What are the main stages involved in software testing?

The software testing process typically includes the following main stages:

1. Test Planning — defining the objectives, scope, resources, and timelines for testing.
2. Requirements Analysis — studying the software requirements to identify testable functions.
3. Test Design — developing test cases and scenarios based on requirements.
4. Test Environment Preparation — setting up hardware, software, and data for testing.
5. Test Execution — running test cases and recording results.
6. Defect Reporting and Analysis — documenting found errors and prioritizing them.
7. Regression and Re-Testing — verifying fixed defects and the impact of changes on the system.

These stages help systematically and effectively identify errors and ensure product quality.