1.1From "We Test Everything" to "We Test the Right Things"

A test strategy answers the question: given limited time, limited people, and limited environments, what should we test, how should we test it, and how do we know when we have tested enough? Without a strategy, testing is reactive -- you test whatever lands on your desk. With a strategy, testing is intentional -- you invest effort where it reduces the most risk.

The most common mistake in QA is confusing a test plan with a test strategy. They are different documents with different purposes.