Test strategy and test plan are two different yet important aspects of software testing. A test strategy is a high-level overview of the types of tests that will be executed, while a test plan is a more detailed document that outlines the specific steps for each type of test. Understanding the difference between these two concepts can help you create better and more effective tests for your software project.
What is Test Strategy?
A Test Strategy is a document that provides a high-level approach for testing an application. It defines the overall Testing Approach and provides guidance on how to carry out testing. Test Strategy is usually prepared by the Test Manager and reviewed with the development team and other stakeholders. Test Strategy should be aligned with the project’s objectives and deliverables. Test Strategy typically covers the following topics:
– Test Levels (Unit, Integration, System, and Acceptance)
– Test Types (Functional, Non-functional, Regression, Performance, etc.)
– Test Tools
– Test Environment
– Test Execution Schedule
– Test Deliverables
– Roles & Responsibilities.
What is Test Plan?
A test Plan is a detailed document that outlines the test strategy, scope, objectives, schedule, and resources for a software testing effort. It also defines the Test Team’s approach to risk management and Test Execution. A Test Plan typically includes:
– Test Objectives: What software quality attributes will be verified and validated during testing?
– Test Strategy: How will testing be performed to achieve the Test Objectives?
– Test Scope: What is included and excluded from testing?
– Test Schedule: When will each phase of testing take place?
– Test Environment: What hardware and software setup is required for testing?
– Test Deliverables: What documents and artifacts will be produced during testing?
– Test Reporting: How will test results be reported and tracked?
The purpose of a Test Plan is to communicate the test approach to all stakeholders and ensure that everyone understands the scope and objectives of the testing effort. It also provides a high-level overview of the resources, schedule, and risks associated with the project. A well-written Test Plan can go a long way toward ensuring a successful software testing project.
Difference between Test Strategy and Test Plan
Test strategy is a high-level document that provides an overview of the testing approach for a project. A test plan, on the other hand, is a more detailed document that lists out the specific tests to be carried out, along with their objectives, conditions, and expected results. Test strategy is derived from the project’s objectives and risks, while test plan is derived from the requirements. Test strategy focuses on what needs to be tested, while test plan focuses on how to carry out the testing. Test strategy is prepared before the Test plan.
The test strategy is approved by the Project Manager/client, whereas Test Plan requires sign-off from QA Lead/Manager. Test strategy is applicable to the entire project, while Test Plan is applicable to specific Test Cycles/Iterations. Finally, Test Strategy can be considered as static whereas Test Plan can be treated as dynamic. This means that Test Strategy will not change much during the project life cycle whereas the Test plan will change more frequently based on the changes in requirements.
Conclusion
The main difference between a test strategy and a test plan is that the former is more high-level, while the latter is more detailed. A test strategy document describes how you will approach testing your product or website, whereas a test plan outlines all of the specific tests that will be carried out and what their results should be. It’s important to have both documents in place before starting any kind of testing so everyone involved knows what they’re supposed to do and when.
