<p>We&#8217;re thrilled to share valuable insights regarding &#8220;A Test Plan vs A Test Case&#8221;! </p>



<p>Although both are key aspects of the testing process, they serve different purposes. </p>



<p>In this blog post, you will clearly understand these concepts, their differences, and their significance in ensuring effective testing and high-quality software delivery.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="646" height="372" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/image-134.png" alt="Test Plan vs Test Case" class="wp-image-33608"></figure></div>



<p><br></p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Test_Plan_vs_Test_Case_8211_Overview"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Test Plan vs Test Case &#8211; Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_a_Test_Plan"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> What is a Test Plan?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_a_Test_Case"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.2</span> What is a Test Case? </a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Test_Plan_vs_Test_Case_Key_Differences"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Test Plan vs Test Case: Key Differences</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Plan_vs_Test_Case_Role_in_Test_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Test Plan vs Test Case: Role in Test Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Automation_with_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Test Automation with Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#How_do_you_write_a_test_case_and_test_plan"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.1</span> How do you write a test case and test plan?</a></li><li><a href="#Should_a_test_plan_include_test_cases"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.2</span> Should a test plan include test cases?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="test-plan-vs-test-case-overview"><span id="Test_Plan_vs_Test_Case_8211_Overview"><strong>Test Plan vs Test Case &#8211; Overview</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="h-what-is-a-test-plan"><span id="What_is_a_Test_Plan"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What is a Test Plan?</a></span></h3>



<p>A test plan provides a broad strategy and approach for testing a software system or application, including objectives, scope, resources, and timelines. The test plan will include details such as the type and number of tests that need to be conducted, the purpose of each test, the required tools, and how test results will be analyzed and reported. It is regularly updated throughout the testing process to reflect any discoveries or changes in strategy.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-a-test-case"><span id="What_is_a_Test_Case"><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What is a Test Case? </a></span></h3>



<p id="h-a-test-case-is-a-set-of-detailed-instructions-or-steps-necessary-to-verify-the-software-s-specific-functionality-or-behavior-it-is-a-detailed-description-of-a-test-s-inputs-operating-conditions-and-expected-outputs-these-test-cases">A test case is a set of detailed instructions or steps necessary to verify the software&#8217;s specific functionality or behavior. It is a detailed description of a test&#8217;s inputs, operating conditions, and expected outputs. These test cases</p>



<ul><li>Find software errors, bugs, or problems that developers can fix.</li><li>They help ensure the quality and reliability of the software by providing a systematic approach to testing.</li><li>It is necessary to ensure that each test case is clear and concise, referencing the relevant requirements or features of the software.</li><li>Proper documentation and management of all test cases are necessary for successful testing and quality product delivery.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-test-plan-vs-test-case-key-differences"><span id="Test_Plan_vs_Test_Case_Key_Differences"><strong>Test Plan vs Test Case: Key Differences</strong></span></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Test Plan</strong></td><td><strong>Test Case</strong></td></tr><tr><td>A high-level document outlining a project&#8217;s overall testing approach and strategy.</td><td>Detailed step-by-step instructions to execute a specific test scenario.</td></tr><tr><td>It overviews testing activities&#8217; scope, objectives, resources, and timelines.</td><td>Focuses on a specific functionality or feature to be tested.</td></tr><tr><td>It includes information about test environments, test data, and test deliverables.</td><td>It contains particular inputs, expected outputs, and preconditions for the test scenario.</td></tr><tr><td>Describes the types of testing to be performed (e.g., functional, performance, security).</td><td>Specifies the exact steps to be followed during the execution of the test case.</td></tr><tr><td>A test plan identifies risks and mitigation strategies related to testing activities. </td><td>A Test case captures actual results obtained during the execution of the test case.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p>Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/automated-test-scripts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automated Test Script</a></p>



<h2 id="h-test-plan-vs-test-case-role-in-test-automation"><span id="Test_Plan_vs_Test_Case_Role_in_Test_Automation"><strong>Test Plan vs Test Case: Role in Test Automation</strong></span></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Test Plan in Test Automation</strong></td><td><strong>Test Case in Test Automation</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Provides an overall strategy and approach for testing a specific software application or system. </td><td>Specifies the steps, inputs, and expected outputs for testing a particular feature or functionality of the software application or system.</td></tr><tr><td>Outlines the scope, objectives, resources, and timelines for testing activities. </td><td>Focuses on a specific test scenario or condition to be validated during testing. </td></tr><tr><td>Helps in identifying the test environment setup requirements and test data needs.</td><td>It contains detailed instructions to execute a particular test scenario through automation tools.</td></tr><tr><td>Guides the testers in understanding the overall testing goals and priorities. </td><td>Assists in documenting and tracking the results obtained during testing against the expected results.</td></tr><tr><td>Typically created at a higher level of abstraction, covering multiple test cases or scenarios.</td><td>Built at a lower level of abstraction, addressing individual test scenarios within the larger test plan framework.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<div class="title-with-description ">
<p>Here is a guide with in-depth discussions on the different characteristics of test automation.</p><p></p>
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<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Check out the guide</a>
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<h2 id="h-test-automation-with-testsigma"><span id="Test_Automation_with_Testsigma"><strong>Test Automation with Testsigma</strong></span></h2>



<p>Testsigma provides an intuitive interface for creating and executing automated tests based on predefined steps or actions. Testsigma allows easy management and organization of test cases via test plans, making it efficient to track progress and identify issues during execution. Let&#8217;s take a look at how they work in conjunction with the <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation</a>:</p>



<p>1. <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Plan</a>: A test plan is a high-level document that outlines the overall testing approach for a specific project or release. It defines the objectives, scope, resources, and schedule of testing activities. In Testsigma, you can create a test plan, that will include the test suites, test cases to be executed, and the schedules for test execution.</p>



<p>This is how the Test Plan looks in Testsigma</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"></figure></div>



<p>2. Test Case: On the other hand, a test case is a detailed set of instructions or steps that must be executed to verify an application&#8217;s specific functionality or behavior. In Testsigma, you can create individual test cases that cover different scenarios and conditions for testing.</p>



<p>This is how Test Case looks in Testsigma</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"></figure></div>



<p>check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/automated-test-suite/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automated Test Suite</a></p>



<p>3. Relationship: Test cases are derived from the test plan and are based on the specific requirements outlined in it. The test plan provides an overall framework for testing, while each test case represents a specific scenario.</p>



<p>4. Execution: In Testsigma, you can execute your defined test cases through automated scripts created using their intuitive interface. Automatic execution allows for faster and more efficient testing by reducing manual effort.</p>



<p>5. Reporting: Testsigma provides detailed reports on individual test case executions and overall progress against the defined test plan. These reports help track defects, identify areas of improvement, and ensure comprehensive coverage of testing activities.</p>



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<p class="title">Automate your test plans and test cases for web, mobile, desktop applications and APIs, 10x faster, with Testsigma</p>
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<a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Check out Testsigma</a>
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<h2 id="h-conclusion"><span id="Conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h2>



<p>In conclusion, while test plans and test cases are essential components of the software testing process, they serve different purposes. Understanding these key differences is necessary for effective test planning and execution to ensure complete and efficient software testing.</p>



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="how-do-you-write-a-test-case-and-test-plan"><span id="How_do_you_write_a_test_case_and_test_plan">How do you write a test case and test plan?</span></h3>



<p>Writing a test case and test plan involves documenting the steps, expected results, and test objectives to ensure thorough testing.</p>



<h3 id="should-a-test-plan-include-test-cases"><span id="Should_a_test_plan_include_test_cases">Should a test plan include test cases?</span></h3>



<p>Yes, a test plan should include test cases as they provide detailed instructions for executing tests and verifying <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/system-functionality" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">system functionality</a>.</p>



<customlinks>
  <ts-link-item>
    <ts-linktext-value>Test Case vs Test Script</ts-linktext-value>
    <ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/test-case-vs-test-script/</ts-linkurl-value>
  </ts-link-item>
  <ts-link-item>
    <ts-linktext-value>Test Suite vs Test Case</ts-linktext-value>
    <ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/test-suite-vs-test-case/</ts-linkurl-value>
  </ts-link-item>
  <ts-link-item>
    <ts-linktext-value>Test Case vs Use Case</ts-linktext-value>
    <ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/test-case-vs-use-case/</ts-linkurl-value>
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</customlinks>

Test Plan vs. Test Case Top Key Differences

Test Plan vs Test Case | Top Key Differences


<p>In the early stages of any SDLC, it may not be feasible to run tests on real desktop and mobile devices. This is because the code is still in an immature stage, and many teams may not have the budget to access a real device cloud from the first test.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The solution? Browser emulators.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This article will define browser emulators and discuss their benefits and usability in testing websites within QA funnels.&nbsp;</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_a_browser_emulator"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is a browser emulator?</a></li><li><a href="#Common_features_of_the_Browser_Emulators"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Common features of the Browser Emulators</a></li><li><a href="#The_role_of_browser_emulators_in_Quality_Engineering"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> The role of browser emulators in Quality Engineering</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_testing_on_browser_emulators"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Benefits of testing on browser emulators</a><ul><li><a href="#Cost-effective_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> Cost-effective testing</a></li><li><a href="#Support_for_responsive_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.2</span> Support for responsive testing</a></li><li><a href="#Early-stage_debugging"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.3</span> Early-stage debugging</a></li><li><a href="#Easy_and_quick_scaling"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.4</span> Easy and quick scaling</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Drawbacks_of_browser_emulators"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Drawbacks of browser emulators</a><ul><li><a href="#Gaps_inaccuracy"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.1</span> Gaps inaccuracy</a></li><li><a href="#Incomplete_hardware_emulation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.2</span> Incomplete hardware emulation</a></li><li><a href="#Network_discrepancies"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.3</span> Network discrepancies</a></li><li><a href="#Gaps_in_browser-specific_features"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.4</span> Gaps in browser-specific features</a></li><li><a href="#Limitations_in_accessibility_and_security_features"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.5</span> Limitations in accessibility and security features</a></li><li><a href="#Limited_support_for_olderniche_browsers_dependence_on_updates"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.6</span> Limited support for older/niche browsers &amp; dependence on updates</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_to_use_a_browser_emulator_online"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> How to use a browser emulator online</a></li><li><a href="#Can_testers_depend_on_browser_emulators_for_100_accurate_test_results"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Can testers depend on browser emulators for 100% accurate test results?</a></li><li><a href="#Instead_of_browser_emulators_test_on_real_devices_on_the_cloud"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Instead of browser emulators, test on real devices on the cloud</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="what-is-a-browser-emulator"><span id="What_is_a_browser_emulator">What is a browser emulator?</span></h2>



<p>A browser emulator is an application or environment that replicates the functions, design, and user-facing behavior of an actual web browser. For example, an online browser emulator can replicate the MacOS on a Windows machine, letting you test apps on Safari without having to get a MacBook.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Emulators are used by analysts, devs, and testers to run applications for usage, testing, and debugging. They don’t need the actual browser, just the emulator.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Testing on a browser emulator is not a replacement for testing on real browsers, devices, and OSes. But it is perfect for testing sites at the early stages of development.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="common-features-of-the-browser-emulators"><span id="Common_features_of_the_Browser_Emulators">Common features of the Browser Emulators</span></h2>



<ul><li>Replicates different browsers on different platforms (with some reduced functions).&nbsp;</li><li>Simulates web page rendering with JavaScript, CSS, and DOM manipulation support.&nbsp;</li><li>Automates user actions like clicking, form inputs, moving between pages, and so on.&nbsp;</li><li>Allows adjustments in screen dimensions, device orientation, network conditions, location, etc.&nbsp;</li><li>Emulates browser APIs for geolocation, local storage, session storage, etc.&nbsp;</li><li>Allows for programmatically crawling and scraping web pages with visible browser interaction.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h2 id="the-role-of-browser-emulators-in-quality-engineering"><span id="The_role_of_browser_emulators_in_Quality_Engineering">The role of browser emulators in Quality Engineering</span></h2>



<p>At the early stages of software development, browser emulators can take on a set of roles that help push code with some testing. Browser emulators can be used for&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>Cross browser testing</li><li>Functional testing</li><li>Performance testing</li><li>Responsive design testing</li></ul>



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<p>However, it is always recommended to run security tests, accessibility tests, regression tests, and all pre-production tests on real devices.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="benefits-of-testing-on-browser-emulators"><span id="Benefits_of_testing_on_browser_emulators">Benefits of testing on browser emulators</span></h2>



<h3 id="cost-effective-testing"><span id="Cost-effective_testing">Cost-effective testing</span></h3>



<p>When you test on a web browser emulator, you don’t need immediate access to real browsers, devices, and OS. A single browser emulator can replicate multiple environments, cutting down the need for real device access from the first stage of development.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Test your mobile apps and websites on real devices on the cloud &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/online-android-emulator">Try for Free</a></p>



<h3 id="support-for-responsive-testing"><span id="Support_for_responsive_testing">Support for responsive testing</span></h3>



<p>Emulators are useful for checking how the site renders on browsers load on different device sizes. For example, what would your site look like on Safari mobile vs Safari desktop? What about its functionality when Safari is running on different iPhones? These are questions the browser emulators can answer.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="early-stage-debugging"><span id="Early-stage_debugging">Early-stage debugging</span></h3>



<p>Testing on browser emulators can help QA engineers identify JavaScript errors, layout anomalies, and console warnings. It works fairly well for DOM inspection, network monitoring, and performance profiling.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="easy-and-quick-scaling"><span id="Easy_and_quick_scaling">Easy and quick scaling</span></h3>



<p>The low cost and high efficiency of emulators make them a great option to scale tests quickly. For example, if you’d like to run a new feature through a preliminary set of tests, a robust browser emulator works perfectly. Set up a series of emulated browsers for the initial round of checks.&nbsp;</p>



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<h2 id="drawbacks-of-browser-emulators"><span id="Drawbacks_of_browser_emulators">Drawbacks of browser emulators<gwmw style="display:none;"></span></h2>



<h3 id="gaps-inaccuracy"><span id="Gaps_inaccuracy">Gaps inaccuracy<gwmw style="display:none;"></span></h3>



<p>No browser emulator can replace the real browser. If it could, no one would bother using or upgrading the actual browser.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Often, visual elements and animations do not render on emulators the way they do on real devices. This leads to overlooking UI bugs that tarnish end-user experience.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In particular, emulators are unsuitable for monitoring website behavior for complex scenarios and edge cases. Browser emulators leave too many real-world variables uncertain because they simply cannot replicate them. Instead, you can choose to run your tests on a cloud-based <a href="https://testsigma.com/test-lab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test lab</a> to test your apps and websites on real devices and browsers.<gwmw style="display:none;"></p>



<h3 id="incomplete-hardware-emulation"><span id="Incomplete_hardware_emulation">Incomplete hardware emulation</span></h3>



<p>Online Browser emulators cannot completely recreate hardware behaviors like CPU performance variations, multi-touch gestures, device-specific bugs, and touchscreen sensitivity. It certainly cannot support advanced features like gyroscopes, fingerprint scanners, or accelerometers.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="network-discrepancies"><span id="Network_discrepancies">Network discrepancies</span></h3>



<p>Conditions like high or low latency or packet loss are not always accurately simulated by browser emulators. If the emulator in question runs on high-resource developer machines, it may not work properly on lower-end devices.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="gaps-in-browser-specific-features"><span id="Gaps_in_browser-specific_features">Gaps in browser-specific features</span></h3>



<p>Most browser emulators cannot support plugins and extensions, leaving gaps in tests. Proprietary APIs and experimental features are also impossible to emulate for most accessible emulators.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This takes away from the accuracy of test results, leaving emulator-tested websites riddled with bugs that users will find.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="limitations-in-accessibility-and-security-features"><span id="Limitations_in_accessibility_and_security_features">Limitations in accessibility and security features</span></h3>



<p>Emulators can mimic a few accessibility settings but are reportedly not great at fully replicating screen readers, braille displays, and voice-to-text conversions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, emulators are not recommended for security testing as they cannot recreate the browser backend—browser-specific exploits, cookies, and session management. Security tests verify the mechanisms that will safeguard sensitive information, but this cannot be accomplished on a tool that can’t replicate all real-world scenarios, such as cross-origin attacks.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="limited-support-for-older-niche-browsers-dependence-on-updates"><span id="Limited_support_for_olderniche_browsers_dependence_on_updates">Limited support for older/niche browsers &amp; dependence on updates</span></h3>



<p>Many emulators cannot accurately recreate older browser version environments. They face similar issues when emulating browsers with unique rendering engines. You may not be able to replicate browsers for niche operating systems or device specifications.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Emulators also have to keep being updated regularly; if they aren’t, they will lag in real-world scenarios. Similarly, truly effective emulators for newer browsers take time to release, and depending on them delays your entire test pipeline.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="how-to-use-a-browser-emulator-online"><span id="How_to_use_a_browser_emulator_online">How to use a browser emulator online</span></h2>



<p>Browser emulators do not let users mimic real-world scenarios with 100% accuracy. It is best to choose a test automation platform that supports real device testing for automating browser tests. Testsigma is a codeless GenAI-powered test automation platform that offers a real device cloud for testing on actual devices and not emulators.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With Testsigma, you can achieve maximum device coverage and ship apps that are responsive, compatible, and functional on all browser combinations. It allows QA to automate web, mobile, desktop, API, SAP, and Salesforce tests across 3000+ real devices and browsers.</p>



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<div class="title-with-description ">
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<h2 id="can-testers-depend-on-browser-emulators-for-100-accurate-test-results"><span id="Can_testers_depend_on_browser_emulators_for_100_accurate_test_results">Can testers depend on browser emulators for 100% accurate test results?</span></h2>



<p>No.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Browser emulators can do a great deal to verify a website’s compatibility, functionality, and performance. However, as the previous section on “Drawbacks” reveals, there are too many gaps in production-level accuracy for emulator tests to reflect real-world conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Emulators miss out on hardware-based features, cannot faithfully replicate real-world user activity loads, and don’t support many browser APIs, plugins, or experimental features. They also cannot mimic the strained network connectivity users often have to deal with in their actual lives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>All these factors make browser emulators unsuitable for pre-release testing. Real devices must come into play, and tests must be designed to test the website in practical user scenarios.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="instead-of-browser-emulators-test-on-real-devices-on-the-cloud"><span id="Instead_of_browser_emulators_test_on_real_devices_on_the_cloud">Instead of browser emulators, test on real devices on the cloud</span></h2>



<p>It is certainly not possible for every QA team to buy, maintain, and upgrade a vast repository of devices. The financial and human resources required to set up and manage such an in-house device lab would be too much for most businesses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The solution is to run all software tests on a cloud hosting real desktop and mobile devices—a cloud very much like the one offered by Testsigma. Create, execute, and manage tests entirely on the cloud, and get rid of all your infrastructure overhead.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here are some features that make Testsigma the ideal solution for testing teams across industries:</p>



<ul><li>Testsigma Copilot is a GenAI assistant that provides automated test cases and scenario suggestions within seconds.</li><li>Build automated tests in plain English. No coding is involved, manual testers can transition faster to automation tests, and with much less effort.&nbsp;</li><li>Test multiple application types—web, mobile (Android and iOS), API, SAP, Salesforce, and desktop applications—from a single platform.&nbsp;</li><li>Tests self-heal, i.e., adjust in response to any changes in the application’s source code.&nbsp;</li><li>Create test cases by simply interacting with elements on the website. The steps are recorded and can be placed in sequence to create the test case.&nbsp;</li><li>Club test cases into test plans for easier management and execution.&nbsp;</li><li>Enhanced test data management via dynamic test data generation and integration of data from external sources (CSV, Excel, databases).&nbsp;</li><li>AI-enabled test maintenance: finds and fixes broken tests automatically to manage changes to the application.&nbsp;</li><li>Detailed and real-time analytics: pass/fail status, screenshots, logs, and other pre-determined performance metrics.&nbsp;</li><li>Create reusable tests that work across multiple test cases.</li><li>Real-time, built-in version control and shared test artifacts for easier collaboration.&nbsp;</li><li>Combine functional and UI tests and automate user actions for faster and leaner execution.</li><li>Add new users to testing projects with a couple of clicks.&nbsp;</li></ul>


<p>The best way to gauge Testsigma’s value is to just use it. <a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" data-wplink-edit="true">Sign up for Testsigma</a> and try the tool for free. Build tests in plain English and manage them from a single dashboard. Run tests on multiple device clouds and get detailed results that break issues down to the test step. </p>


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<p>After that, if you’re ready to 10X the accuracy and efficiency of your test cycles, <a href="https://testsigma.com/contactus">let’s talk </a>about magnifying your ROI. </p>


<customlinks>
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<ts-linktext-value>Emulate Safari</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/emulate-safari//</ts-linkurl-value>
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<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Cross Browser Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/cross-browser-testing</ts-linkurl-value>
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<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>How to Test a Website on Different Browsers</ts-linktext-value>
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Browser Emulator: What It Is & How Efficient Is It to Test Website?

Test Monitoring and Test Control in Software Testing


<p>At the intersection of testing and automation comes test data. Every tester deals with a variety of test data while executing the test cases. Not only do they maintain an extensive library of data useful in the testing process, but also generate a huge volume of data during the test runtime. And because data is such an important part of the testing process, it is important for testers to learn, understand, and correctly apply test data automation practices.</p>



<p>We explore the topic of efficiently approaching the test data collection, generation, maintenance, and automation techniques.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Test_Data_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Test Data Automation?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Test_Data_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Why Test Data Automation?</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Data_Automation_Drivers"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Test Data Automation Drivers</a><ul><li><a href="#Making_Data_Available"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.1</span> Making Data Available</a></li><li><a href="#Data_Provisioning"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.2</span> Data Provisioning</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#When_to_Perform_Test_Data_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> When to Perform Test Data Automation?</a></li><li><a href="#Steps_to_Automate_Test_Data"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Steps to Automate Test Data</a><ul><li><a href="#Step_1_Extract"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.1</span> Step 1: Extract</a></li><li><a href="#Step_2_Manage"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.2</span> Step 2: Manage</a></li><li><a href="#Step_3_Provision"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.3</span> Step 3: Provision</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Key_Technology_Challenges_of_Test_Data_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Key Technology Challenges of Test Data Automation</a></li><li><a href="#Tools_for_Test_Data_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Tools for Test Data Automation</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Perform_Use_Test_Data_While_Automating_Tests_with_Testsigma"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> How to Perform Use Test Data While Automating Tests with Testsigma?</a></li><li><a href="#Wrapping_Up"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Wrapping Up!</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">10</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_an_example_of_test_data_automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">10.1</span> What is an example of test data automation?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_benefits_of_test_data_automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">10.2</span> What are the benefits of test data automation?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-test-data-automation"><span id="What_is_Test_Data_Automation">What is Test Data Automation?</span></h2>



<p>Test data automation refers to the process of automatically generating, managing, and provisioning test data for software testing purposes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>An example of test data in an automated testing process for a login system could be using a test data automation tool that generates a range of user credentials (usernames and passwords) with various combinations. These credentials are then seamlessly integrated into the testing framework, allowing comprehensive login scenario testing while ensuring data privacy through the masking of sensitive information.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-test-data-automation"><span id="Why_Test_Data_Automation">Why Test Data Automation?</span></h2>



<p>For any application, testers attempt to run test cases with real-life data to replicate the real-world scenario. Clearly, such an approach will uncover defects customers might face when the application becomes available to them. But sourcing or generating data that resembles a real-life setting is a painstaking process. Testers would either need to wait for the data to become accessible or spend time producing all of it themselves.</p>



<p>Moreover, With automation, your QA team can likely reduce these factors by more than half and improve the test case execution with accurate input data and understandable output data. In software testing, having appropriate and representative test data is crucial to ensure that the software is thoroughly and accurately tested. Test data automation aims to streamline and optimize the management of test data, making the testing process more efficient, reliable, and repeatable.</p>



<p>But creating, processing, and managing test data manually is laborious and extremely time-consuming. With data test automation, you can avoid all this, use reliable test data for the testing, and easily identify bugs that users might face later on.</p>



<h2 id="h-test-data-automation-drivers"><span id="Test_Data_Automation_Drivers">Test Data Automation Drivers</span></h2>



<p>Automating test data is not just popular because it decreases manual effort and time for testers. There are a couple of drivers that influence the way test data automation works in the industry.</p>



<h3 id="h-making-data-available"><span id="Making_Data_Available">Making Data Available</span></h3>



<p>Generating, processing, managing, and accessing test data is a lengthy process that requires involvement of nearly 3 to 4 individuals. Developers and testers request access to test data, and data analysts/administrators have to manage those data sets. Evidently, all these people need to stay on top of the project progress with fresh data when the demand comes.</p>



<p>Automating test data reduces manual dependency on all of these professionals. It further improves the accuracy of managing such critical data sets without delaying the process if any of the involved parties is not available at the moment.</p>



<h3 id="h-data-provisioning"><span id="Data_Provisioning">Data Provisioning</span></h3>



<p>In handling test data and using it correctly, one of the major issues is giving access control to development and QA. Data provisioning ensures that the right data is available in the right format and at the right time to support different business processes and activities. Such an approach would automatically remove multiple layers of requests and messaging between teams and members, boosting the testing process in terms of time and efficiency.</p>



<h2 id="h-when-to-perform-test-data-automation"><span id="When_to_Perform_Test_Data_Automation">When to Perform Test Data Automation?</span></h2>



<p>It is clear that introducing test data automation into your testing strategy can significantly boost efficiency and accuracy. Here are all the times you should perform test data automation:</p>



<ul><li>Make the most of test data automation when you are laying down the groundwork for your testing process to ensure that data provisioning aligns seamlessly with your testing processes and minimizes disruptions.&nbsp;</li><li>Kick-starting test data automation before crafting extensive test scripts paves the way for smoother test case creation.&nbsp;</li><li>Incorporate test data automation as data complexity increases to provide results, effectively managing intricate data requirements.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-steps-to-automate-test-data"><span id="Steps_to_Automate_Test_Data">Steps to Automate Test Data</span></h2>



<p>Test data is important. Test automation is equally important. Next comes the procedure to automate test data. Here’s an easy flow you can follow:</p>



<h3 id="h-step-1-extract"><span id="Step_1_Extract">Step 1: Extract</span></h3>



<p>Identify all the data sources required for your testing needs and integrate your automation tool with those sources. Connecting with all the original source data helps to synchronize data collection and extraction.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-step-2-manage"><span id="Step_2_Manage">Step 2: Manage</span></h3>



<p>The next step is to properly handle the data you are extracting for your work purpose. It consists of integrating, masking, transforming, subsetting, and generating test datasets using the right <a href="https://testsigma.com/test-data-management-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test data management tools</a>.</p>



<h3 id="h-step-3-provision"><span id="Step_3_Provision">Step 3: Provision</span></h3>



<p>The final stage is to efficiently provision the data to the respective testing environments using the same tools as and when the requirements for the data arise. And because you are not requesting data directly from the source, there are no instances of downtime recorded of data sources.</p>



<h2 id="h-key-technology-challenges-of-test-data-automation"><span id="Key_Technology_Challenges_of_Test_Data_Automation">Key Technology Challenges of Test Data Automation</span></h2>



<p>Following the three steps to drive your test data automation is helpful but not entirely efficient. There are certain factors that impact the automation test data scenario that you need to look out for:</p>



<ul><li>Usually, companies run a data extraction process once a month or so, i.e., they take the data out from the sources for their work. But in such cases, data becomes old or irrelevant, which then affects the testing quality. Using smart synchronization techniques or regularly fishing out stale data can help in this case.</li><li>Data masking is a critical part of the data management process that safeguards customer and business information. Most of the time, companies do not focus on data masking before saving data in their system. You can use in-flight data masking tools to mask and send data to the required system.</li><li>Data provisioning becomes a hectic task when a variety of data is coming from different sources. This challenge calls for weeding out the instances when complex data is needed for testing and addressing the situation accordingly.</li><li>It can be challenging to integrate test data automation with the existing testing tools, frameworks, and automation scripts. Selecting tools that support test data management and testing processes is the right way to go here.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-tools-for-test-data-automation"><span id="Tools_for_Test_Data_Automation">Tools for Test Data Automation</span></h2>



<ul><li><strong>Testsigma:</strong> It is a cloud-based test automation platform that supports data-driven testing, integrated data sources, and dynamic data generation. The tool helps manage reusable test data sets and facilitates collaboration, enabling efficient and streamlined test data management for your automated testing processes.</li></ul>



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<ul><li><strong>Tricentis Tosca:</strong> It offers data provisioning and synthetic data generation capabilities to create realistic test data, integrate with various testing frameworks, and manage data privacy and compliance.</li><li><strong>Informatica Test Data Management:</strong> Informatica TDM provides data masking, subsetting, and data generation features. It ensures secure and compliant test data provisioning across different environments.</li><li><strong>GenRocket:</strong> GenRocket is a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-data-generation-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test data generation tool</a> specializing in allowing users to model and generate data for various testing scenarios.</li><li><strong>Delphix:</strong> This tool offers data virtualization and masking capabilities to create lightweight, on-demand test data subsets while safeguarding sensitive information.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-perform-use-test-data-while-automating-tests-with-testsigma"><span id="How_to_Perform_Use_Test_Data_While_Automating_Tests_with_Testsigma">How to Perform Use Test Data While Automating Tests with Testsigma?</span></h2>



<p>Suppose you have a login page to test using multiple username and password entries. You can use Testsigma to create these test data directly within the tool and pull the same in your test scripts.</p>



<p>Let’s start with developing test data. Log into your Testsigma account and navigate to <strong><em>Create Test Data Profile</em></strong></p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">Then, fill in the names of columns that will show the set of values that each data set will have. You can add more columns by clicking on the + button on the top right. Click on <strong><em>Create.</em></strong> It is shown in the image below.</p></p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px">But before adding the data to your test script, you need to associate a test data profile<strong><em> </em></strong>to the test case. To do that, head over to the <strong><em>Edit Test Case </em></strong>option and select the choice of your test data under the <strong><em>Test Data Profile </em></strong>dropdown. Here we have selected the test data we created.</p></p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px;padding-top:30px">Next, you can add the data to the test step by right-clicking on the step using the <strong><em>@|Parameter| </em></strong>option in the dropdown.</p></p>



<p><p style="padding-bottom:30px;padding-top:30px">Selecting the above option will display the below page, where you can see the test data associated with this particular test case.</p></p>



<p><p style="padding-top:30px">You can further enable the <a href="https://testsigma.com/data-driven-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Data-driven testing</a> toggle button. Once you have done that in your testing, you can narrow and customize the various data sets from your test data profile that are being used in your test case using the filters iteration, parameter, and set name. Follow this <a href="https://testsigma.com/docs/test-data/create-data-profiles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tutorial</a> to know more.</p></p>



<p>Besides this, Testsigma is a full-fledged test automation platform that provides data-driven testing options along with importing test data from external sources and updating them as per the need.</p>



<p>Leverage the multifaceted benefits of Testsigma to test for web, mobile, and APIs. Take your testing process to the next level within a matter of days. </p>



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<h2 id="h-wrapping-up"><span id="Wrapping_Up">Wrapping Up!</span></h2>



<p>Testers require test data at every point in the testing process. To fulfill this need, businesses focus on generating and handling data, a task that demands time from many people. And if anything goes awry in the middle of this work, testers have to wait for the fresh set of data to become available to them. Quite frankly, the entire process is lengthy and time-consuming.</p>



<p>With test data automation, you can avoid all such problems and make relevant data accessible to testers when they need it and where they need it. All you have to do is select a test data management tool that supports your testing requirements.</p>



<p>After you followed through with this complete post, you could easily understand the significance of test data and how you can make the best use of it.</p>



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions">Frequently Asked Questions</span></h2>



<h3 id="what-is-an-example-of-test-data-automation"><span id="What_is_an_example_of_test_data_automation">What is an example of test data automation?</span></h3>



<p>An example of test data automation would be to create and gather the necessary data to check an e-commerce website. Test data automation entails the automatic creation of a range of user profiles encompassing various demographic details, interests, and purchasing behaviors.</p>



<h3 id="what-are-the-benefits-of-test-data-automation"><span id="What_are_the_benefits_of_test_data_automation">What are the benefits of test data automation?</span></h3>



<p>Test data automation accelerates testing cycles by swiftly generating diverse data scenarios, enhances test coverage for various use cases, ensures data accuracy for reliable results, and reduces manual effort, boosting overall testing efficiency.</p>


Testsigma Blog

Testsigma Engineering Team