Software Testing Lifecycle: Test Planning

Test planning is a critical part of the software testing lifecycle.

Test planning is the phase where we identify our testing scope, approach, resources, and schedule of intended test activities. A well-crafted test plan can ensure the software is tested thoroughly and effectively.

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

Table of Contents:

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

Test planning is a structured process that involves the following steps:

1. Identify the stakeholders: The first step is to identify the stakeholders, which are those interested in the software. This includes the customers, the developers, the testers, and the managers.
2. Gather the requirements: The next step is to gather the requirements from the stakeholders. Collecting the requirements can be done through interviews, surveys, and workshops.
3. Analyze the requirements: The next step is to analyze the requirements to identify the test requirements. This includes identifying the functional requirements, the non-functional requirements, and the acceptance criteria.
4. Prioritize the requirements: The next step is to prioritize the requirements. This is important because not all product requirements are created equal. Some requirements are more critical than others, and some are more difficult to test.
5. Define the test approach: The next step is to define the test approach. This includes identifying the types of tests that will be performed, the tools and techniques used, and the resources needed.
6. Develop the test cases: The next step is to develop the test cases. Test cases are documents that describe the steps that need to be taken to test a specific requirement.
7. Estimate the test effort: The next step is to estimate the test effort. This includes estimating the number of test cases, the time these test cases will take to execute the test cases, and the resources that will be needed.
8. Create the test schedule: The next step is to create the test schedule. This includes identifying the start and end dates for the testing and the milestones that need to be met.
9. Identify the risks: The next step is identifying the risks that could impact the testing. This includes risks such as scope creep, schedule slips, and resource shortages.
10. Develop a risk mitigation plan: The next step is to develop a risk mitigation plan. This plan should identify the steps that will be taken to reduce the likelihood and impact of the risks.
11. Review and approve the test plan: The final step is to review and approve the test plan. This ensures that the test plan is complete, accurate, and meets the needs of the stakeholders.

Deliverables of Test Planning

Test planning produces several key deliverables:

1. Test plan: A comprehensive document that outlines the scope, objectives, strategy, deliverables, schedule, and resources required for the testing process.
2. Test cases: Detailed descriptions of the test scenarios and expected results for each feature or functionality to be tested.
3. Test scripts: Automated test scripts, if applicable, are used to execute test cases.
4. Test data: Sample data sets used during the testing process to simulate real-world conditions.
5. Test environment setup: A description of the required test environment, including hardware, software, and configurations.
6. Test schedule: The test schedule is a document that identifies the start and end dates for the testing and the milestones that need to be met.
7. Risk mitigation plan: A risk mitigation plan is a document that identifies the risks that could impact the testing and the steps that will be taken to reduce the likelihood and impact of the risks.

Entry and Exit Criteria for Test Planning Phase on STLC

Entry and exit criteria define the conditions that must be met for the testing process to begin and end:

Entry Criteria for the Test Planning Phase

• The software requirements specification (SRS) is complete and approved.
• The stakeholders are identified and involved in the test planning process.
• The testers are involved in the test planning process.

Exit Criteria for the Test Planning Phase

• The test plan is complete, accurate, and meets the needs of the stakeholders.
• The test cases are complete, accurate, and executable.
• The test schedule is realistic and achievable.
• The risk mitigation plan is in place.

Risks and Schedule

Identifying potential risks and creating a test schedule are critical aspects of test planning:

The risks and schedule for test planning are as follows:

Risks of Test Planning

• Scope creep: The scope of the testing can change over time, impacting the test plan.
• Schedule slips: The testing schedule can slip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as resource shortages or technical problems.
• Resource shortages: The testing team may need more resources to complete the testing on time and within budget.

Schedule of Test Planning

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

• The size and complexity of the software
• The number of requirements
• The types of tests that will be performed
• The available resources

Tips for Performing Effective Test Planning

Here are some tips to help you perform effective test planning:

• Involve all stakeholders: It is essential to involve all stakeholders in the test planning process. This will help ensure that all requirements are identified and considered.
• Use a variety of techniques: There are a variety of methods that can be used to gather and analyze requirements. It is essential to use a variety of techniques to ensure that all of the requirements are captured.
• Be clear and concise: The requirements should be clear and concise. This will help to avoid the possibility of misunderstandings and confusion.
• Prioritize the requirements: Not all requirements are created equal. Some requirements are more critical than others. It is crucial to prioritize the requirements so that the most essential requirements are tested first.
• Document the requirements: The requirements should be documented clearly and concisely. The documentation should be easy to understand and should be updated as the requirements change.
• Consider the risks: Identify the risks that could impact the testing and develop a plan to mitigate those risks.
• Be flexible: The testing plan should be flexible enough to accommodate changes in the requirements or the schedule.
• Get feedback: Review the test plan with the stakeholders and get their input. This will help to ensure that the test plan is complete, accurate, and meets the needs of the stakeholders.

Conclusion

Test planning is an essential component of the software testing lifecycle.

Following the steps outlined in this test planning article, you can develop a comprehensive test plan to help you achieve your testing objectives and deliver a high-quality product.

Remember to involve stakeholders, prioritize test cases, and monitor the testing process to ensure its success. With effective test planning, you'll be well on your way to mastering the software testing lifecycle.

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