Which activities form part of test planning?

Defining the overall approach to testing is a fundamental activity in test planning because it establishes the framework for how testing will be conducted throughout the project. This includes determining the testing objectives, selecting the levels of testing required (such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing, etc.), and deciding on the methodologies and tools that will be used. Having a well-defined approach ensures that all stakeholders have a common understanding of what is expected and how testing will contribute to the overall project goals.

In contrast, developing test cases, assigning resources, and building the test environment are activities that typically follow or are part of the implementation phase of the test plan but do not constitute the planning activity itself. These activities are crucial for execution and evaluation of tests, but they are detailed steps that come after establishing the test planning framework.