Test Cycle
A single iteration of testing a specific set of test cases, typically associated with a release or sprint.
Full Definition
A test cycle (or test execution cycle) represents one complete round of executing a defined set of test cases. It tracks which tests were run, by whom, when, and with what results.
Key attributes of a test cycle:
- •Name: Descriptive identifier (e.g., "Sprint 10 Regression")
- •Test Cases: Collection of tests to execute
- •Assignees: Testers responsible for execution
- •Status: Overall progress (Not Started, In Progress, Completed)
- •Results: Pass/Fail/Blocked counts and percentages
- •Timeline: Start and end dates
Test cycles provide historical tracking, enabling teams to compare quality across releases and identify trends over time.
Examples
- 1.Sprint 10 Regression Cycle
- 2.Release 2.0 UAT Cycle
- 3.Nightly Smoke Test Cycle
- 4.Performance Testing - Q4 2026
In BesTest
BesTest enables creating test cycles with selected test cases, tracking execution progress in real-time, and maintaining historical results for analysis.
Related Terms
Test Suite
A collection of test cases grouped together for a specific testing purpose.
Test Execution
The process of running test cases and recording the actual results.
Test Plan
A document outlining the testing approach, scope, resources, and schedule for a project or release.
Regression Testing
Testing that verifies existing functionality still works after code changes.
See Test Cycle in Action
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