ISTQB FOUNDATION 4.0 | Tutorial 10 | 2.1 Impact of SDLC on Testing | Good Practices of Testing CTFL

Summary

This tutorial delves into the impact of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) on testing practices, exploring how different SDLC models, such as Waterfall and Agile, influence the scope, timing, and techniques of testing. It emphasizes the importance of aligning testing activities with development phases, maintaining unique objectives for various testing levels, and the significance of early test analysis and design. The video also highlights good testing practices that should be adopted across all SDLC models, including early involvement in the review of work products to support a 'shift left' strategy for defect detection.

Takeaways

• 📘 The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) has a significant impact on the testing process, influencing the scope, timing, and approach of testing activities.
• 🔄 In Waterfall and V-model SDLCs, testing typically occurs after implementation, whereas Agile methodologies emphasize continuous testing throughout the development cycle.
• 📝 The level of detail in test documentation varies by SDLC model, with more detailed documentation in traditional models like Waterfall and briefer documentation in Agile.
• 🛠 The choice of test techniques and approaches is influenced by the SDLC, with Agile favoring faster, more flexible techniques like exploratory testing due to time constraints.
• 🤖 The extent of test automation is often greater in Agile environments to accommodate rapid development cycles and frequent changes.
• 👥 The role and responsibilities of testers differ across SDLC models, with testers in Agile often having cross-functional abilities and more involvement in planning meetings.
• 🔄 Sequential development models like Waterfall require waiting for code development before dynamic testing can begin, whereas iterative models allow for testing at multiple stages.
• 🔧 Good testing practices should be followed regardless of the SDLC model, including having corresponding testing activities for every development activity to ensure quality control.
• 🎯 Different test levels, such as unit, integration, system, and acceptance testing, should have specific objectives to avoid redundancy and ensure comprehensive testing.
• 📅 Test analysis and design should begin during the corresponding development phase of the SDLC to adhere to the principles of early testing and support the shift-left strategy.
• 🔍 Testers should be involved in reviewing work products as soon as drafts are available to facilitate early defect detection and contribute to the shift-left strategy.

Q & A

What is the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

SDLC stands for Software Development Life Cycle, which is the process of creating software and the set of activities that make up this process. It includes major phases like requirement gathering, design, development, testing, and maintenance or release.

How does the SDLC impact the testing process?

The SDLC impacts the testing process by influencing the scope and timing of test activities, the level of detail in test documentation, the choice of test techniques and approaches, the extent of test automation, and the role and responsibility of testers.

What are the major phases of the SDLC?

The major phases of the SDLC typically include requirement gathering, design, development, testing, and maintenance or release.

How does the waterfall model differ from agile methodologies in terms of testing?

In the waterfall model, testing typically happens once after implementation, whereas in agile methodologies, testing is an ongoing process that occurs every day, with continuous integration and regression testing.

What is the significance of the 'shift left' strategy in testing?

The 'shift left' strategy in testing refers to the practice of starting the testing process as early as possible in the SDLC, ideally as soon as the first draft of a document is available, to support early testing and defect detection.

Why is it important for testers to be involved in reviewing work products early in the SDLC?

Testers being involved early helps in identifying issues and providing feedback on work products like requirements and designs, which can prevent defects from being carried over to later stages and supports the 'shift left' strategy.

What are some good testing practices that should be followed regardless of the chosen SDLC model?

Good testing practices include having a corresponding testing activity for every software development activity, ensuring different test levels have specific objectives, beginning test analysis and design during the corresponding development phase, and involving testers in reviewing work products as soon as drafts are available.

How does the choice of SDLC model affect the level of detail required in test documentation?

In traditional or waterfall models, test documentation tends to be very detailed, while in agile methodologies, documentation is often more brief and lightweight, focusing on just enough detail to support the rapid pace of development and testing.

What is the role of a tester in a traditional SDLC model compared to an agile model?

In a traditional SDLC model, testers are primarily limited to testing activities, whereas in an agile model, testers may have cross-functional abilities and responsibilities, including participation in release planning and iteration meetings.

How does the extent of test automation differ between traditional and agile SDLC models?

In traditional models, test automation may be limited, but in agile models, there is a focus on maximizing automation to handle the time constraints and perform as much testing as possible within the given timeline.

What is the difference between sequential development models and iterative and incremental models in terms of testing?

In sequential models like the waterfall, dynamic testing cannot be performed early in the life cycle, whereas in iterative and incremental models, each iteration may involve both static and dynamic testing, allowing for frequent feedback and extensive regression testing.