Hey all,

In this blog post, my aim is to provide comprehensive information based on my knowledge. I am delighted to share insights and knowledge through this writing.

Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a testing process that assesses software or applications to ensure they meet customer requirements and are defect-free. Throughout this process, we follow distinct phases and series, each with its own objectives, delivering a suitable result. This method ensures that the software is of high quality, reliable for use, and meets user expectations.

The goal of the STLC process is to identify defects, non-functional activities, errors, and documentation issues in the software application as early as possible in the development process. This ensures the identification of all issues before releasing the product or software to users.

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) process includes some basic things that need to be followed,

1. Test Planning
2. Test Analysis
3. Test Design
4. Test Environment Setup
5. Test Execution
6. Test Closure
7. Defect Retesting

Each of these stages includes specific activities and deliverables that help to ensure that the software is thoroughly tested and meets the requirements of the end users.

In our language, this is an important process for discovering issues, errors, and defects. It helps ensure the quality of software applications and provides a systematic approach to testing. The STLC process allows the release of software or products only after its completion, ensuring that the product meets the client’s expectations.

 Characteristics of Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

First of all, it is not a simple process because by following this process you have to follow some steps and structure of that process. it requires a lot of resources such as time, budgets, planning, and manners which can be difficult for smaller companies to handle on their own.

The characteristics of the software testing lifecycle include:

• We have to find the bugs in the application or software before it goes live.
• While finding the bugs a tester can make the changes based on their findings in each step and treating.
• The result of testing is not just finding bugs but also evaluating the quality of the software.
• A tester can make the changes but they have limited flexibility for the changes in the software
• So in the STLC process, there are different types of errors such as functional, regression, and security.
• It should have a specified time limit for each step in the process.
• STLC starts as soon as requirements are defined or software requirement document is shared by stakeholders.

In the initial stages of STLC, while the software product or application is being developed, the testing team analyzes the software, creates test cases, and focuses on reducing non-functional activities. As the development phase concludes, the testing team is equipped with their test cases, facilitating the early detection of bugs in the software.

Here are the phases of the STLC process.

Requirement Analysis:

This is the first step of every STLC process and in that process, we have to check the client’s requirements and their understanding because of this we can make the products based on the client’s requirements. If we made the product but our clients were not ready to take this product why? Because we have not developed that product as per the client’s expectations.

When initiating the Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) for testing purposes and developing test cases, the testing team must have a clear understanding of the client’s instructions and requirements. This ensures that testing begins with a solid foundation of quality and comprehension. The application of RTM has a direct impact on testing environments, enabling the testing process to focus on the most critical areas of the software. As a result, the testing team is better positioned to deliver high-quality results.

Test Planning:

planning is the most specific work for the development process because in this process the manager and testing team will calculate the budgets, time, and testing criteria and after that, they will make designing, team planning, and improvements. This phase gets started once the requirement-gathering phase is completed.

By engaging in thorough test planning, a testing team can systematically collect information on defects, errors, and problems. A well-structured plan for testing any product facilitates the identification and resolution of issues. This approach ensures that the testing process is well-organized, and the testing team is well-equipped to deliver high-quality results without defects.

Test Case Development:

After completing the test planning phases, the testing team proceeds to prepare the test cases. In the test cases, the testing team identifies bugs and errors for further investigation. Detailed test cases are meticulously documented. Additionally, once the test cases are prepared, the tester is required to perform re-verification after fixing any identified errors. This iterative process is crucial for ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of the testing procedures.

The testing team gains valuable insights through testing and provides precise test cases to the development team. This assurance allows for 99% bug-free software, ensuring it can be delivered to clients with confidence.

Test Environment Setup:

I understand the importance of the environment setup process, as you take the initiative to establish a testing team environment before commencing testing on any software or application. In this crucial step, the testing team independently conducts testing and prepares their test cases. This ensures that the product is thoroughly evaluated and ready for delivery to clients, even without direct interactions with developers and clients because, in the testing Environment, only testers are working in a room.

Test Execution

In the test execution process, we will check the test cases that we had assigned for the task. In the execution process, the tester will verify all the test cases, checking whether the software and application are functioning correctly according to my test cases. If the application does not work as per the test report, the tester can re-upload that test case. On the other hand, if the application is working well, the tester will proceed with further tasks.

During test execution, testers run test scripts or manually conduct tests to assess the behavior of the software under various conditions. The primary purpose of conducting test cases is to verify the functions and performance, as well as to identify any defects in the application. This process is carried out once the software is completed.

Test Closure

Test closure is the concluding phase of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC), marking the completion of all testing-related activities and documentation. The objective of this testing process is to ascertain that all test-related issues have been addressed and that the software is deemed ready for use.

The main point is that after completing the testing phase, a tester should possess a thorough understanding of the software and applications, enabling them to effectively verify the software. They should also have a clear comprehension of the software’s quality and reliability, ensuring that any defects or issues identified during testing have been addressed. In this phase, the tester is required to prepare all the relevant documents for future reference and work.

I am providing an introduction to the various types of test reports that can be prepared by the tester during the test closure phase.

1. Test summary report
2. Defect tracking:
3. Test environment clean-up
4. Test closure report
5. Knowledge transfer
6. Feedback and improvement
7. Identify Lessons Learned
8. Recommend Action Items
9. Archive Testing Documentation
10. Handoff to Production

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) process is highly beneficial for ensuring the development of a product in an efficient manner. By adhering to the STLC process, we gain valuable insights to enhance our product to the next level. Testers play a crucial role in not only conducting testing but also in preparing test cases related to bugs. They perform verification and validation testing for the application. The key aspect is that, by following these processes, you can create a product that is virtually free of bugs. Throughout this process, testers conduct re-verification of each test case and check the functions and features in alignment with the test cases until the product is released.

Thanks,