Summary “Software Testing and Quality Assurance”

Marina Melnick
26 September 2025

Module "Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)"

General goal of the module

Introduction to the processes of software creation from a “helicopter view” — from idea to support. We study the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) to understand where and how a tester fits into the process.

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) is a structured process of creating software, covering all stages from the emergence of an idea to the deployment and maintenance of the finished product.

Main stages of SDLC:

  • Idea — a need or problem arises that requires a solution.
  • Vision — forming the product vision and the "Vision Document".
  • Requirement gathering — description of the functionality and characteristics of the future product.
  • Estimation — preliminary evaluation of time and cost of implementation.
  • Design — creation of software architecture and UX/UI design.
  • Development — actual programming.
  • Testing — checking functionality, detecting defects.
  • Deployment — releasing the product to real servers.
  • Maintenance — supporting and developing the product after launch.

Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

STLC (Software Testing Life Cycle) is the process of testing software, which runs in parallel with the SDLC stages. At each stage of development, testers have their own tasks.

Main stages of STLC:

  • Requirement analysis — the tester studies input artifacts (requirements, user stories, mockups).
  • Test planning — defining strategy, creating a test plan.
  • Test design — preparing test cases, checklists, test data.
  • Test execution — performing manual and automated testing.
  • Defect reporting — creating bug reports, communicating with the team.
  • Retesting and regression — checking fixed defects and system stability.
  • Test closure — evaluating results, creating the final report.

Testing artifacts

Artifacts are documents or materials that accompany the testing process.

Main examples:

  • Requirements (User Stories, SRS, Vision Document)
  • Test plan
  • Test cases, checklists
  • Traceability matrix
  • Testing and defect reports

Role of the tester in SDLC/STLC

  • The tester participates in the process at all stages:
  • helps clarify requirements;
  • plans testing during development;
  • creates and executes tests in parallel with programming;
  • analyzes and documents defects;
  • ensures product quality by collaborating with the whole team.