Test Execution Phase in the Software Testing Lifecycle

Test execution phase of the Software Testing Lifecycle (STLC) is the process of running the test cases against the software to verify its functionality. A well-executed test execution can help to ensure that the software is free of defects and meets the requirements.

In this article, we'll delve into the Test Execution phase STLC. You'll learn the steps, deliverables, entry and exit criteria, risks, schedules, and tips for performing this phase effectively.

Test execution is the fourth phase in the software testing lifecycle, after test requirement analysis, test planning, test design and before test analysis.

Table of Contents

• Steps in Test Execution Phase
• Deliverables of Test Execution Phase
• Entry and Exit Criteria for Test Execution Phase
  • Entry Criteria
  • Exit Criteria
• Risks and Schedule Test Execution Phase
• Tips for Performing Effective Test Execution Phase
• Conclusion

Steps in Test Execution Phase

1. Preparing the Test Environment: Set up the hardware, software, and network configurations required for testing.
2. Executing Test Cases: Run test cases and log the results, ensuring the test cases cover all the requirements.
3. Bug Reporting: Report any defects or issues found during testing and assign them to the development team for resolution.
4. Analyze the results The next step is to analyze the results of the test cases. This involves identifying any defects that were found and determining whether the software meets the requirements.
5. Report the results The next step is to report the results of the test cases to the stakeholders. This information can be used to make decisions about the software, such as whether to release it to production.
6. Re-testing: Once the development team resolves the issues, re-run the test cases to ensure that the fixes are working as expected.
7. Regression Testing: Conduct regression testing to make sure that the new changes haven't affected the existing functionality.

Deliverables of Test Execution Phase

• Executed test cases and their results
• Defect reports and their status (open, fixed, closed, etc.)
• Test execution summary report

Entry and Exit Criteria for Test Execution Phase

Entry Criteria

• Test plan and test cases are reviewed and approved
• Test environment is set up and ready
• Test data is available

Exit Criteria

• All test cases are executed
• All critical and high-priority defects are resolved and re-tested
• Test summary report is prepared and reviewed

Risks and Schedule Test Execution Phase

Risks

• The test cases may not be complete, accurate, or executable.
• The test environment may not be prepared.
• The testers may not be trained on the test cases.
• Defects may not be found or fixed.
• The software may not meet the requirements.

Schedule

The test execution schedule should be realistic and achievable. It should take into account the following factors:

• The size and complexity of the software.
• The number of test cases.
• The availability of the test environment.
• The availability of the testers.

Tips for Performing Effective Test Execution Phase

1. Prioritize Test Cases: Execute test cases based on their priority and importance to the application's overall functionality.
2. Track Test Progress: Monitor the testing progress using a test management tool or a spreadsheet to keep track of test case execution, defects, and resolution status.
3. Collaborate with the Development Team: Maintain open communication with the development team for quick resolution of defects and better understanding of the application.
4. Continuous Improvement: Learn from each test execution cycle and update test cases and test plans as needed to improve test coverage and efficiency.

Conclusion

The Test Execution phase is a critical part of the Software Testing Lifecycle.

By understanding the steps, deliverables, entry and exit criteria, risks, and schedules, as well as implementing effective test execution strategies, you can

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