---
title: What is STLC?
description: "**What is STLC?** STLC (Software Testing Life Cycle) is a systematic process for testing software to ensure its quality and functionality. It consists of multiple phases, each with specific objectives and deliverables.  ***1. Requirement Analysis*** **Objective**: Understand the requirements and…"
url: "https://vinothqaacademy.com/docs/what-is-stlc/"
updated: "2025-02-03"
category: QA Software Testing
tags:
  - QA Software Testing
---

# What is STLC?

**What is STLC?**

STLC (Software Testing Life Cycle) is a systematic process for testing software to ensure its quality and functionality. It consists of multiple phases, each with specific objectives and deliverables. 

***1. Requirement Analysis***

**Objective**: Understand the requirements and identify testable conditions.

**Activities**:

- Analyze software requirements and specifications.
- Identify testable requirements and scenarios.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to clarify ambiguities.

**Deliverables**:

- Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM).
- List of testable requirements and scenarios.

***2. Test Planning***

**Objective**: Define the strategy, scope, and resources for testing.

**Activities**:

- Define objectives, scope, and approach for testing.
- Identify resources (team, tools, environments).
- Estimate effort, cost, and timelines.
- Identify risks and mitigation strategies.

**Deliverables**:

- Test Plan document.
- Resource allocation and schedule.

***3. Test Case Development***

**Objective**: Create detailed test cases and prepare test data.

**Activities**:

- Write test cases based on requirements and scenarios.
- Prepare test data and scripts (if automation is used).
- Review and validate test cases.

**Deliverables**:

- Test cases and test scripts.
- Test data.

***4. Test Environment Setup***

**Objective**: Set up the environment where testing will be executed.

**Activities**:

- Configure hardware, software, and network settings.
- Set up test tools and frameworks.
- Ensure the environment mimics the production setup.

**Deliverables**:

- Ready-to-use test environment.

***5. Test Execution***

**Objective**: Execute test cases, log defects, and validate fixes.

**Activities**:

- Execute test cases as per the test plan.
- Log defects and track their status.
- Retest fixed defects and perform regression testing.

**Deliverables**:

- Test execution report.
- Defect report.

***6. Test Cycle Closure***

**Objective**: Evaluate the testing process and document lessons learned.

**Activities**:

- Analyze test results and metrics (e.g., defect density, test coverage).
- Evaluate if exit criteria are met.
- Document lessons learned and best practices.

**Deliverables**:

- Test closure report.
- Test metrics and improvement recommendations.

***Summary of STLC Phases***

| **STLC Phase** | **Key Activities** | **Deliverables** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Requirement Analysis** | Understand requirements, create RTM | RTM, Requirement Doc |
| **Test Planning** | Define scope, estimate resources, create strategy | Test Plan, Effort Estimation |
| **Test Case Development** | Write & review test cases, prepare test data | Test Cases, Test Data |
| **Test Environment Setup** | Configure hardware, software, tools | Test Environment Report |
| **Test Execution** | Run test cases, log defects, perform retesting | Test Execution Report, Defect Log |
| **Test Closure** | Analyze results, document findings, improve process | Test Summary Report |