Software Testing Life Cycle - The Process

Software Testing Life Cycle or STLC is the process by which the quality of the product is checked using specific steps in a chronological manner to ensure that the desired result is met. Software Testing Life Cycle consists of various phases which needs to be done in a systematic manner to ensure the right end result. Various companies have different Software Testing Life Cycle methods, although the end result remains same.

Following are the steps of STLC:

1.     Requirements phase: Requirement phase is a lot of brain storming with the rest of the group and also with other research and development teams to check if the tests are even practical. You can also check the requirements of the tests and the strategy to be followed to gain the test results.
2.     Planning Phase: This is the first practical step of the test. It allows you to plan all the various activities that are needed to achieve the desired test results and which will allow you to test every aspect of the software. You get to analyse the risk and strategise the process.
3.      Analysis phase: In the analysis phase of Software Testing Life Cycle, you get to analyse the various parts of the testing so that you can decide the depth, complexity, risks and the software development process involved in the process. You also get to analyse the strength of your team and the stakeholders available.
4.     Design Phase: Design phase allows you to actually design the Software Testing Life Cycle. You have to decide the criteria based on which the test is to be conducted. The environment in which the test is to be conducted, the procedures to be followed and the limits of the test as well.
5.    Implementation Phase:This is the phase where you have to balance the pros and cons of implementing the tests on your Software Testing Life Cycle so as to make sure that the actual execution would be flawless. You also have to detect the automation procedures in this phase.
6.     Execution Phase: Execution phase is the one in which the tests of the Software Testing Life Cycle are actually done. You get to do the tests, collect the data and statistically check the progress you have made over a period of time. However, before starting the phase, make sure that the criteria are met.
7.      Conclusion Phase: Conclusion phase deals with the report preparation of the tests conducted so as to show to your stakeholders. Depending on who you send the report, you will have to include or exclude the various technical aspects of your test results. You will also get to deal with the time gap of the test results, weekly, quarterly or monthly.
8.      Closure Phase: Closure phase is the last and final phase of the testing where you get to check if you have completed the procedure or not. You get to fix the glitches and record all the things you have learned in the whole process. You also get to record all the lessons for future use.

So, this in short describes the whole process of Software Testing Life Cycle. We hope you have understood the various steps and are now capable of designing your own Software Testing Life Cycle.