Before anyone can start using newly created software, it should be tested first. That’s why you need a software test plan. This plan helps experts and professionals (like software testers and test managers) to successfully test the software and find potential issues that need to be corrected or improved. Hence, here are six hacks to help you write a software test plan quickly and effectively.
#1 Understand All Relevant Terminology
First, you need to understand all the relevant terminology that is used for software testing and that will be necessary for your test plan:
- Test Plan: You will create this document to guide the software testing. The test plan includes everything about the process of testing, including the scope, approach, schedule, objectives, software to be tested, and so on.
- Objectives: These are the objectives you set for the testing. It’s best to use the SMART approach (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) to outline the objectives.
- Test Case: This document contains information about what the test should accomplish. Test cases are usually used together with test plans.
#2 Learn About the Software
You need to start by learning about the software that needs to be tested. The better you understand the program or application that will be tested, the better your test plan will be. Try using the software yourself, read about its features, and get in touch with its developers to ask any questions you may have about it.
This is also when you will need to decide what the scope of testing will be and which approach you or other testing professionals will be using to actually test the software. What exactly should be tested? Which functions need special attention?
#3 Create a Test Case
Next, you will need to create a test case. Because this can be challenging (but also because creating a test plan can be difficult for beginners), you can get in touch with the custom writing reviews site Best Writers Online to find an experienced writer to help you. A writer who knows everything about software testing can guide you while you write everything.
Make sure that your test (or multiple test cases) has detailed information about what exactly needs to be accomplished by the testing. That’s why you need to include all the steps that should be carried out. What will be tested and how? Who will be doing the testing? What are the expected results of the testing?
#4 Develop the Strategy
Then, you will need to develop the testing strategy that you will outline in your test plan. Think about things such as:
- How will you implement the testing?
- What are the objectives of the testing (e.g. testing new features)?
- Are there any known bugs that need to be fixed before the testing starts?
- What are your testing criteria? (This can be included in your test case.)
- Who needs to be doing the testing? Do you have such specialists?
- How will you communicate with the testers?
- What will the testing environment be like (e.g. platforms supported by the software)?
- Is it possible (and necessary) to automate any parts of the testing?
#5 Choose Testing Tools
It goes without saying that testing can be very complex which is why many professionals prefer to use testing tools to help them during the process. As mentioned above, you need to consider whether some of the parts of the testing process can be automated instead of doing everything manually.
This is why it is very important to choose the right testing tools. In some cases, you will be the one to add these details to the test plan. In other cases, you might want to let the testers decide which tools to use.
#6 Plan Out the Schedule
Last but not least, you need to plan out the schedule for the testing. Consider how much time the testing will take in total and which milestones need to be achieved along the way. Set specific but realistic deadlines for these testing goals. Take into account any factors that could influence the schedule during the testing process.
Likewise, it’s also worth adding information about the expected deliverables. What are the deliverables required for testing this specific software? How should they be prepared and provided to you after the testing is over?
Final Thoughts
To summarise, testing software properly may take some time, but if you have a good software test plan, it will be much easier for you to organize and execute. Use the tips in this article to help you create your own software test plan and successfully test your software.
Check out all the software testing webinars and eBooks here on EuroSTARHuddle.com
