practice

✅ What is a Traceability Matrix?

A Traceability Matrix is a document (often structured as a table) that maps and links project requirements to their corresponding test cases. It ensures:

• ✅ Every requirement is covered by one or more test cases.
• ✅ Testing coverage is visible and traceable.
• ✅ Missing or duplicate test coverage can be detected.
• ✅ Helps in impact analysis — when a requirement changes, it’s easy to identify which test cases are affected.

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🧪 Why is it Important?

The Traceability Matrix plays a critical role in the software testing lifecycle:

• 🔍 Ensures 100% functional coverage of defined requirements.
• 📋 Supports review meetings by demonstrating test mapping.
• 🛡️ Satisfies audit or compliance requirements for traceability.
• 🔄 Helps in regression testing — easy to identify impacted areas.
• 👥 Acts as a communication bridge between Business Analysts, Developers, and QA teams.

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📌 Example Use Cases

• A change request is raised → use the matrix to quickly find which test cases need to be updated.
• A failed test is found → use the matrix to trace it back to the original business requirement.
• During UAT or audits → provide the matrix to show what has been tested and validated.

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🔧 Tip: In real-time projects, traceability matrices are often generated using tools like Jira, TestRail, or even Excel.

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Requirements Traceability Matrix

This matrix links project requirements to their corresponding test cases to ensure complete test coverage.

Requirement ID	Requirement Description	Test Case ID(s)	Status	Remarks
REQ-001	User should be able to log in	TC01, TC07	Covered	-
REQ-002	Invalid credentials should show error	TC02, TC03, TC06	Covered	Error validation messages
REQ-003	Login button should be disabled if fields are empty	TC04, TC09	Covered	UX-related validation
REQ-004	Password masking in input field	TC08	Covered	UI usability
REQ-005	Forgot Password should redirect properly	TC05	Covered	Navigation verified
REQ-006	Session should timeout after inactivity	TC10	Covered	Needs timer-based testing
REQ-007	New user should be able to register	TC11, TC16	Covered	Registration flow
REQ-008	Registration errors must be shown clearly	TC12–TC15, TC19	Covered	Includes email, format checks
REQ-009	T&C checkbox must be mandatory	TC18	Covered	Legal requirement

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Legend

• Requirement ID: Unique ID from the requirement document.
• Test Case ID(s): IDs of test cases linked to that requirement.
• Status: Coverage status (Covered / Not Covered / In Progress).
• Remarks: Notes, dependencies, or special validation points.

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