SDLC and Agile for QA

See where QA fits in the software life cycle and why testing starts early.

Foundation Module 1 Lesson 4
9 min read

What you'll learn

  • Name the main stages of software work.
  • Explain where QA helps in Agile.
  • Start testing before the sprint ends.

SDLC and Agile for QA

See where QA fits in the software life cycle and why testing starts early.

Big Picture

One small picture can make this idea easier to hold.

Late QA

  • Testing waits until coding ends.
  • Bugs show up late.
  • Fixes cost more.
  • The team rushes near release.

Early QA

  • Testing starts during planning.
  • Questions come early.
  • Fixes are cheaper.
  • Feedback keeps the sprint moving.

VerdictEarly QA gives the team more time to learn and fix.

How It Moves

Short steps make the flow easier to see.

1

Plan

Pick the goal and talk about risk.

Build

Developers make the feature.

Check early

QA tests while the work is still moving.

Fix

The team closes gaps before release.

Ship

Release when the path feels safe.

Step By Step

This is the same idea, stretched across time.

  1. 1

    Idea appears

    The team talks about what to build.

  2. 2

    Story gets clear

    QA asks questions before work starts.

  3. 3

    Feature is built

    QA checks it during the sprint.

  4. 4

    Team releases

    Bugs are smaller because feedback came early.

One Small Model

Think of this like a tiny card you can keep in your pocket.

Sprint board

5 fields
Stories:"Work the team plans"
Questions:"What QA asks early"
Checks:"Tests during the sprint"
Bugs:"Problems found before release"
Done:"Ready to ship"
QA helps the board move with fewer surprises.

Quick Check

Question 1 of 10 correct

When should QA get involved in Agile work?

Map It

One more picture helps you see where this lesson matters most.

QA timing

Fix cost
High

Late and costly

Testing only after merge

Early and safer

QA joins planning and sprint work

Late but quiet

Few checks before release

Early and steady

Small feedback all sprint

Low
LateEarly
QA starts
The earlier QA starts, the cheaper fixes usually are.

Final Quiz

Question 1 of 30 correct

What is the best time for QA to start in Agile?