What is Test Approach? What is the difference between Preventative Approach and Reactive Approach?

Implementation of test strategy for a particular project is known as "test approach". The test approach is usually defined in all test plans and test designs. Test approach refers to the commencement of various project activities such as planning the testing process, selecting the designs, defining the entry and exit criteria etc.

There are two approaches in testing:

1. Preventative approach.
2. Reactive approach.

Preventative approach

In preventative approach, tests are designed at an early stage, i.e. before the commencement of software development.

Reactive approach

In Reactive approach, tests are designed after software development.

Before selecting a 'test approach', we should consider the following factors:

• Analyse the various risks associated with failure of the project - to the people,the environment, and the company.
• Analyse the expertise and efficiency of the people in the proposed tools and techniques.
• The nature of product and the business.