Software Testing Tutorial #38 - What is Test Plan in Software Testing

Summary

In this tutorial on software testing, the speaker explains the importance of a test plan, comparing it to the planning needed for building a house. The video covers the key sections of a test plan, such as test items, approach, pass/fail criteria, and risk management, highlighting their role in ensuring thorough testing. The speaker also discusses how detailed test plans are typically used in traditional methods like Waterfall, while Agile approaches focus on quicker, iterative plans. The tutorial emphasizes how effective planning in software testing leads to better execution and fewer errors.

Takeaways

• 😀 Planning is crucial for both construction and software testing to avoid mistakes and ensure efficiency.
• 😀 A test plan in software testing is similar to a building plan for a house, providing guidance on what and how to test.
• 😀 The test plan template generally follows IEEE standards, which include specific sections to be included in every plan.
• 😀 Key sections of a test plan include the test plan identifier, introduction, test items, and features to be tested.
• 😀 Features to be tested and not to be tested must be explicitly defined to avoid confusion during test execution.
• 😀 The approach section in a test plan is critical as it defines how to test the software, including techniques and interfaces.
• 😀 Test pass/fail criteria must be clearly defined, such as how defects of different severities affect the test outcome.
• 😀 Suspension and resumption criteria should be specified in case testing is blocked due to critical defects.
• 😀 Environmental needs should be outlined, including software, hardware, and tool requirements for successful testing.
• 😀 Responsibilities of team members must be defined in the test plan to ensure that everyone understands their role in the testing process.
• 😀 In Agile, test plans are written for longer durations like six months or for major releases, with quicker, more focused planning for each sprint.

Q & A

Why is planning important in software testing?

Planning in software testing is essential to ensure that all necessary components are tested thoroughly and that the process runs efficiently. Without a proper plan, critical areas of testing might be overlooked, leading to incomplete testing or costly errors down the line.

How does the analogy of building a house relate to creating a test plan?

Just as you need to plan the layout, plumbing, and electrical work before building a house, in software testing, a test plan helps you organize and define the steps needed to test an application. It ensures that every aspect of testing is considered and addressed before execution begins.

What is a test plan identifier and why is it important?

A test plan identifier is a unique code or name assigned to a test plan document, such as 'TP_ABC_01'. It helps stakeholders quickly identify the plan and understand which project or module it corresponds to.

What should be included in the introduction section of a test plan?

The introduction section provides a brief overview of the test plan, including the project details, the specific module or application being tested, and the general purpose of the testing process. It sets the context for the reader.

What is the difference between 'features to be tested' and 'features not to be tested' in a test plan?

'Features to be tested' lists the functionalities and features of the application that will undergo testing, while 'features not to be tested' outlines which aspects of the software are out of scope for the testing process. Both sections ensure clarity on the boundaries of the testing effort.

Why is the approach section important in a test plan?

The approach section defines how testing will be conducted. It details the testing methods, tools, and test levels (e.g., unit testing, integration testing) that will be used, and describes how these approaches will be adapted to the specific application being tested.

What criteria should be defined in the 'item pass/fail' section?

The 'item pass/fail' section sets the conditions under which a test is considered successful or unsuccessful. This includes defining the severity of defects that can be tolerated and the criteria for marking a feature as pass or fail based on test results.

How do suspension and resumption criteria function in a test plan?

Suspension criteria outline situations where testing must be paused, such as when a critical defect is discovered that prevents further testing. Resumption criteria specify the conditions under which testing will resume once the issue has been addressed.

What should be included in the environmental needs section of a test plan?

The environmental needs section specifies the hardware, software, operating systems, and any specific tools or test management platforms required to execute the testing. This ensures that the testing environment is properly set up before testing begins.

How is a test plan different in an agile environment compared to a waterfall approach?

In agile environments, detailed test plans are typically not written for each sprint. Instead, a high-level test plan may be created for the entire release, and a one-page test approach is defined for each sprint. This contrasts with the waterfall model, where a detailed test plan is created upfront for the entire project.