2.1.1. Impact of the Software Development Lifecycle on Testing
Testing must be adapted to the SDLC to succeed. The choice of the SDLC impacts on the:
• Scope and timing of test activities (e.g., test levels and test types)
• Level of detail of test documentation
• Choice of test techniques and test approach
• Extent of test automation
• Role and responsibilities of a tester
In sequential development models, in the initial phases testers typically participate in requirement
reviews, test analysis, and test design. The executable code is usually created in the later phases, so
typically dynamic testing cannot be performed early in the SDLC.
In some iterative and incremental development models, it is assumed that each iteration delivers a
working prototype or product increment. This implies that in each iteration both static and dynamic testing
may be performed at all test levels. Frequent delivery of increments requires fast feedback and extensive
regression testing.
Agile software development assumes that change may occur throughout the project. Therefore,
lightweight work product documentation and extensive test automation to make regression testing easier
are favored in agile projects. Also, most of the manual testing tends to be done using experience-based
test techniques (see Section 4.4) that do not require extensive prior test analysis and design.