Test Deliverables in Software Testing

What is Test Deliverables?

Test deliverables are created as part of a structured software testing process. These deliverables serve as evidence of

testing activities and outcomes. They ensure that testing efforts align with the requirements and expectations of

stakeholders, including clients, developers, and end-users. Test deliverables are artifacts generated throughout the

testing lifecycle. They are categorized into three stages:

Pre-testing deliverables: Prepared before testing begins, focusing on planning and setup.

During-testing deliverables: Produced while executing and monitoring test cases.

Post-testing deliverables: Finalized after testing concludes, summarizing results and insights.

Importance of Test Deliverables

Test deliverables are critical for the success of software testing and, therefore, are vital to the overall software

development lifecycle. Key benefits include:

• Team Communication and Collaboration: Deliverables act as a bridge between stakeholders.

• Better Accountability and Ownership: Clearly defined responsibilities improve task management.

• Enhanced Test Coverage: Ensures no requirement is left untested.

• Supports Decision-Making: Provides data-driven insights for release readiness.

Types of Test Deliverables

Test deliverables are categorized based on the stages of the software testing lifecycle. These categories ensure

comprehensive documentation and communication throughout the lifecycle:

Pre-Testing Deliverables

Before we dive into the actual testing, it's crucial to prepare a solid foundation. Pre-testing deliverables are the key
documents and tools that help us plan, set up, and ensure we're ready to go. They clarify the scope, approach, and
requirements for our testing journey.

Test Plan

Think of the test plan as our roadmap. This detailed document outlines our objectives, scope, approach, resources, and
timeline for testing. It ensures everyone involved understands our strategy and what to expect. Key elements include
entry and exit criteria, potential risks, and strategies to mitigate them.

Test Strategy

The test strategy is like our high-level game plan. It defines how we’ll tackle testing—what types we’ll use (like functional
or performance testing) and which tools will support us. This document aligns our efforts with business goals and serves
as a reference for all teams involved in the testing process. You can find a handy test strategy template to guide you.

Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM)

The RTM is our trusty map linking requirements to their respective test cases. It ensures we cover every requirement
during testing and provides visibility into what has been tested and what still needs attention. This way, we can easily
spot any gaps in our coverage.

Test Environment Setup Document

This document lays out everything we need to create a testing environment that closely resembles production. By
detailing the necessary hardware, software, network configurations, and tools, we minimize the risk of issues arising
from environmental differences. Well-documented setups also make it easier to replicate environments for future tests.

Test Data

Test data is essential for executing our test cases effectively. Whether it’s real-world data (anonymized for privacy), or
synthetic datasets created specifically for testing, having realistic test data helps us uncover defects that might only
appear in actual usage scenarios.

Test Case Specifications

Test case specifications are like detailed blueprints for each test case. They outline inputs, preconditions, execution
steps, and expected outcomes. These specifications ensure consistency and repeatability in our testing efforts, helping
testers understand exactly what conditions must be met and what results are anticipated.

During-Testing Deliverables:

As we execute tests, several important deliverables are generated that document our progress and findings.

Test Execution Reports

These reports are crucial for tracking how well our tests are performing. They provide real-time metrics on passed,
failed, or blocked test cases, helping us identify any bottlenecks in the process. Stakeholders rely on these updates to
stay informed about our progress.

Defect Reports

Whenever we encounter issues during testing, defect reports come into play. These documents detail each identified
defect—complete with defect ID, severity level, priority status, and steps to reproduce the issue. Including attachments
like screenshots or logs enhances clarity and aids communication between QA teams and developers.

Code Coverage Reports

Code coverage reports measure how much of our source code has been tested through either automated or manual
tests. By identifying untested areas of the codebase, these reports help us focus on improving coverage and ensuring
better quality by reducing the risk of undetected defects.

Risk Analysis Reports

These reports shine a light on potential risks identified during testing. They categorize risks by severity and likelihood,
allowing us to prioritize mitigation efforts effectively. Proactive risk analysis is essential for informed decision-making
throughout the project.

Post-Testing Deliverables:

Once testing is complete, we prepare several key documents that summarize our efforts and results.

Test Summary Report

The test summary report consolidates all testing activities into a high-level overview of the project’s testing phase. It
includes metrics like pass/fail rates for test cases, defect statistics, and coverage data—helping stakeholders assess
whether the product is ready for release.

Defect Analysis Report

This report provides insights into the nature and frequency of defects encountered during testing. By categorizing
defects based on severity, priority, and root cause analysis, we can identify patterns or recurring issues—driving
continuous improvement in our development processes.

Release Notes

Release notes serve as a comprehensive summary of the final build’s features, resolved defects, and known issues.
They provide stakeholders and end-users with essential information about what’s included in the release—acting as a
reference point for understanding updates or remaining challenges in the software.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Results

Finally, UAT results capture feedback from end-users or clients regarding whether the product meets their requirements.
This deliverable typically includes acceptance criteria along with user feedback and approval status—critical for ensuring
that the software aligns with business needs. By understanding these deliverables at each stage of testing—pre-testing,
during-testing, and post-testing—we can ensure a thorough approach that leads to high-quality software products!

Best Practices for Test Deliverables

➢ Use consistent templates for uniformity.

➢ Thoroughly document all details for completeness.

➢ Track changes using version control systems.

➢ Automate processes with tools like JIRA or Zephyr.

➢ Conduct peer reviews and audits for accuracy.

Summary Table of Test Deliverables

The following table summarizes test deliverables by stage:

Phase Deliverable Purpose

Test Plan Roadmap for testing activities

Test Strategy High level guidelines and methodologies

Requirment Traceability Ensures comprehensive requirement

Matrix coverage

Pre-Testing

Test Case Specifications Detailed execution steps and expected

outcomes

Test Environment Setup Configures environment for testing

Test Data Input data for executing test cases

Test Execution Reports Tracks ongoing test execution progress

Defect Reports Documents identified issues and their

resolution status

During-testing
Code Coverage Reports Indicates tested and untested portions of the
code

Risk Analysis Reports Highlights potential risks and their impact

 Test Summary Report Summarizes overall testing efforts and results

Defect Analysis Report Analyzes defect patterns and resolution

statistics
Post-testing

Release Notes Details of features, fixes, and known issues in

the release

UAT Results Captures end-user feedback on product

usability and functionality