The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a structured approach to testing software applications to ensure quality. Below is a phase-by-phase breakdown, including required documents, responsible roles, and a real-world example using Myntra’s “Virtual Try-On” feature.
1. Requirement Analysis
Objective: Understand what to test based on requirements.
Key Activities:
- Identify testable requirements
- Analyze functional & non-functional needs
- Define scope of testing
Documents Required:
Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM)
Feasibility Report for Testing
Roles Involved:
Business Analyst – Clarifies requirements
QA Lead – Defines test scope
Product Owner – Approves test approach
Myntra Example:
- Requirement: “Virtual Try-On should work on 90% of smartphone cameras”
- RTM: Maps test cases to this requirement
2. Test Planning
Objective: Define how to test.
Key Activities:
- Prepare test strategy
- Estimate effort/resources
- Select testing tools
Documents Required:
Test Plan Document
Test Estimation Sheet
Roles Involved:
Test Manager – Creates master test plan
QA Architect – Chooses tools/frameworks
Myntra Example:
- Test Plan: Includes:
- Manual testing for UI/UX
- Automation for regression
- Performance testing for AI model
3. Test Case Development
Objective: Create detailed test cases.
Key Activities:
- Write test cases & scripts
- Prepare test data
- Review test cases
Documents Required:
Test Cases Document
Test Data Repository
Roles Involved:
QA Engineers – Write test cases
Domain Experts – Validate test scenarios
Myntra Example:
- Test Case: “Verify sunglasses alignment on different face shapes”
- Test Data: 100+ face images with different features
4. Test Environment Setup
Objective: Prepare the test bed.
Key Activities:
- Configure hardware/software
- Deploy test build
- Prepare test devices
**Documents Required:
Test Environment Checklist
Configuration Document
Roles Involved:
DevOps Engineer – Sets up environments
System Admin – Manages test servers
Myntra Example:
- Environment:
- iOS/Android test devices
- Staging server with 3D model processor
5. Test Execution
Objective: Run tests and log defects.
Key Activities:
- Execute test cases
- Log defects
- Retest fixes
**Documents Required:
Test Execution Report
Defect Report
Roles Involved:
Testers – Execute tests
Developers – Fix defects
Myntra Example:
- Defect Found: “Virtual sunglasses float 2cm above ears on iPhone X”
- Priority: P1 (Critical)
6. Test Cycle Closure
Objective: Evaluate testing process.
Key Activities:
- Analyze test metrics
- Document lessons learned
- Sign-off testing
**Documents Required:
Test Summary Report
Lessons Learned Document
Roles Involved:
Test Manager – Prepares final report
Stakeholders – Approve release
Myntra Example:
- Metrics:
- 95% test cases passed
- 5 critical defects fixed
- Conclusion: Feature ready for production
STLC Summary for Myntra Virtual Try-On
| Phase | Key Documents | Responsible Roles | Myntra Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement Analysis | RTM, Feasibility Report | BA, QA Lead | Map try-on requirements to test cases |
| Test Planning | Test Plan, Estimation | Test Manager | Plan manual/automation testing mix |
| Test Case Development | Test Cases, Test Data | QA Engineers | Create 50+ try-on test scenarios |
| Environment Setup | Env Checklist, Config Doc | DevOps, Sys Admin | Setup mobile device lab |
| Test Execution | Execution Report, Defects | Testers, Developers | Find & fix floating sunglasses bug |
| Test Closure | Summary Report, Metrics | Test Manager, Stakeholders | 95% pass rate, feature approved |
Key Differences: STLC vs SDLC
- SDLC = Building the software (Development focus)
- STLC = Verifying the software (Quality focus)
Relationship:
STLC runs parallel to SDLC phases but has its own dedicated workflow.
Best Practices for Effective STLC
- Early Testing: Start during requirements phase
- Automation: Automate regression tests
- Continuous Testing: Integrate with CI/CD pipelines
- Risk-Based: Prioritize critical functionality
- Metrics-Driven: Track defect density, escape rate
Conclusion
The STLC ensures systematic, comprehensive testing of features like Myntra’s Virtual Try-On. By following these phases with proper documentation and role clarity, teams can deliver high-quality software with minimal defects.
Pro Tip:
“A well-executed STLC catches bugs before your users do!”