Fundamentals of Testing

There is no one universal software test process. The suitable, specific software test process in any given case depends on multiple factors, including Contextural factors. Many Contextual factors affect the test process for an organization; some of them are:

1. Software Development Lifecycle: Test Process influenced by the Development model you select. The development and testing of a minor internal administrative system differ from the development and testing of a safety-critical system such as an automobile's brake control system or medical equipment.
2.  Project Methodologies: The test Process also depends on your chosen project methodologies. Project methodologies include agile, scrum, kanban, scrumban, etc.
3. Test Levels: Test levels include Component testing, Integration testing, System Testing, and Acceptance testing.
4. Test Types: A test type is a group of test activities aimed at testing specific characteristics of a software system, or a part of a system, based on specific test objectives. Test Types include functional testing, non-functional testing, white-box testing, confirmation testing, or regression testing.
5. Product Risks: The test Process is also impacted by Product and Project risks. Product risks include the project not performing its intended functions according to user, customer, or stakeholders' needs or the product has performance issues.
6. Project Risks: Project risk involves project delays, inaccurate estimations, cost-cutting or late changes, etc. 
7. Operational Constraints: Operational constraints include Budget, resources, timescales, complexity, and contractual and regulatory requirements.

Apart from those discussed, there are many other Contextual factors that influence testing, like Organizational Policies and Practices, Required Internal and External Standards, etc.