There are a lot of words that are frequently tossed about and used interchangeably in the world of software development. When comparing test plan, and test strategy, this is the scenario. However, though they are all related, each one has its own purpose and includes a vital component of the testing process. As a result, we’ll go through the distinctions between these terminologies and how they work in the testing lifecycle in greater detail.
1. Test Plan
A test plan document is a document that lays out the strategy for all of the testing activities that must be completed in order to provide a high-quality product. For all future project activities, the Test Plan document is derived from the Product Description, SRS, or Use Case . The purpose of the document is to specify what to test, what not to test, how to test when to test, and who will execute what test. It is normally created by the Test Lead or Test Manager. It also comprises the necessary environment and tools, resource allocation, test methods to be used, and risk and contingency planning. A test plan is a living document that has to be updated on a regular basis. It’s crucial to know how they’re doing and whether initiatives are remaining on schedule and meeting user expectations. The test plan paper outlines how the testing process should proceed. The success of a testing effort is entirely dependent on the Test Plan.
2. Test Strategy
A test strategy is a high-level (static) document that is often produced by a project manager. It is a document that captures our method of testing the product and achieving our objectives. Typically, it is developed from the Business Requirement Specification (BRS). Documents such as the Test Plan are created with this document as a foundation. The test strategy includes the finer points of testing. This deliverable, which is frequently included in the test plan, specifies the testing strategy that will be utilized to meet quality criteria. The test strategy specifies which kind of tests will be utilized, but it also allows for some flexibility so that the test may be executed by anybody at any time. This type of data will provide clear direction on what activities must be accomplished, as well as allow teams to identify which technologies will be most successful in assisting them in achieving their objectives.
3. Difference Between Test Strategy and Test Plan
| TEST PLAN
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TEST STRATEGY |
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A software project test plan is a document that specifies the scope, purpose, strategy, and emphasis of a software testing effort.
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A test strategy is a system of principles that describes how to develop tests and outlines how they should be carried out. |
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Test plan elements include the following: Test plan id, features to be tested, test procedures, testing tasks, features pass or fail criteria, test deliverables, responsibilities, and timetable, among others.
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Objectives and scope, documentation formats, test methodologies, team reporting structure, client communication strategy, and so on are all components of a test strategy. |
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A testing manager executes a test plan that specifies how to test when to test, who will test, and what to test. |
The project manager implements a test approach. It specifies the approach to use and which module to test. |
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The specification is described in the test plan.
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The general techniques are described in the test strategy. |
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Changes to the test plan are possible.
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The test approach cannot be altered. |
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Test planning is done to detect risks by determining potential issues and dependencies.
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This is a long-term approach. You can use information that isn’t particular to a project to create a test strategy. |
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A Test plan exists individually.
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Test strategy is frequently seen as an element of a test plan in smaller projects. |
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It is established at the project level.
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It is configured at the organizational level and may be utilized across different projects. |
Conclusion
A test plan describes the scope, goal, and weight of a software testing project, whereas a test strategy describes how the testing should be done. At the project level, a test plan is employed, whereas, at the organizational level, a test strategy is employed. A test plan’s main goal is to figure out how to test when to test, and who will confirm, while a test strategy’s main goal is to figure out which technique to employ and which component to test. The Test Plan can be changed, but the Test Strategy cannot. The test plan is managed by the test manager, whereas the test strategy is managed by the project manager.