of identifying those issues which can make a negative impact on the whole process of development. It could be related to any process whether it is a software testing life cycle or any business life cycle. With the help of risk analysis, we minimize or avoid the possibility of those events which can affect the whole process and cause an error.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Entry: Documentation of the QA Strategy
- Exit: Documents outputting test plans and strategies as well as effort estimates
By understanding the two test planning factors, you can easily solve training and development questions and answers associated with the software testing life cycle.
3 -Test Case Development Phase
Test case development is the third stage of the STLC. The creation of thorough test cases and the preparation of data for testing are the primary goals of this stage. The team lead can evaluate the test cases after they are complete and update the automated test scripts. Each case outlines the test inputs, processes, circumstances, and expected outcomes.
The development of the test case includes:
- Developing test cases and (if necessary) automation scripts
- Examining test scripts and cases
- Generating test data (If the test environment is available)
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Entry: Detailed test scenarios
- Exit: Test information and test cases
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4- Test Environment Setup Phase
Which testing environment should be utilized is specified in the test plan. Operating systems and virtual machines are set up, and testing tools like Selenium and Katalon Studio are deployed, along with the project’s test environment and databases, during this STLC phase. Furthermore, if help is required, we also send requests to the admin and DevOps.
This phase doesn’t include the testing group. Instead, the environment for tests like smoke testing is created by the developer. Among the activities are:
- Evaluating the necessary architecture, the setup of the environment, and the list of software requirements
- Establishing the test data
- Carrying out a smoke test on the finished item
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Entry: Configuring virtual machines and operating systems
- Exit: A test data setup, an exit-ready environment, and the findings of a smoke test
5 – Test Execution Phase
The execution of all entities in the process takes part in this phase. But the most important thing is before starting the performance make sure that every object is met. Implement the test cases, and simultaneously fill your traceability by which you could trace the whole process.
Test cases that run smoothly are labeled “passed,” whereas test cases that malfunction are labeled “failed” and submitted to software developers for additional investigation. Furthermore, the test case should be labeled “blocked” if it cannot be executed for whatever reason.
The activities in this phase comprise:
- Running tests as intended
- Recording test results and identifying failed situations
- RTM mapping of defects to test cases
- Testing corrected parts again
- Tracing BUGS to resolution
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Entry: Tests are conducted using test documentation and an appropriately set-up test environment
- Exit: Completed RTM with execution status, updated test results, and defect reports
6 – Test Closure Phase
It is the ending phase of the software testing life cycle. This phase entails a testing meeting to assess known issues and code quality defects, discuss the completion of the software testing life cycle based on time, etc. It involves all the phases involved in any software development life cycle and provides the essential detail of the development.
The members may often get together to go through and evaluate testing artifacts, come up with plans for the next implementations, and learn from existing testing cycles.
The activities include in this phase are:
- Cycle completion criteria evaluation (may take into account time, test coverage, software, cost, or quality)
- Establishing test metrics
- The creation of test closure reports
- Keeping track of project learning
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Entry: Accessible test results, completed test logs, and available defect logs
- Exit: Client approval of the test closing report
All these stages are crucial to understanding while performing the software testing life cycle. However, if you are an aspiring student who wants to hold mastery in such an area, you can opt for online classes as well. You can opt for a complete advanced degree or a certification program in software testing life cycle. Furthermore, if you find yourself stuck in online classes, you can pay someone to take my online class as well, where you will be assisted by an expert professional.
Conclusion
Now with the help of this blog post, we can understand the process of the software testing life cycle and know about the details of every single phase which gets involved in the process. The method of software testing life cycle is almost the same as the software development life cycle but the cycles are essential for the development of any software. Hence we can say we can get the initial idea of the life cycle and its functionality by learning this topic.
This is all about the software testing life cycle, if you want further assistance regarding the topic, you can hire our online assignment help experts to get information on the intricate areas of this topic or any other area in computer science. You can also even hire them to take your online exam for your online classes related to software testing or development as well.
FAQs
| Q: What are the main advantages of complying with the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)? A: The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) offers a number of important advantages, such as early defect detection and resolution, improved software quality, effective testing procedures, improved team communication, and higher customer satisfaction as a result of the delivery of a dependable and bug-free software product. |
| Q: How can the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) incorporate test automation? A: The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) may be smoothly linked with test automation by identifying and prioritizing test cases that can be automated throughout the test planning and design phases. |