# Software Testing Process Models Benefits & Drawbacks: a Systematic Literature Review

## TL;DR

This systematic literature review analyzes 17 software testing process models, highlighting their benefits, drawbacks, and suitability across different organizational contexts to guide better adoption decisions.

## Contribution

It provides a comprehensive comparison of testing models' applicability, benefits, and limitations based on empirical evidence from 35 studies.

## Key findings

- Some models are not suitable for all enterprise sizes.
- Certain models are inadequate for specific domains.
- The review aids in selecting appropriate testing models for organizations.

## Abstract

Context: Software testing plays an essential role in product quality improvement. For this reason, several software testing models have been developed to support organizations. However, adoption of testing process models inside organizations is still sporadic, with a need for more evidence about reported experiences. Aim: Our goal is to identify results gathered from the application of software testing models in organizational contexts. We focus on characteristics such as the context of use, practices applied in different testing process phases, and reported benefits & drawbacks. Method: We performed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) focused on studies about the application of software testing processes, complemented by results from previous reviews. Results: From 35 primary studies and survey-based articles, we collected 17 testing models. Although most of the existing models are described as applicable to general contexts, the evidence obtained from the studies shows that some models are not suitable for all enterprise sizes, and inadequate for specific domains. Conclusion: The SLR evidence can serve to compare different software testing models for applicability inside organizations. Both benefits and drawbacks, as reported in the surveyed cases, allow getting a better view of the strengths and weaknesses of each model.