STLC vs. SDLC in Software Testing

SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) and STLC (Software Testing Life Cycle) are essential frameworks in software development, each serving distinct but complementary roles to ensure the delivery of high-quality software. SDLC outlines the entire process of software creation, from initial planning and requirements gathering to system design, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance, providing a structured approach to meet user requirements and business goals within a specified timeframe and budget. Conversely, STLC focuses exclusively on the testing phases within the development cycle, aiming to identify and fix defects early to enhance software quality and reliability. Despite their differences, SDLC and STLC are closely intertwined; they share overlapping activities such as requirement analysis, design assessment, and testing, ensuring that the final product is both functional and dependable. By integrating SDLC's systematic development approach with STLC's rigorous testing processes, software teams can foster better communication and collaboration, ultimately achieving a balanced and efficient development lifecycle that minimizes defects and maximizes performance.