The software development life cycle (SDLC) describes all the standard phases that are involved during the software development process. It describes each phase and how actually they work.

On the other hand, the software testing life cycle (STLC) is the testing process that defines how the entire testing of software works and executes.

Many students always want to know whether SDLC and STLC are totally different or if there is any connection between them.

The answer is YES they have a direct connection.

All of you always read the SDLC vs STLC. But today we will learn how they are different and they are connected also.

For this, at first, we all have to know the phases of SDLC and STLC involved. First, let's know the SDLC phases:

1. Requirements analysis

2. Design

3. Implementation

4. Testing

5. Deployment

6. Maintenance

Now the STLC phases:

1. Requirement analysis

2. Test plan

3. Test case development

4. Environment setup

5. Test execution

6. Test cycle closure

If we try to find out the differences then it should be like this:

• SDLC is mainly related to software development whereas STLC is only related to software testing.

• In SDLC developers are involved but in STLC the SQA team or testers are involved.

• The goal of SDLC is to complete software development but STLC's goal is to perform software testing.

• In SDLC code and work take place but in the STLC work environment and test cases are executed.

We can say that those are the key differences between SDLC and STLC.

But now we will find out where they are connected.

When we are at the SDL cycle we have a phase called "Testing". This phase actually refers to the STLC. Hence we have a testing phase in SDLC that's why we need a proper plan and approach to start our software testing. To design a proper plan, better architecture, and reliable process we need an overall strategy which is provided by STLC. Because we all know why software testing is so much important.

If you want to know about the necessity of software testing you can take a look at this blog.

What is software testing and why do we need it

Any kind of suggestions is highly appreciable. Keep learning.