Testing Strategy: what is it & how to build one?

Title Testing Strategy: What Is It & How To Build? [Sample

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What is a testing strategy?

In software engineering, a testing strategy is a comprehensive plan or
approach that outlines how testing activities will be conducted to ensure the
software product’s quality and reliability. The testing strategy defines the
testing scope, objectives, and methodologies you will follow to achieve the
desired quality. The critical components of a testing strategy typically include
the following:

1. Scope and objectives: The testing strategy defines the scope, specifying
the software areas and functionalities you will test. It also outlines
testing objectives, such as identifying defects, validating requirements,
ensuring compliance, and measuring the product's quality.
2. Testing levels and types: The strategy outlines various testing levels,
including unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and
acceptance testing. It also defines the testing types, such as functional,
performance, security, and usability.
3. Test environments: The testing strategy describes the required test
environments for each testing level, including hardware, software,
network configurations, and data setups to simulate real-world
scenarios.
4. Entry and exit criteria: Entry criteria define the conditions your software
should meet before testing can commence at a particular level. In
contrast, exit criteria define the conditions under which testing is
complete for that level.
5. Test deliverables: The testing strategy outlines the test deliverables for
testing, such as test plans, cases, scripts, data, and reports.
6. Defect management: The testing strategy includes defect reporting,
tracking, and resolution guidelines, defining the severity and priority of
defects, and how you will communicate them to stakeholders.
7. Resource allocation: The strategy addresses allocating resources,
including people, testing tools, and infrastructure, to conduct the
testing activities effectively.
8. Risks and contingencies: The strategy identifies potential testing risks
and outlines contingency plans to address them. It ensures that risk
management is an integral part of the testing process.
9. Testing process improvement: The strategy also includes provisions for
continuous improvement of testing based on the learnings from
previous projects or feedback received during testing.
FAQ

What is a test strategy in agile?

In Agile software development, a test strategy is a dynamic and adaptive plan
that outlines how testing activities will be integrated into Agile development to
deliver a high-quality product. Unlike traditional waterfall approaches, Agile
test strategies are iterative and flexible, aligning with the methodologies like
Scrum or Kanban.

An Agile test strategy is iterative, collaborates with cross-functional teams,

emphasises automation and "Shift-Left" testing, focuses on user value, and
encourages continuous improvement and adaptability.