Generating and managing test plans for testing computer software

An aspect of the present invention provides a system and a method for generating and managing test plans for guiding a test team through the process of testing computer software. Each component of computer software performs at least one specific task or function. A test plan includes several component test plans each for guiding the test team through the process of testing components of computer software. A component test plan includes a set of test cases or test scenarios. Each test case identifies items (that is, functional aspects of the computer software) for guiding the test team when they test a desired component of software. A distribution list is associated with at least one component of computer software. The distribution list identifies items related to the component of computer software. The distribution list also identifies the number of occurrences of each item in the component test plan (spread amongst several test cases of the component test plan). In a preferred embodiment, one test item is included per test case. Components of computer software and associated distribution lists are identified and subsequently the test plan is generated