Software Development Life Cycle vs Software Testing Life Cycle (SDLC vs STLC)

Introduction

The process of planning, designing, developing, creating, testing, and deploying a software product so that it can carry out a particular function is known as software development. Developing a simple program might look like it would be an easy task, but creating software for large businesses is a very difficult task. In light of this, it is critical that the process of developing the software product adheres to the appropriate methodology. In this particular scenario, both the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) vs the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) are essential. Both STLC and SDLC are connected to one another in some fashion; alternatively, you could say that one came before the other. When creating anything for a specific goal (a client’s need), testing is required before releasing it to the public. The reason for this requirement is quite straightforward. The life cycles of SDLC and STLC are different from one another, but before we look at how these cycles differ, let’s first examine what Software Development Life Cycle(SDLC) vs Software Testing Life Cycle(STLC) actually are.

What is SDLC?

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is the process whereby industry best practices are applied to the construction of software applications. Planning, analysis, design, building, documentation, testing, implementation, and maintenance are the typical six to eight steps that make up the process. Some project managers may decide to combine, split, or eliminate steps from the process, depending on the size of the project. Every software development project should follow best practices and incorporate these core components. SDLC is a method that can be utilized to monitor and enhance the production process. It enables an analysis down to the granular level of each stage of the process. In turn, this helps companies achieve the highest possible levels of efficiency at each stage. The demand for software and developers is expected to increase in tandem with the growth of computing power. It is imperative for businesses to cut costs, speed up the delivery of software, and meet or exceed the expectations of their customers. The SDLC contributes to the accomplishment of these objectives by locating areas of inefficiency and higher costs and developing solutions to address these issues.

Why SDLC?

The objective is to deliver software of a high quality that lives up to the standards set by our customers.

Following each stage or phase of the process is a formal review that guarantees the highest possible level of management control.
It makes sure that all of the people who have a stake in the development process are aware of how the project is planned.
You are able to generate a substantial amount of documentation regarding your system using SDLC.

After the production of a number of intermediate products, each of those products can be evaluated to see if it meets the requirements outlined in the specifications as well as the requirements of the users.
There are certain deliverables, entry criteria, and exit criteria that must be met before moving on to the next phase.
Using a sequential development process is best suited for projects of a smaller to medium size that have well-defined requirements.

It enables you to reduce the risk of the project and the overhead of the management plan.
A procedure for development that is both quicker and more effective.

How was the SDLC created?

The field of computer science made significant headway in the 1950s and 1960s. This rapid evolution was the impetus for the start of a production framework that would eventually develop into the SDLC that we are familiar with today. Before the 1950s, computing was not nearly as complex as it is today, so a method as detailed as the software development life cycle (SDLC) was not required. The growth in both the complexity and the scope of programming led to the development of the idea of structured programming. Over time, structured programming necessitated the utilisation of additional strategic development models, which led to the founding of the software development life cycle (SDLC).

Why is the SDLC important?

It provides a standardized framework that defines activities and deliverables
It contributes to the planning, estimating, and scheduling of the project.
It makes tracking and controlling projects much simpler.

It raises the visibility of the entire life cycle to all of the stakeholders involved in the development process.
The rate of developments is sped up as a result.
It makes for better relations with customers.

It lowers the risks involved in the project.
It lowers the overall cost of production as well as the expenses associated with project management.

SDLC Best practices

Effective communication among all members of the team is the single most important best practice that should be incorporated into your SDLC. The more there is that is in harmony, the better the chances will be for success. The following are indicators of a successfully implemented SDLC:

The effective implementation of an all-encompassing application security programme
Standards for coding quality
Effective cooperation between all of the teams

Workflows that have been streamlined.
Participation of multiple teams in different phases throughout the life cycle

Common mistakes and challenges

The implementation of an SDLC runs the risk of being negatively impacted by a number of potential pitfalls. The failure to adequately account for and accommodate the needs of customers and other stakeholders throughout the process is perhaps the most problematic mistake that can be made. Because of this, the requirements for the system are misunderstood, and as a consequence, the final product will undoubtedly be disappointing. In addition, the complexity of the SDLC frequently results in a project going off the rails or teams losing track of the particulars and requirements that need to be met. It is very easy for a project to fall short of its goals if the parameters and design plans are not followed precisely and in their entirety.

What is STLC?

The abbreviation STLC refers to the Software Testing Life Cycle. The Software Test Life Cycle (STLC) is a series of activities that are carried out by the testing team in order to guarantee the product’s or software’s high level of quality.

SDLC includes STLC as an essential component. However, STLC is only concerned with the testing phases of the process.

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) begins as soon as the requirements are defined or the SRD (Software Requirement Document) is shared by the stakeholders.
Using the STLC, testing is more reliable, efficient, and advanced.
The tester is able to perform an analysis and define the scope of testing, entry and exit criteria, as well as the test cases, during the early stages of the STLC, while the software or product is still in the development stage. Along with improving quality, it also helps cut down on the amount of time needed for the testing cycle.

The testers are prepared with test cases as soon as the development phase is complete, and they immediately begin the execution phase. This assists in locating bugs during the initial phase of development.

Benefits of Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

When analysing the requirements of the project, increased consistency and effectiveness are achieved.
Having clear and well-defined goals for the test products helps with tracking the process of the project.

Prior to the addition of any further features, the confidence in each feature must first pass the testing.
Meaningful consideration was given to the design of the examinations.
The specifications are perfectly clear, which is beneficial to the team.

It is a systematical strategy that enables for the swift elimination of errors and flaws in the product.

Why STLC?

Some of the reasons why STLC is crucial in the software development process are as follows:

Different activities for quality improvement can be carried out in a variety of ways.

A software release of higher quality is produced as a result of the execution phase.
The STLC improves the consistency, efficacy, and sophistication of the testing process.
It is simple to comprehend and put into action, regardless of the stage of the testing process.

When it comes to the process of formulating the project, time constraints are given significant weight.
Each unit is tested independently before moving on to the next.
The results that were obtained are compared to the particular requirements.

addressing issues with the product while it is still in its infancy and can generate the most revenue for the company.
enhance the general level of excellence of the development process.
Improving quality control at every stage of the SDLC process

Making certain that not only the customer, but also the people who use the product, are provided with a high-quality item.

Software Development Life Cycle vs Software Testing Life Cycle (Comparison)

Parameters	SDLC	STLC
Definition	The term “software development life cycle” (SDLC) refers to a process that is primarily concerned with the creation of software and incorporates all stages of software creation, including testing.	The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a multi-step process that is used to evaluate software.
Relationship	It encompasses the entirety of the software development life cycle and can be regarded as its predecessor due to this fact.	Because it is an integral part of the SDLC and consists solely of testing, it is regarded as a child or a successor.
Focus/Goal	The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is an approach that aims to manage the entirety of the software development process, beginning and ending with the delivery of a high-quality product that satisfies customer requirements.	The sole emphasis is placed on test development, which contributes to the overall testing process becoming more sophisticated, consistent, and beneficial.
Performed	The phases of the SDLC are finished up ahead of time compared to those of the STLC.	Following the completion of the phases of the SDLC, the STLC moves on to its phases.
Requirement Gathering	During the requirements collection phase of the software development life cycle (SDLC), Business Analysts and Product Analysts compile a development plan and collect requirements.	As part of the phase of the Software Development Life Cycle known as Requirement Analysis, the QA (Quality Assurance) team will first analyse requirement documents such as functional and non-functional requirements, and then they will prepare a System Test Plan.
Different phases	The Software Development Life Cycle consists of the following phases: Requirements Collection/Planning Analysis/Defining Programming or coding the software that is being designed (Building the Software) Testing Deployment/Installation Maintenance	The STLC includes the following phases: Requirement AnalysisTest PlanningTest DevelopmentTest Environment SetupTest ExecutionTest Closure
Objective	Throughout the entirety of the SDLC process, the goal is to surmount any obstacles that may be in the way.	Testing is performed solely for the purpose of locating any loopholes or vulnerabilities in the system.
Design phase	Planning and designing software using the development team’s requirements is part of SDLC	The testing team is responsible for STLC, which is the planning of tests (Test Architect or Test Lead).
Coding phase	To begin the process of building the system from the ground up, the programmers will now begin writing code for the system in accordance with the designed document. This can be done in any programming language.	The testing team, also known as the quality assurance team, is responsible for developing test cases and test scripts in order to validate the product’s quality. They will first prepare the test environment, then carry out the tests themselves.
Environment Setup	After the development team has finished writing the code, they immediately begin preparing a test environment in order to validate the code.	Testers are responsible for ensuring that the test environment is prepared in accordance with the prerequisites and conducting smoke tests to determine whether or not the environment is stable enough for testing the product.
Testing Phase	The software will be put through its paces during this phase of the process. This testing includes a variety of activities, such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing, retesting and regression testing, and so on. The development team also helps fix any bugs that are found during this testing.	After that, testing of the integrated system is carried out using the test cases as a guide. Every flaw and error has been identified, and subsequent testing and corrections have been made. The product is also put through regression tests, and as soon as it satisfies the exit criteria, it is given the green light for release.
Depoyment/Product Release	When all of the different testing teams have given their stamp of approval to the application, it is then released into a production environment to be used by actual end users.	After the product has been deployed into the production environment, smoke testing and sanity testing will take place. Meanwhile, the testing team will prepare test reports and an analysis matrix in order to conduct an analysis of the product.
Maintenance	Support, enhancement, and updates following the deployment of the product are included if they become necessary.	The QA team performs regression tests in order to check the maintenance code that has been deployed. In order to ensure that tests are kept up to date, the team is responsible for maintaining test cases and automated scripts.
Members Required	Throughout the SDLC, there is a need for more people (developers).	The QA team performs regression tests in order to check the maintenance code that has been deployed. In order to ensure that tests are kept up to date, the team is responsible for maintaining test cases and automated scripts.
Output	The development of reusable software systems is the final product of the SDLC process.	STLC produces a software system that has been tested.

Conclusion

SDLC and the STLC are just two of the many tools that companies should keep on hand as part of any new software development initiative. SDLC is a method for developing software that is organized and carried out in stages. Such software development projects can be validated for performance, reliability, and functionality with the help of the STLC. Both the STLC and the SDLC can be thought of as a framework for the development and testing of software. SDLC and STLC can work together to help all stakeholders, including customers, gain a better understanding of the entire software development and testing cycle. The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) vs. the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a common topic of discussion among those who are learning about software development and are curious as to whether or not they are complementary or opposite in nature, independent or separate. We have compared and contrasted SDLCs and STLCs in this blog, paying particular attention to the key distinctions between the two.

FAQ

#1 What is the basic difference between SDLC and STLC?

The primary distinction between the software development life cycle (SDLC) and the software testing life cycle (STLC) is that the former refers to a series of activities that are carried out during the software development process, whereas the latter refers to a series of activities that are carried out during the software testing life cycle.

#2 Is STLC part of SDLC?

The STLC is, in fact, a component of the SDLC. It is possible to characterize the STLC as a subset of the SDLC. The testing phase, in which the quality of the software or product is ensured, is carried out by the STLC, whereas the SDLC plays a significant and essential role in bringing the development of a software or product to a successful conclusion.

#3 What are the 7 phases of SDLC?

The Planning phase, the Analysis and defining requirements phase, the Design phases, the Implementation and coding phases, the Testing phase, the Deployment phase, and the Maintenance phase of SDLC models are the seven stages that make up the SDLC.

#4 What is the STLC process?

STLC is an abbreviation that stands for “Software Testing Life Cycle.” It is a procedure that we followed in order to test software and ensure that the quality standards and requirements were satisfied. Multiple examinations are carried out in a methodical manner across a number of stages. Multiple iterations of each phase of the STLC are carried out while the product is being developed in order to arrive at a product or result that is acceptable for public consumption.

#5 What is meant by STLC?

STLC is an abbreviation that stands for “Software Testing Life Cycle.” It is a series of distinct steps that are carried out during the testing process for the purpose of ensuring that the software quality objectives and requirements are met. A product or result is subjected to both verification and validation as part of the STLC process.

References

https://phoenixnap.com/blog/software-development-life-cycle
https://www.synopsys.com/glossary/what-is-sdlc.html#:~:text=The%20Software%20Development%20Life%20Cycle%20(SDLC)%20is%20a%20structured%20process,all%20customer%20expectations%20and%20demands.

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/stlc/stlc_overview.htm
https://blog.testproject.io/2020/11/03/software-testing-life-cycle-stlc/
https://www.interviewbit.com/blog/sdlc-vs-stlc/

https://byjusexamprep.com/difference-between-sdlc-and-stlc-i