SKILL.md
Test Planning
Create comprehensive test plans and strategies that ensure thorough quality coverage and efficient testing execution.
When to Use This Skill
- Project initiation
- Release planning
- Defining test scope
- Resource allocation
- Risk assessment
- Quality gate definition
- Test environment planning
- Estimating testing effort
Core Concepts
1. Test Plan Template
# Test Plan: E-Commerce Checkout
## 1. Introduction
**Purpose**: Validate checkout functionality for v2.0 release
**Scope**: Payment processing, order creation, email confirmation
## 2. Test Items
- Checkout flow (guest and registered users)
- Payment gateway integration
- Order management system
- Email notification service
## 3. Features to Test
- Add to cart
- Apply coupon codes
- Calculate shipping
- Process payment
- Create order
- Send confirmation email
## 4. Features NOT to Test
- Product catalog (tested separately)
- User registration (existing feature)
## 5. Test Approach
- **Functional Testing**: Manual + automated
- **Integration Testing**: Payment gateway, email service
- **Security Testing**: PCI compliance, data encryption
- **Performance Testing**: 100 concurrent checkouts
- **Usability Testing**: 5 user sessions
## 6. Entry/Exit Criteria
**Entry**:
- Code complete and deployed to test environment
- Test data prepared
- Test environment stable
**Exit**:
- 100% P0/P1 test cases executed
- 0 critical bugs
- <5 medium bugs
- Performance benchmarks met
## 7. Test Deliverables
- Test cases (150 cases)
- Test execution reports
- Defect reports
- Test summary report
## 8. Environment
- Test: test.example.com
- Staging: staging.example.com
- Test payment gateway: Stripe test mode
## 9. Schedule
- Test prep: Week 1
- Execution: Weeks 2-3
- Regression: Week 4
- Sign-off: End of Week 4
## 10. Risks
| Risk | Impact | Mitigation |
|------|--------|------------|
| Payment gateway downtime | High | Use test mode, backup plan |
| Environment instability | Med | Daily smoke tests |
| Resource availability | Med | Cross-training |Best Practices
- Align with requirements - Trace to specs
- Risk-based approach - Prioritize critical areas
- Clear scope - What's in, what's out
- Realistic estimates - Based on complexity
- Define metrics - Coverage, defect density
- Entry/exit criteria - Clear quality gates
- Stakeholder review - Get approval
- Living document - Update as needed
Resources
- IEEE 829: Test plan standard
- ISTQB: Test planning guidelines