Integrating test automation into the CI/CD pipeline requires version control tools. Version control ensures that the automation scripts are systematically managed, tracked, and synchronized, allowing teams to collaborate efficiently and maintain a reliable and up-to-date test automation suite.

The Defect Lifecycle is intricately connected with other software development processes, particularly test planning and execution, requirements analysis, design, development, and release management. Integrating defect management into these processes ensures a streamlined approach to identifying, tracking, and resolving defects, contributing to overall software quality improvement and efficient project delivery.

Each column in a decision table typically represents a decision rule, outlining the conditions and corresponding actions or outcomes. It provides a structured way to document and analyze different scenarios.

Test data masking involves disguising original data with fake, but realistic, data to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access during testing. It ensures security and compliance in test environments.

The relationship between functional testing and security testing is that functional testing primarily focuses on features and functionality, while security testing assesses vulnerabilities and ensures the system's resistance to security threats. However, they are interconnected as a secure system is expected to have proper functionality.

Test design techniques, such as equivalence partitioning and boundary value analysis, play a crucial role in uncovering hidden defects during Exploratory Testing. By strategically selecting test cases, testers can effectively explore the application and discover defects that might not be apparent through other testing methods.

Reviewing and updating test documentation is a crucial step in test closure. It ensures that all test artifacts, including test plans and cases, accurately reflect the testing activities conducted. This step helps maintain clear and comprehensive documentation, facilitating knowledge transfer and providing a reliable reference for future testing endeavors or audits.

AI algorithms play a crucial role in functional test case generation by enhancing test coverage. These algorithms can intelligently identify test scenarios and conditions, leading to more comprehensive test suites. As a result, functional testing becomes more effective in identifying potential defects early in the development process, ultimately improving software quality.

Testing is the phase in the SDLC where functional testing helps in identifying and rectifying deviations from expected behavior. It ensures that the software functions as intended before deployment.

Implementing Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) in software development brings several benefits, including faster release cycles, improved code quality through automated testing, reduced manual intervention, and enhanced collaboration among development and operations teams. CI/CD helps streamline the software delivery process, promoting efficiency and reliability.