During the software development process, at what point can the test process start?

The test process can start when the software requirements have been approved because this is a critical phase in the development lifecycle. Requirements serve as the foundation for both development and testing; they define what the software is supposed to achieve. By beginning the testing process at this point, testers can create test plans, design test cases, and set up testing environments based on these approved requirements.

Starting testing with the approved requirements ensures that the entire testing process is aligned with the needs of the stakeholders and the goals of the software project. It also allows for early identification of any ambiguities or missing functionalities within the requirements, which can mitigate risks later in the development process when changes become more costly and time-consuming.

Test activities that can commence at this stage include requirements analysis, reviewing and refining test strategies, and drafting initial test cases that correspond to the specified requirements. By engaging in these activities early, teams can ensure that there is clarity and agreement on what needs to be built, which ultimately leads to a more efficient and effective testing process.