In the context of testing strategy, what do 'entry and exit criteria' refer to?

Entry and exit criteria are essential components in the testing strategy that define the conditions that must be met to begin and conclude different phases of testing.

Entry criteria outline the necessary conditions that must be satisfied before the testing can commence. This might include having complete requirements, the availability of necessary resources, or the readiness of the testing environment. Ensuring that these conditions are met helps prevent delays further down the testing process, as any issues at the start can lead to more significant problems later.

Exit criteria, on the other hand, are defined to determine when testing for a specific phase has been successfully completed. This may include conditions such as the completion of a predetermined number of test cases, the achievement of a certain level of defect resolution, or the fulfillment of specific performance benchmarks. Setting these criteria clearly helps in deciding when enough testing has been performed to consider the testing phase finished and to ensure that quality standards have been met.

By establishing clear entry and exit criteria, test teams can manage expectations, increase efficiency, and improve the quality of the software product being developed. This structured approach ensures that testing is conducted methodically and that it meets its goals effectively.