How is a test strategy best defined?

A test strategy is best defined as a high-level overview of the testing approach. It serves as a guiding document that outlines the principles, goals, and overall methods that will be employed throughout the testing process. This includes the rationale for selecting specific testing standards, the types of testing that will be carried out (such as functional, performance, regression), and the major focuses of the testing efforts aligned with the project objectives.

It encapsulates the direction for how testing will be performed and integrates with broader project goals. This overarching view helps coordinate different testing efforts, ensuring that all team members adhere to a unified direction and that testing activities align with stakeholder expectations and business requirements.

In contrast, highlighting testing tools, creating detailed test scripts, or making plans for user interviews represents more tactical aspects that fall under the implementation of the test strategy but do not encapsulate the broader vision and guidance that a test strategy provides. These activities may be necessary for effective testing, but they do not define the fundamental approach to testing itself.