How to Create a Test Plan in Software Testing

Software development is something other than developing up a framework with desired functions. In the software industry, requirements are volatile and continue changing occasionally.

With less assets, shorter iterations are requested while keeping up the high quality of the product. Subsequently developing a test plan that traces the goal, resources, schedule, estimation and strategy is an absolute necessity.

The test plan is an outline which indicates the software testing activities as a characterized process which is checked now and again and controlled by the test managers.

A test plan is written by a test member who understands the usefulness and working of the framework well, and each test case is submitted for survey by seniors.

Importance of Test Plan

Test plan helps us understand and determine the effort required to validate the system and quality of the application under various tests.

The test plan document also helps other developers and business managers to understand the details of the tests.

It acts as a rulebook that guides us and allows us to follow the standards. The management team can review and re-use the plan for test estimation, scope, test strategy etc.

Let’s discuss step-by-step the process by following the eight steps below:

  • Product Analysis
  • Designing test strategy
  • Interpret test objectives
  • Outline test criteria
  • Planning Resources
  • Define test Environment
  • Estimation and Scheduling
  • Govern test deliverables

Let us dive deep into each step.

Product Analysis

Would you be able to create a test plan with no data about the software and its items? The appropriate response is NO. Examining the prerequisites and analyzing the framework is fundamental even before you begin creating the plan.

You ought to investigate about the client, its end users, their requirements and desires and what the product ought to convey. Ask yourself these inquiries when you analyze,

  • What is the framework proposed to be?
  • What is its utilization?
  • Who and by what method will it work?
  • What will be the development prerequisites?

If by chance that you or the group is muddled about any necessity of the framework, you can meet the customer and its concerned individuals and get more detailed information.

Designing Test Strategy

This is the most significant assignment while making the test plan. The test methodology document is a significant level document which is typically evolved by the test manager. The document covers the frameworks testing targets and the guide to accomplish them by deciding testing cost and endeavors.

The document ought to incorporate the accompanying steps:

  • Defining the scope of the test
  • Identifying the testing type
  • Document risks and issues
  • Creating test logistics.

Interpret test objectives

Characterizing the test objectives ought to be a definitive objective of accomplishing the test executions. The fundamental objective of testing is to find as many software bugs as could be allowed, to guarantee that the software is liberated from all the bugs. To decipher and document test objective, you should follow 2 stages;

  •  List down all the features and functionality of the framework including its presentation and UI.
  • Recognize the objective or the outcome dependent on the above features.

Outline test criteria

The test criteria are a rule or a standard on which the test procedure is based. 2 types of test criteria need to be resolved:

  • Suspension Criteria: Here you specify the critical suspension criteria for a test. When the suspension criteria are met, the active test cycle is suspended.
  • Exit Criteria: Exit criteria specify a successful completion of a test phase.

Planning Resources

As the name recommends, planning resources are the assignment of having an detailed synopsis of everything the assets needed to execute the project. Resources can incorporate anything from individuals, equipment and software resources, or some other materials to be utilized.

Resource planning is without a doubt significant as it indicates all the resources that will be needed to run the project effectively. This will help the test manager to make a right timetable and characterize exact assessments expected to run the project.

Define test Environment

The test environment is nothing but the combination of hardware and software on which the test team is going to execute the test cases. The test environment is a real-time instance that includes the user and the physical environment which includes servers and front-end interface.

Estimation and Scheduling

In the test environment stage, the test manager has just utilized procedures to arrive at the finish of assessing the project. Presently alongside the estimate its vital you tie to the timetable of test planning.

Numerous IT firms separate the development into little errands and include assessment of each tasks. Additionally, to have a legitimate assessment to execute test cases, the test manager needs different information sources like employee and project deadline, project assessment, and project risk.

Govern test deliverables.

Finally, the test deliverables consist of all the documents, components and tools that have been developed in support of the various testing efforts carried out by the team.

Many times, the manager decides to give the deliverables at specified intervals of the development.

The test deliverables include plan documents, design specifications, simulators, error and execution logs, installation and test procedures etc.

Conclusion:

The above steps for creating a test plan may differ depending on the project requirements and scope. Remember, your company should come up with its own set of guidelines and procedures while conducting test procedures.