When should test planning be performed according to best practices?

Test planning is a critical activity in the software testing process, and the best practices suggest that it should be conducted continuously throughout all life cycle processes and activities. This approach ensures that testing is aligned with the project's evolving needs, risks, and requirements.

By engaging in continuous test planning, teams can adapt to changes in the project, such as shifts in scope, technology updates, and changing business requirements. This flexibility allows for the identification of new risks and the adjustment of testing strategies accordingly. As the project progresses, additional information becomes available, leading to better-informed decisions about test coverage, resource allocation, and tool selection.

Additionally, continuous planning fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, including developers, testers, business analysts, and project managers. This collaboration enhances communication about testing objectives, priorities, and status, ensuring that everyone is aligned and informed.

This iterative process of planning helps in creating a dynamic and responsive testing environment, leading to improved quality and efficiency in the testing efforts over time.