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When starting any testing project, the first step isn’t to just dive in and start looking for bugs. With an approach like that, you’d be setting yourself up for failure since how would you know what to test if you haven’t even defined it yet?
Instead, an experienced software testing professional will know that before any test cases are checked or any bugs are filed, you must first start by developing a comprehensive test strategy, and subsequently, test plan document.
But what is a test strategy? How does it differ from a test plan? What do you need in order to create an effective test strategy? Read on for the answers to these questions and more!
What is a Test Strategy?
A test strategy is a type of document that is used by project managers, developers, testers, and more to outline how software testing will be performed for a project. Instead of focusing solely on how and what to test, this document aims to provide a higher level view of the testing process and the techniques that will be used.
Test strategies are typically introduced at the beginning of a project’s lifecycle and, unlike a test plan, are fairly rigid, meaning that they will very rarely be changed as the testing progresses. This is important because it helps make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the test approach for a given project.
Some examples of content you might find inside of a test strategy are:
- Scope
- Test Approach
- Test Environment
- Testing Tools
- Release Control
- Risk Analysis
- Review and Approvals
- Test Summary
Why is a Test Strategy Useful?
Fundamentally, a test strategy defines the scope and overall approach for testing a project. This is useful because it can help avoid unnecessary costs, inconsistencies, and lost time that come from having a test team that is unsynchronized and not operating efficiently.
It is also an excellent tool for communication, both between team members and project stakeholders. By having a cohesive document which outlines the details of the software product and what test methodologies will be used, expectations can be set immediately with a stakeholder about whether or not the current scope of testing will meet the requirements of the project.
What is the difference between a Test Strategy and a Test Plan?
Before developing a test strategy, it is important to understand the differences between it and a test plan so that each can be defined with the correct requirements and there isn’t any confusing overlap between the two document types.
A test strategy is the first document type that should be created and primarily focus on the higher level goals of the software testing. It will ideally cover the anticipated design of the tests, how they will be performed, what techniques will be used, and what modules will be tested. It also serves as a communication tool for stakeholders to better understand the general test approach for a project.
Contrast that with a test plan which is created after the Test Strategy and is aimed towards offering more detailed instructions for testing. This could include specific testing activities, what resources are available, what the anticipated schedule for testing will be, etc. It should ultimately describe how to test, what to test, who will test it, and who will perform verification on the results. The audience for a comprehensive test plan are test managers and testers themselves.
Types of Testing Strategies
The ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualification Board) categories test strategies into seven types. Identifying which test strategy will best suit the needs of your client may depend on the project it is being developed for or the size of your organization.
Analytical
This test strategy begins with an analysis of the risks or requirements for a software product before defining the test conditions and developing a test approach that specifically addresses each.
Directed
Instead of being derived solely from the insight of a testing partner, this test strategy stems from suggestions supplied directly by the client. This can be valuable since stakeholders may have diverse experience with the product and can advise on what features or flows should be prioritized for testing.
Methodical
Test teams will follow a rigid checklist of test conditions in order to achieve a predefined quality standard or meet regulatory requirements.
Model-based
For this test strategy, models are created based on an existing or anticipated scenario and then used to inform test designs. These models, if created accurately, can offer a comprehensive view of a software system and be useful for assisting testers with developing test cases.
Process-Compliant
This goes further than a methodical testing strategy and requires testers to use policies and regulations established by an authority or panel of specialists in order to inform test conditions and create test cases.
Reactive
A reactive test strategy is one that is based around addressing issues that come to light after a software product is released. This approach is often preferred when testing resources are limited during development but comes with the risk of a higher cost since issues are generally less expensive to fix when they are identified at an earlier stage.
Regression-averse
When a test strategy is regression-averse, the objective is to minimize the number of regressions a software product has with each new release. This is done by prioritizing testing towards features which would more significantly impact user experience if they were to regress in functionality.
Converting Project Requirements into a Test Strategy
As we’ve covered, one of the first steps when onboarding a new client as a testing partner is to develop a comprehensive test strategy. But how is this done? And where should you begin?
First, you want to understand a client’s primary goals with testing. This can be informed by establishing a framework based around the scope of the product, a client’s desired timeline and budget, the device coverage they’re looking to achieve, and what type of documentation or beta version of their software product is currently available to be reviewed. The more information you can obtain, the easier it will be to select what type of strategy will best suit the project and start to develop the content of your test strategy document.
From there, a test plan can start to be worked on. This involves creating a team of testers specific to that project’s needs, the setup of communication and bug tracking channels, making test cases with a solidified list of devices, and writing instructions for testers to highlight which features should be prioritized (as well as deprioritized) while testing.
A testing partnership is a collaborative effort so oftentimes it is necessary to review aspects of the test strategy and test plan with a client to confirm that it will meet the project requirements, as well as their own expectations. In some cases, a client might even request sample bug reports to review and provide additional requirements on.
It is also a dynamic process — and while a test strategy should remain fairly unchanged once testing has commenced, there are instances where either the features that are being tested change as the client’s product team makes updates and/or the types of testing shift as the client’s needs evolve over time. In any of these cases, a test strategy can be revisited to ensure that it is consistent with the maturity of their product.
Conclusion
As we’ve covered, a test strategy is essential for setting up a software testing project for success. It provides a comprehensive overview of the test approach for a project and will help guarantee that your test team and the client’s you are serving are in alignment on the scope of testing activities, before they begin.
PLUS QA’s 16 years of experience developing effective test strategies has allowed our clients to consistently launch quality websites and mobile applications to a global audience. Whether it’s a short term project or a long term partnership, we have the capacity and resources needed to create a software test strategy that will achieve your goals.
Ready to get started on your test strategy? Contact PLUS QA today.