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Software Testing Strategies

In this tutorial, we will learn about the software testing strategies that every software tester and QA professional should follow. By Monika Sharma Last updated : April 07, 2023

What is Test Strategy?

Basically, a test strategy is nothing but planning on how to implement the testing approach on the product during the software development life cycle. Each phase of SDLC requires a proper amount of planning and strategies in order to successfully deliver the product. Therefore, once the testing phase begins, a proper test strategy is necessary.

What is Test Strategy Document?

A test strategy document is a well describe document which contains all the important information regarding the software testing approach and testing phase of the product. It is an important as well as a beneficial document as it contains all the questions & answers which are necessary to know before testing. It answers all questions like why this testing strategy is being used, what you want to get done, etc.

A good testing plan requires a well-defined test strategy document.

Types of Testing Strategies

The types of testing strategies are:

1. Analytical Strategy
2. Model-Based Strategy
3. Methodical Strategy
4. Standards Compliant Strategy
5. Reactive Strategy
6. Consultive Strategy
7. Regression Averse Strategy

Let's learn about each of the above testing strategies in little detail.

1) Analytical Strategy

This strategy is mainly based on the requirements of the product. It also considers all the risks and analyses them. Therefore, it is risk-based testing or requirements-based testing.

2) Model-Based Strategy

This type of strategy creates an imaginary situation and performs testing for that. This imaginary situation can also be termed a model. Therefore, a model is created based on the current or expected situation and hence the output, and behavior of the product are observed and recorded.

3) Methodical Strategy

This is a very basic test strategy. In this, the testing team follows some already defined set of test conditions and pre-defined situations. These types of testing strategies are majorly used for security checks, maintenance checks, etc.

4) Standards Complaint Strategy

This type of test strategy is based on the fact that it should follow the set of rules defined by the appropriate committee. The test cases are identified by following the rules defined. Medical Systems following US Food and Drugs Administration Standards are a good example of this test strategy.

5) Reactive Strategy

This test strategy is performed once the real software is delivered. As the software starts working in the real environment, the defects found during this are then taken into consideration and rectified. Hence, it is based on defects found in the actual system.

6) Consultive Strategy

This test strategy uses consultancy from the stakeholders as inputs for the test cases and test scenarios. It is a very effective testing strategy as all the cases and scenarios that actually troubles the investors and stakeholders can be rectified by testing.

7) Regression Averse Strategy

This test strategy mainly focuses on how to reduce the regression risks for functional and non-functional product shares. The one thing to be kept in mind is that here you just make sure that nothing has broken since the last release and ignore the changes. By this testing, there is no adverse effect on the application's existing codebase.

Conclusion

Always remember that it is not necessary to apply any one of the above test strategies during the testing of the product. There can be a combination of two or more test strategies as needed throughout the testing phase.

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