Test Case

A test case is a set of actions that are performed on an operating system to determine if it is compliant with software requirements and functions correctly. This enables a tester to validate if the software is free of defects and is working properly as per the expectations of the end user.

Test Case Definition & Meaning

Test cases are scenarios where a tester measures functionality across a set of actions or conditions to verify the expected result.

Test cases, usually written by a QA professional, are run after the completion of a feature or the group of features that make up the release and serve as a confirmation of whether a product meets its software requirements.

What Is a Test Case?

Test cases determine how to test a system, software, or application. It is a singular set of actions that a tester was instructed to perform to validate a specific aspect of a product or application functionality. A group of test cases is organized in a test suite that examines a logical segment of the application like a specific feature.

10 Types of Test Case

Security Test Case

Security test cases are software testing that identifies and prevents the vulnerabilities, threats, and risks in a software application. It locates all the possible loopholes and weaknesses of a software system which can result in loss of information, revenue, and the company’s reputation if not handled properly. Some examples of security test cases are vulnerability scanning, security scanning, penetration testing, security audit, ethical hacking, and more.

Spreadsheet Test Case

Spreadsheets are one of the most commonly used tools in making test cases as they can easily categorize test cases by type. Spreadsheet test cases contain fields like test steps, test data, preconditions, expected results, actual results, test execution status, and more. Using a consistent format in test cases enables stakeholders to better understand its content.

Checklist Test Case

A checklist test case is a type of software testing based on a pre-planned ‘to-do’ list of tasks that are accomplished by professional testers. It also provides a specification of each task that QA engineering professionals use as a guide for their testing activities. Using a test case checklist prevents the repetition of the same task which saves time and effort.

Task Test Case

A task test case is a scenario where a tester tries to accomplish a task on software, a website, a mobile app, or a device. Test cases based on tasks include a detailed analysis of metrics, problems, and insights. A test case document contains the number of steps, its description, expected results, actual results, and its status.

System Test Case

A system test case is a process where a QA team evaluates how various features of an application interact together in the full, integrated system. It verifies if an application performs its tasks as designed and focuses on the functionality of the application. System testing can check if user inputs produce the intended output across the application.

Unit Test Case

Unit test cases are scenarios where the primary purpose is to test each unit or function of an application. A unit test case is written and executed by the developer. It checks whether all units are functioning as designed so the developer can handle errors more neatly and properly.

Agile Test Case

An agile test case is the core of agile software development which begins at the very start of the project before development begins. It is continuous testing that goes together with the development work and provides feedback to the development process. Agile testing is a practice that promotes frequent, automated testing of new code as it is completed.

Functional Test Case

A functional test case is the testing of a function or feature before its release to determine if it produces the expected result. It contains the description or name of or feature, preconditions, the steps required to test it, and the expected results. The location of the function can be added in the description section if the application is very large or complex.

Web Application Test Case

A web application test case is a software testing practice to test websites or web applications for potential bugs. It is complete testing that ensures that web-based systems are functioning before it goes live for end users. It includes testing on functionality, usability, interface, compatibility, performance, and security.

Disaster Recovery Test Case

A disaster recovery test case is a scenario where a tester tests the ability of an organization to process the restoration of data and applications while continuing operations after an interruption of its services. It ensures that clients are saved in the event of any failure. By doing this testing, you can find resources to fix any identified problems in your plan.

Test Case Uses, Purpose, and Importance

Test cases enable testers and developers to identify problems that may occur during the development of an application or the defects that were missed during tests. It tests the behavior of the application which includes the positive and negative test cases of the application. It helps in guaranteeing good test coverage and reducing maintenance and software support costs.

Reduces maintenance costs

Companies use software testing because of its cost-effectiveness while ensuring its effectiveness. Fixing a bug in the early phases only costs them a reduced amount of money. Test cases must be done by quality analysts or testers who have the experience and education for your projects.

Provides security

Testing a product ensures users that they will be receiving a reliable product. When an application or system is tested, the personal details of the user can be safe. Vulnerabilities and weaknesses are presented with the aid of software testing.

Improves quality of the software and user experience

Testing software ensures that they are free from bugs, errors, and distractions. This enables testers or developers to fix them before they spiral out of control. Preventing these vulnerabilities ensures the implementation of quality control before the software’s distribution to users.

Enhances development process

QA teams help in finding various scenarios that produce errors. It enables developers to immediately fix these errors which saves time and money. Software testers also work closely with the development team which accelerates the development procedure.

Determines the performance of the software

Using test cases can help you find software or application that has a low or reduced performance. Software testing enables you to identify the software that does not meet the expectations or requirements of the clients and fix them. By doing so, you can also enhance the performance of your existing software.

What’s in a Test Case? Parts?

Test Case ID

This part of the test case is where a Test Case Identification Number is written which varies in every case.

Test Scenario

A test scenario is a feature or functionality that needs to be tested and is a collective set of test cases that enable testers to determine the positive or negative aspects of the project.

Test Steps

Test steps are added to test cases to control the flow of execution and validate the functionality of the testing service.

Prerequisites

This part of the test case is where the conditions are stated which must be met before the test case can be run.

Test Data

Test data is a script that has been specifically identified for use in tests which is usually used for a computer program.

Expected Results

Expected results are the results that a tester should acquire after the test case has been performed which are compared with the actual results.

Actual Results

Actual results are the results a tester gets after performing a test case which may or may not coincide with the expected results.

Test Status

Test Status is an automatically calculated result that provides the state of the last edited test run associated with the test case including runs that are not scheduled.

How to Design a Test Case

1. Choose a Test Case Size.

2. Decide on the purpose of the test case.

3. Select a Test Case Template.

4. Modify the structure of the Test Case template by adding necessary fields or removing details.

5. Make sure to provide a description of the test process and details related to the test setup.

6. Finalize and download it for printing.

Test Case Vs. User Story

Test cases are sets of actions performed to verify a specific feature or functionality of a software application which includes test steps, test data, precondition, and postcondition.

User stories are informal and general explanations of a software feature written by the end-user or customer.

What’s the Difference Between Test Cases, Checklists, and Procedures?

Test Cases are performed to ensure that various software features within an application are working according to its functionality and design.

Checklists are a number or list of tests that help in determining whether a product is ready for deployment or not.

Procedures are sequential actions or established methods that are designed to finish a task, usually with steps that are performed in an advised order.

Test Case Sizes

There are two test case sizes that you can choose from. Companies print their test cases using two standard paper sizes which are the US Letter and A4.

Test Case Ideas & Examples

Developers and testers make use of test case ideas according to their customers’ requirements to ensure that information is shared properly.

• Test Case Ideas and Examples
• Business Test Case Ideas and Examples
• Software Test Case Ideas and Examples
• Performance Test Case Ideas and Examples
• Manual Testing Test Case Ideas and Examples
• Validation Log Test Case Ideas and Examples
• Automation Testing Test Case Ideas and Examples
• Server Integration Services Test Case Ideas and Examples
• Q & A Test Case Ideas and Examples
• Report Test Case Ideas and Examples
• User Acceptance Testing Test Case Ideas and Examples

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