What does the test basis identify in the context of testing?

The test basis is a crucial concept in software testing as it refers to the underlying documentation and artifacts that provide the foundation for the testing process. It encompasses all the information that can be used to derive test cases, ensuring that the testing effort aligns with the software requirements and specifications. This includes requirements documents, design documents, user stories, and any other relevant materials.

By basing test cases on these documents, testers can verify that the software meets its intended functionality and that it behaves as expected according to the specified requirements. A solid test basis ensures that testing is thorough and systematically covers all necessary aspects of the software, which leads to improved quality and defect detection.

In contrast, aspects like test environments and budgets, end-user functionalities, and testing tools and resources, while important, do not define the core of what the test basis is. The test basis specifically focuses on the documents and artifacts that outline what needs to be tested and why, making it fundamental to the creation and execution of effective testing strategies.