Definition

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.

See Test Cycle in Action

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