Traceability matrix
Also called: RTM, Requirements traceability matrix
A table linking each requirement to the test cases that cover it.
Definition
A requirements traceability matrix (RTM) maps requirements to test cases, and often to test results and bugs. It shows at a glance which requirements are tested, which are not, and what is affected when a requirement changes.
In practice
Requirement REQ-07 "User can change language" maps to TC-31, TC-32 and TC-33. If REQ-07 has no test cases, the gap is obvious.
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Lessons that use this term.
Related terms
- RequirementA statement of what the software must do or how well it must do it.
- Test coverageHow much of the product, requirements or risks your tests actually check.
- Test caseA written set of steps, data and an expected result used to check one specific behavior.
- Test runOne execution of a chosen set of test cases on a specific build and environment, with a result for each case.
- Impact analysisWorking out which parts of a product a change could affect, to decide what to retest.