A structured, high-level plan outlining the approach to verifying a software application’s functionality and quality within a specific project is crucial. Such a plan encompasses the scope of testing, objectives, methodologies, resources, and timelines. For instance, a project might employ a risk-based approach, prioritizing the testing of features most likely to cause critical failures and allocating resources accordingly. This allows the testing team to systematically examine software, ensuring adherence to requirements and minimizing defects before release.
The existence of a well-defined approach significantly reduces development costs by identifying potential issues early in the lifecycle. It enhances software reliability, boosts user satisfaction, and ultimately contributes to improved business outcomes. Historically, formalized approaches to verification have evolved alongside software development methodologies, transitioning from ad-hoc testing to more rigorous and comprehensive processes, such as agile testing and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.