Intermediate⏱ 8 min read

Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

The STLC defines the sequence of activities performed during testing. Unlike a generic SDLC, the STLC focuses exclusively on testing activities, each with defined entry and exit criteria, deliverables, and responsibilities.

◈Key Points

Phase 1: Requirement Analysis — understand what needs to be tested, identify testable requirements.
Phase 2: Test Planning — scope, timeline, resources, tools, risk assessment.
Phase 3: Test Case Development — write, review, and baseline test cases and test data.
Phase 4: Test Environment Setup — configure hardware, software, network, and test data.
Phase 5: Test Execution — run tests, log defects, retest, regression test.
Phase 6: Test Closure — metrics, lessons learned, test summary report, sign-off.

⚡ Expert Pro Tip

Never skip the entry/exit criteria. They are your contractual agreement with the project on when testing starts and when 'done' actually means done.