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Writing Test Cases: Step-By-Step Guide

A test case is a technique or group of procedures used to verify the successful function of a program or its components. When writing test cases, it is essential to consider the user’s standpoint and include all Key information. The objective is to determine if the system behaves as anticipated. 

How to write test cases is a common question. Software systems and applications can evaluate using test cases. Also, A software system may require many test cases before deployment.

So, to better comprehend how to write test cases, the following provides a step-by-step approach and vital tips.

Guide in Writing Test Cases

Writing test cases in a bulk volume can take time. However, if you understand the step-by-step procedure, it simplifies writing and organizing good test cases.

Step 1: Test Case ID

There needs to be a unique identifier for each test case. Using a naming convention facilitates communication and categorization. Testers and quality assurance experts use numerical or alphabetical identifiers. To help classify and organize test cases into suites. Therefore, test case ID is crucial in software and system applications. 

Step 2: Test Case Description

The next step is to describe the test case. You must select appropriate test cases from the test scenarios. To select test scenarios, you should confirm the customer’s login credentials are correct. Test Case Description, you should define what success looks like for the particular test.

Step 3: Assumptions or Preconditions

The test should include assumptions and preconditions.  It is because they will have an impact on the final result. List all the prerequisites that should, ideally, exist before testing. Additionally, this information aids in keeping the test stages clear and fast. 

Step 4: Test Step Condition

Test step description or condition is vital to manage the test case’s execution flow. It helps to confirm that the testing service is functional. Each step completes a straightforward task.

It replicates a request, exchanges data, evaluates responses, and so forth. In other words, a detailed procedure should provide for running the test. 

Step 5: Test Data

Valid test data is necessary to carry out the test steps. So, the case tester should get the required test data. A test case step should generate based on the input data. It contains the variables and their values from the test case. For example, an email login for the account’s username and password is vital. 

Step 6: Expected Result

In this sixth step, you must define the expected outcome of running the test cases. It could be the Welcome page, the screen that displays relevant information, an error message, etc.

A plan for how the system should react to each test condition must have resulted in either passing or failing.  For example, correct credentials are essential to achieve successful login. 

Step 7: Actual Result and Post Condition

In this state, the test case can verify by comparing the actual outcome to the expected one. So, running the test case, the system will show the result. For example, a user may either be logged in successfully or not. Additionally, after step completion, the post-condition occurs. 

Step 8: Status

The last step is to set the status to Pass or Fail. Of course, it depends if you achieve the expected results. “Passed” would be appropriate if the results match what you expected.

If a test fails, it must go through the bug life cycle to fix. Nevertheless, the pass-or-fail decision will depend on how well the expected and actual results match.

Qualities of an Excellent Test Case

The qualities of an excellent test case include the following. So, keep a note to understand better and achieve the result that you want to see. 

  1. Simple in concept and application.
  2. Keep in mind the end-user when creating the test cases.
  3. Must assign a unique identifier. It helps us keep tabs on them with ease.
  4. Should clear prerequisites, this is essential. It aids in ensuring the test case runs without any hitches.
  5. A tester should assess each feature and should be specific.
  6. The description of a test case should be brief.
  7. A well-defined and explicit set of steps for conducting the tests is essential.
  8. Clearly state the desired outcome.
  9. The ideal range for test scenarios is somewhere around the middle.
  10. Individual test cases need to stand out. 
  11. Uses established test case design methodologies.
  12. Testing must be easy to understand. 
  13. It must specify the precise conditions for running the commands.
  14. Test cases should be reusable and easily maintained.
  15. Ask similar people their opinions.

Takeaway

Creating test cases necessitates past knowledge and a thorough understanding of the software. Furthermore, well-written test cases can speed up and save time during the testing process. Additionally, you can manage and arrange your test cases more effectively.

Each well-written test case needs to include reusable and repeatable tests to facilitate the rapid development of new features. Ensure that all of them have a unique identifier that can easily keep tabs on their progress and view the final report.

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