Table of Contents
The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a systematic process that ensures software quality through various testing phases. It covers activities from initial planning to final deployment, helping identify and fix issues early in development.
Stages of the Software Testing Life Cycle
The STLC consists of several key stages, each focusing on specific testing activities. These stages help organize testing efforts and ensure comprehensive coverage.
Design and Planning
In this initial phase, testing requirements are gathered, and a test plan is created. Test cases are designed based on the software specifications, and testing resources are allocated.
Test Execution
Test cases are executed in this phase to identify defects. Testers document any issues found and report them for resolution. This phase may include different types of testing such as functional, regression, and performance testing.
Defect Tracking and Closure
Detected defects are tracked using defect management tools. Developers fix the issues, and retesting is performed to verify the fixes. Once all critical defects are resolved, testing progresses towards closure.
Deployment and Maintenance
After successful testing, the software is deployed to the production environment. Post-deployment testing ensures that the software functions correctly in the live environment, and ongoing maintenance addresses any emerging issues.