How do you oversee software testing in SDLC?

1 Define the testing strategy

Before you start testing, you need to define the testing strategy, which is a document that outlines the objectives, scope, approach, and methods of testing. The testing strategy should be based on the project requirements, risks, constraints, and resources. It should also specify the testing levels, types, techniques, tools, and metrics that will be used throughout the SDLC. The testing strategy should be reviewed and approved by the relevant stakeholders and communicated to the testing team.

2 Plan the testing activities

Once you have the testing strategy, you need to plan the testing activities, which are the tasks and deliverables that will be performed and produced during the testing process. The testing plan should include the test cases, scenarios, data, scripts, and environments that will be used to verify and validate the software functionality, performance, usability, security, and reliability. The testing plan should also define the roles and responsibilities, schedules, dependencies, assumptions, and risks of the testing activities. The testing plan should be updated and refined as the project progresses.

3 Monitor and control the testing process

During the testing process, you need to monitor and control the testing activities and outcomes, which are the results and feedback that will be generated and collected from the testing process. You need to track and measure the testing progress, performance, quality, and issues using the testing metrics and tools defined in the testing strategy. You also need to review and evaluate the testing outcomes and report them to the stakeholders and users. You need to identify and resolve any testing problems or deviations from the testing plan and strategy. You need to ensure that the testing process is consistent, transparent, and compliant with the project standards and expectations.

4 Manage the testing changes and defects

Throughout the testing process, you need to manage the testing changes and defects, which are the modifications and errors that will be introduced and detected in the software product. You need to establish and follow a change management and defect management process that defines how to handle, prioritize, approve, implement, and verify the testing changes and defects. You need to use a change control and defect tracking system that records and tracks the testing changes and defects. You need to communicate and coordinate the testing changes and defects with the development team and the stakeholders and users.

5 Support the testing deployment and maintenance

After the testing process, you need to support the testing deployment and maintenance, which are the activities and tasks that will be performed and required after the software product is delivered and used. You need to prepare and execute the testing deployment plan, which describes how to install, configure, and launch the software product in the production environment. You also need to prepare and execute the testing maintenance plan, which describes how to monitor, troubleshoot, and update the software product in response to the user feedback, issues, and requests. You need to ensure that the testing deployment and maintenance are smooth, secure, and satisfactory.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?