Explain STLC with an example

 

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a series of phases that software testing follows to ensure the quality and reliability of software products.

 

                                                             Software Testing Life Cycle

Let's illustrate the STLC using an example of testing a web-based e-commerce application

1.     Requirement Analysis –

In this phase, testers analyze the requirements documents to understand the expected behavior of the software. Testers identify testable requirements, clarify ambiguities, and determine testing priorities. The goal is to ensure that testing efforts are aligned with the software's intended functionality.

Testing activities begin with understanding the requirements of the e-commerce application includes, user registration, product browsing, shopping cart management, payment processing, and order tracking.

2.     Test Planning –

Test planning involves defining the testing strategy, objectives, scope, and approach for the project. Testers create a test plan document that outlines the testing activities, resources, schedules, and risks. The test plan serves as a roadmap for the testing team throughout the project.

3.     Test Design –

In this phase, testers design test cases, test scenarios, and test data based on the requirements and test plan. Test cases describe the steps to be executed, the expected results, and any preconditions or postconditions. Testers may also create test scripts for automated testing and identify reusable test components.

As discussed in the Requirement Analysis test cases are designed to verify different functionalities such as user registration, product search, adding items to the shopping cart, applying discounts, and checking out.

4.     Test Environment Setup –

Test environment setup involves configuring the necessary hardware, software, and infrastructure for testing. Testers set up test beds, test servers, test databases, and other testing tools and utilities. The goal is to create an environment that closely resembles the production environment. That means testers set up test environment for testing e-commerce application.

5.     Test Execution –

In this phase, testers execute the test cases designed in the previous phase. Testers perform functional testing, regression testing, integration testing, performance testing, security testing, and other types of testing as per the test plan. Test execution may be manual or automated, depending on the nature of the tests and available resources.

In here, testers run test cases to verify that users can register successfully, search for products, add items to the shopping cart, proceed to checkout, and complete the purchase process without errors.

6.     Test Reporting and Defect Tracking –

Testers report the test results, including test execution status, defects found, and any deviations from expected behavior. Defects are logged in a defect tracking system, along with details such as description, severity, priority, and steps to reproduce. Test reports provide stakeholders with insights into the quality of the software and the effectiveness of the testing process.

7.     Test Closure –

The test closure phase involves evaluating the test results, assessing the overall quality of the software, and preparing test closure reports. Testers gather lessons learned and feedback to improve future testing processes. Test closure reports summarize the testing activities, outcomes, and recommendations for improvement.

 

Throughout the STLC, testing activities are carried out systematically, following predefined processes, standards, and guidelines. Effective communication, collaboration, and coordination among testing team members, developers, and stakeholders are essential for ensuring the quality and success of the e-commerce application.