STLC stands for Software Testing Life Cycle.
Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a process used to test software and ensure that quality standards are met.
STLC provides a step-by-step process to ensure quality software. STLC starts as soon as requirements are defined or software requirement document is shared by stakeholders.
STLC has six major phases -
1. Requirement Analysis :
Requirement Analysis is the first step of Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC). During this phase of STLC, analyze and study the requirements. In this phase quality assurance team understands the requirements like what is to be tested.
2. Test Planning :
During this phase, the test strategy is outlined in a test plan document. This strategy includes tools needed, testing steps, and roles and responsibilities.
Test lead is involved in Test plan. Test lead focus on job allocation, recourses allocation & estimation. Test plan will contains how to test , when to test, who will test, etc.
3. Test case development :
During this phase, test cases are created.
Tester will involved in identify the test Scenarios/ Test case design.
Test Scenario : Test scenario means “what to test”. Test scenario defines way to test functionality of the application. It will derive from User story.
Ex.- User Story - Login page
- Description - Login page will contain Username & password text box.
- Acceptance criteria – Username will accept mobile number & email id.
Test scenarios of Username text box -
- Verify the username by passing mobile number.
- Verify the username by passing email id.
To learn more about test scenarios see Test Scenario Examples
Test Cases : Test cases means “How to test”. Test cases defines execution step to validate the functionality of application. It will derive from test scenarios.
Ex.- Test scenario- Verify the username by passing mobile number.
Test cases -
- Verify the username text box by passing JIO mobile no.
- Verify the username text box by passing BSNL mobile no
- Verify the username text box by passing mobile no, which is out India.
- Verify the username text box by passing mobile greater than 10
To learn more about test cases see Test Cases Template
4. Test Environment setup :
During this phase, testing environments are configured and deployed. Test Environment Setup decides the software and hardware conditions under which a work product is tested.
5. Test Execution :
During this phase, features are tested in the deployed environment, using the established test cases. Test Execution Phase is carried out by the testers in which testing of the software build is done based on test plans and test cases prepared. The process consists of test script execution, test script maintenance and bug reporting. If bugs are reported, then it is reverted back to development team for correction and retesting will be performed.
6. Test Cycle closure :
This is the last phase of the STLC, during which a test result report is prepared. This report should summarize the entire testing process.
