Test Reporting Phase in the Software Testing Lifecycle

In this article, we'll explore the Test Reporting phase of the Software Testing Lifecycle (STLC). You'll learn the steps, deliverables, entry and exit criteria, risks, schedules, and tips for performing this phase effectively.

Test reporting is the process of communicating the results of testing to the stakeholders. It is the sixth phase in the software testing lifecycle, after test requirement analysis, test planning, test design, test execution, and before fixing.

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

Table of Contents

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

Steps in Test Reporting Phase

1. Consolidate the test results: The first step is to consolidate the test results, which can include the following:
   • Test cases executed
   • Defects found
   • Defects fixed
   • Defects outstanding
2. Analyze Test Metrics: Assess the test metrics, such as defect density, test coverage, and pass/fail rate, to evaluate the application's quality and testing effectiveness. In this phase we also analyze the test results to identify any trends or patterns.
3. Prepare Test Report: Create a comprehensive test report that highlights the test objectives, results, findings, and recommendations. The test report should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should include the following information:
   • Test summary
   • Test results
   • Defects found
   • Defects fixed
   • Defects outstanding
   • Recommendations
4. Present Test Report to Stakeholders: Share the test report with stakeholders, including developers, project managers, and business analysts, to inform them of the application's quality and testing outcomes.

Deliverables of Test Reporting Phase

• Consolidated test results: The consolidated test results is a document that includes the test coverage, test status and the details about extend of testing performed.
• Test metrics analysis: The test metrics provides a clear view of the number of test cases planned v/s test cases executed, the number of defects identifed, the pass percentages, and the areas of the functionality categoriezed by their quality.
• Test report - The test report is a document that summarizes the results of testing.
• Defect list: The defect list is a document that lists all of the defects that were found during testing.

Entry and Exit Criteria for Test Reporting Phase

Entry Criteria

• Test analysis phase is complete
• Test results, defect reports, and test execution summary are available
• The defect list is complete and accurate

Exit Criteria

• Test report is prepared and reviewed
• Test report is presented to stakeholders
• The defect list is complete, accurate, and approved

Risks and Schedule Test Reporting Phase

The risks and schedule for test reporting are as follows:

Risks

• Inaccurate or incomplete test data may lead to misleading conclusions about the application's quality and testing effectiveness
• The test results may not be complete or accurate.
• The defect list may not be complete or accurate.
• The test report may not be complete, accurate, or approved.

Schedule

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

• The size and complexity of the software.
• The number of defects found.
• The availability of the stakeholders.
• Delays in test reporting may impact the overall testing schedule and project timeline

Tips for Performing Effective Test Reporting Phase

1. Use Visual Aids: Leverage graphs, charts, and other visual aids to clearly present complex test data and metrics.
2. Highlight Key Findings: Emphasize the most critical findings and recommendations to help stakeholders prioritize their actions.
3. Ensure Transparency: Be transparent about the testing process, challenges faced, and limitations of the test results.
4. Follow-up with Stakeholders: Regularly follow up with stakeholders to ensure that they understand the test report and are taking appropriate actions based on the findings and recommendations.

Conclusion

The Test Reporting phase is an essential component of the Software Testing Lifecycle.

By understanding the steps, deliverables, entry and exit criteria, risks, and schedules, and implementing effective test reporting strategies, you can ensure that your testing efforts drive continuous improvement and contribute to the overall success of your application development projects.

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