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title: "Test Process"
canonical: "https://docs.getxray.app/space/XRAYCLOUD/664731692/Test%20Process"
format: markdown
---
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<summary>Table of Contents</summary>

> Macro (toc)
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# Introduction

The typical Testing <span style="color: #000000">lifecycle (Figure 1) </span>follows a set of phases that may not be exactly sequential.

You will start by specifying the [Requirements](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/655360823) for your Space. Normally, these Requirements will need to be reviewed by stakeholders. Once approved, you are able to start [planning](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565044), [writing](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565047), and [organizing](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44566566) your [Tests](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565156).

> Macro (gliffy)

Figure 1 - Testing lifecycle

  
Xray allows you to follow this model (Figure 1) very closely, but how you implement it will be up to you.

You may adopt a very simple, straightforward Test or a full-blown, comprehensive process that includes all phases of the Testing lifecycle. More below.

# Different Test Processes

## Complete

Xray allows you to plan, design, and execute Tests, as well as generate [Test reports](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/338526916). It uses specific Jira Work items for most of them.

For each Testing phase, you would use the following Work items:

- **Plan phase**: [Test Plan](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565153) Work items.
- **Design phase**: the specification can be defined using [Precondition](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565159) and Test Work item types. The organization of the Tests can be defined using [Test Sets](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565163).
- **Execute phase**: [Test Execution](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44565117) Work items.
- **[Report phase](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44566291)**: Test Execution Work items, along with the built-in Requirement coverage reports and some custom ones using Jira tools.

## Complete (with Workflows)

This is similar to the previous approach but allows complete control of the Test management workflow.

Let's say you want to validate and approve Test-related Work items before using them. Whatever workflow fits your organization/scenario the best, you are able to fully manage your Testing lifecycle using Jira's workflow facilities for Xray's Work item Types.

Figure 2 shows a possible workflow for Test, Precondition, or Test Set Work items.

> Macro (gliffy)

Figure 2 - Workflow


Xray does not install any workflow, but it is workflow-aware, providing some [configurations specifically for that purpose](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44566331).

> ℹ️ ### Learn More
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Go to [Using Jira workflows for Testing purposes](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44567832) for an in-depth explanation of the advantages of using Jira workflows for Xray Issue Types, along with a few usage examples.

If you have a small Space, and you just want to add Tests to it, you can just use Test Work items to create Tests for your Requirements and execute ad hoc, unplanned Test Executions.

This is not the best option, but it may be enough for your needs.   


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<summary>Support/Troubleshooting</summary>

If you have questions or technical issues, please [contact the Support team via the Customer Portal (Jira service management)](https://jira.getxray.app/servicedesk/customer/portal/2/user/login?destination=portal%2F2%2Fcreate%2F28) or [send us a message using the in-app chat](https://getxraydocs.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/XRAYCLOUD/pages/44577312).
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