Writing effective test cases ensures that software functions correctly and meets requirements. But before then, what is a test case?
A test case is a documented set of conditions, inputs, actions and expected results used to verify that a feature/ functionality in a software works as expected.
Test cases help to
- Validate expected functionality of a feature.
- Detect defects early in the SDLC - thus reduce future cost and effort.
- Improve overall software quality by ensuring reliable and accurate performance.
Flow of Test Case
Well executed test cases should follow a properly laid-out flow.
- Define test objectives - What to test and what to expect
- Test case design - From the identified test objectives, create detailed test cases to validate the requirements. Test cases should also have test data.
- Test Execution - Run the test cases against the application.
- Results comparison - Capture the expected Vs actual results.
- Defect reporting - From step above, report any issues found.
- Re-test - This step is only necessary if we captured any defects. This is a confirmation test done to validate a fix.
- Test case conclusion - Mark the final status as (Pass/ Fail)
Structure of a Test case
To ensure clear and consistent test cases across a team, teams should use a defined template.
A proper test case template is divided into these two broad sections
- Header - Contains the tester name, description and prerequisites
- Body - Contains test steps, test data, expected and actual results
More precisely ensure that your test cases has the following main parameters
- Test Case ID - This should be a unique identifier to the test case. Structure of a good test case ID
- Description - This is a high level overview of what the test case is testing/ validating
- Preconditions - Conditions that must be satisfied before test execution
- Post conditions - Conditions that must be satisfied after completion of a test case.
- Test Steps - Sequential step-by-step actions to perform
- Test Data - Input values to use during testing
- Expected Result - How should the feature/ functionality work
- Actual Result - How is the feature is question working?
- Status - This is usually the final result which can be a (Pass/ Fail) depending on the comparison between expected and actual results
- Comments - This indicates the remarks/ observations made.
Stages of Writing Test Cases
Now that we've discussed the structure of test cases, our next question is when should we write test cases? Several approaches can be used.
- Before Development - This is an important approach used in shift-left testing. Test cases are written directly from requirements ensuring early quality validation and defect prevention.
- During Development - Written alongside coding to test modules as they are built
- After Development - Created before release to verify completed features and overall functionality.
Test Case Management Tools
To better team collaboration, it is important to have test cases in a central place. Traditionally, and still today, QA teams used excel. While it still serves the purpose, other tools offer better collaboration and ROI in the long run.
TestLink - Open source with excellent bug tracking integration
Xray - Provided by Jira out-of-the-box offering support for both manual and automated testing with strong traceability.
TestRail - Manages test cases, plans and runs with detailed reporting and team collaboration features
PractiTest - Offers E2E test management with reporting and integration capabilities.
As we wrap up, it is important for test teams to develop high quality test cases
- Improve test coverage - Ensures all functionalities and scenarios are properly tested
- Early Defect Detection - Detailed test cases written before development help identify bugs at an early stage reducing cost and effort.
- Ensure consistency across a team
- Enhance Documentation - Acts as a reference for future testing and maintenance
- Saves Time and Effort - Reduce rework and improve testing efficiency
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