Application testing is a set of activities that every software developer undertakes through the use of scripts for finding errors and loopholes in the software. It is a detailed account outlining the test strategy, objectives, schedule, resources, estimation, and deliverables required for developing applications. An application testing plan is a blueprint of controlled and monitored activities conducted during software testing that helps in determining the effort required to establish the quality of applications. 

Making an application testing plan  

Making an application testing plan involves the following steps:

  • Product analysis: The first step in developing an application testing plan is product analysis. You need to understand your client and end users to know their expectations and needs, from the application. You need to understand the product well so that you know that your development ideas are in line with the product’s essence.
  • Developing a testing strategy: Once you get a clear understanding of the product, you move on to developing a testing strategy. The test manager needs to create a test strategy document that defines testing objectives, and costs and efforts involved in the process. You need to determine the scope of testing through precise customer requirement, product specification, budget and skills of your team.

You also need to prioritize the testing type you want to use- unit test, API testing, integration test, install/uninstall testing, system test, and agile testing. You also have to determine potential risks and create test logistics during the process.

  • Defining test objectives: Test objective is the overall goal of your test execution. The objective of your testing activities is to find defects and loopholes in the application, and ensure that it is bug-free before launch. In order to define test objectives, you need to list down the software features and define the goal of the test based on such features.
  • Defining test criteria: In the fourth step, you define the test criteria, which is a standard rule forming the base of a test procedure. You can either use suspension criteria or exit criteria based on your application.
  • Resource planning: The fifth step involves the creation of a resource plan, determining the number of resources needed in the project. The summary gives information regarding the human resources and system resources engaged in the project. The main advantage of resource planning is that it can provide the test manager with a proper and accurate estimation and schedule for the project.
  • Test deliverables: Test deliverables forms the last step in making an application testing plan. It includes a list of documents, tools and related components developed as a part of your testing effort. You need to specify the test deliverables before, during and after the testing process so that your testing efforts are documented properly.

An application testing plan plays a vital role in the success of a project. Hence, it is imperative that you follow all the above-mentioned steps and come up with a good and effective plan.