What is Waterfall Testing?

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What is Waterfall Testing?

Waterfall testing is a traditional software testing approach that follows a sequential and linear process. It is based on the waterfall model, which is a sequential software development model. In waterfall testing, each phase of the software development life cycle (SDLC) is completed before moving on to the next phase.

The testing process in waterfall testing starts after the completion of the development phase. It typically includes the following phases:

1. Requirements Analysis: In this phase, the requirements for the software are gathered and analyzed. Testers review the requirements to understand the scope of testing and identify any potential risks or issues.

2. Test Planning: Test planning involves creating a detailed test plan that outlines the testing objectives, test scope, test schedule, and resource requirements. Testers also define the test strategy and identify the test cases and test data needed for testing.

3. Test Design: In this phase, test cases are designed based on the requirements and test objectives. Testers create test scenarios and test scripts that outline the steps to be executed during testing. Test data is also prepared during this phase.

4. Test Execution: Test execution involves running the test cases and executing the test scripts. Testers compare the actual results with the expected results to identify any discrepancies or defects. Defects are logged and reported to the development team for resolution.

5. Test Evaluation: Test evaluation involves analyzing the test results and assessing the quality of the software. Testers review the test coverage, defect metrics, and other test artifacts to determine if the software meets the specified requirements and quality standards.

6. Test Closure: In the final phase, test closure activities are performed. Testers prepare test closure reports, document lessons learned, and archive the test artifacts. The software is considered ready for release if it meets the predefined acceptance criteria.

Waterfall testing is known for its structured and sequential approach, which allows for better documentation and traceability. However, it has limitations in terms of flexibility and adaptability to changing requirements. It is most suitable for projects with well-defined and stable requirements.