STLC (System Testing Life Cycle)

The process executed in planned and systematic manner to test the working and functionality of software application is known as Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC). In lay men language we can say that, STLC is a process of checking whether the software developed is working and performing in correct order or not. Here tester carried out different activities to improve the quality of the product.
STLC is a part of Software Development life Cycle and Different organization carried out different phases here, however waterfall model consists of the following phases, Lets quickly see what all stages are involved in Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) Waterfall model.

1. Requirements Analysis: It is the first step in Software Testing Life Cycle. Here QA Tester have to understand requirement regarding what they have to test and the testable requirement if any thing is not understood in requirement he/she will follow up and consult with Business Analyst, System Architecture, Client, Technical Manager/Lead etc for better understanding of requirement. (STLC)
2. Test Planning: It is the most Important phase of STLC as here all testing strategy are clarified. In this phase QA Manager or Test Lead involved to determine the effort and cost estimates for entire project.
3. Test Analysis: In this phase test team or a QA tester will write down the detailed test case along with test data if required for testing.
4. Test Design: In this phase QA team or tester will create, review and update the test case. also Test data may be created in this phase if test environment is available for them.
5. Test Execution and Bug Reporting: In this phase all the test case which are prepared are executed and tester tests website or software application by implementing different method and techniques to find out bugs. Hence Bugs are reported to development team to make the application bug free before it go live.
6. Final Testing and Implementation:
In this phase the final testing is done for the software when the exit criteria is achieved or planned test cycles are completed - then final testing is done. Ideally- this is System or Integration testing. The software is verified in the production kind of environment. Final test execution reports and documents are prepared in this phase. Also any remaining Stress and Performance testing is carried out.Inputs for process improvements in terms of software metrics is given.