What Is Test Case? How To Write Test Cases In Software Testing?

Software testing is vital in ensuring that software meets the desired quality standards. A well-designed test case serves as a roadmap for executing tests, helping to identify defects and ensure that the software functions as intended. It helps reduce the risk of issues slipping through the cracks and reaching end-users.In this guide, we’ll cover various aspects related to test cases. Let’s dive in and explore the different aspects of test cases with examples.

In this guide, let’s talk about the ins and outs of test cases, types, and best practices that will empower you to create high-quality and efficient test cases.

What is a Test Case?

A test case is a set of actions that verify whether the software application is working per the client’s requirements.

It outlines the steps to follow, the input values to use, and the expected outcomes in order to determine whether the application behaves correctly under various conditions.

Software testers are responsible for creating test cases during the software testing phase. And it consists of parameters like, test case ID, test data, description, test steps, expected result, actual result, status, and comments.

Read here – Test Condition

Example of Test Case Format

The following is an example of a test case to check the login functionality,

Testers can create this table using Excel, Word, or any other Test management tool.

Get the template for enhanced software quality from this article – Test Case Template

Objective or Why Do We Write the Test Cases?

Test cases play a crucial role in the software testing lifecycle, as they discuss how testing must be executed. The main objective of writing test cases is to check whether the software works. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits ,

• It helps check whether a particular module or software meets the specified requirement.
• It provide a clear and structured description of the test scenarios, inputs, and expected results. It is valuable for future reference, maintenance, and regression testing, ensuring the software functions correctly even after updates.
• It helps determine whether the software works under a given set of conditions.
• When you create test cases, you will think about all the aspects of your software application, which will help you identify any software gaps easily.

Check Here – Test Case vs Use Case

When Do We Write a Test Case?

Test cases are typically written during the test planning phase, which is part of the software testing life cycle. When the client shares the business requirements, the developer will start software development, and it might take a few months to create this product.

Meanwhile, the testing team will start creating the test cases. Once it is created, the test lead or test engineer should review and approve. When the developers complete building the product, it will be sent to the testing team for the testing process.

Common Features of Test Cases

The following are some of the common features ,

Revised and updated regularly

Software requirements keep varying depending on customer preferences or business priorities. So, whenever there is a change in the requirements, testers will have to modify the test cases accordingly.

Involves clustering

In a single test scenario, test cases often need to be executed in a certain order or a group. In such cases, certain prerequisites of one test case will apply to other test cases within the same sequence.

They are interdependent

It often depend on each other, particularly in layered applications that have multi-tier business logic.

Used by both testers and developers

Its helpful for both developers and testers. When developers fix a bug, they can easily replicate it using the test cases.

Types of Test Cases

Several types can help test different aspects of the software. As a software tester, understanding the difference between them will help you focus on the efforts and pick the right test format. Here are some common types of test cases,

Functionality – These test cases focus on verifying the functional requirements of the software by testing individual features or functionality to ensure they work as intended.

Performance -Performance test cases evaluate the performance of the software. It helps ensure that the software works as intended in terms of speed, stability, and scalability.

Unit – In general, software developers perform unit testing to verify their code or individual units. Unit test cases help check if each unit is working as intended and identify bugs in the early stages of development.

User Interface – UI test cases validate the software’s graphical user interface (GUI), ensuring that elements such as buttons, menus, forms, and layouts are working correctly and are easy to use.

Security – These test cases focus on identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the software’s security measures. They aim to protect your application data against unauthorized access, malicious attacks and resist potential security threats.

Integration – Integration test cases verify that different software components are working as intended after integration. It helps check whether software components or modules integrate seamlessly to work as a complete product.

Database – The database is where all the application information will be stored. Database testing helps check what is happening in the background of an application. It is also called backend testing.

Database test cases make sure that the database is functioning correctly or not. Testers typically use SQL queries to create database test cases.

Usability – These test cases help check if users are able to use the application without any difficulty or confusion. It also checks factors such as ease of navigation, clarity of instructions, and overall user experience.

User Acceptance – User acceptance test cases help check the application from an end-user perspective. The test cases are broad and cover the entire application. UAT testing is typically the final step before the application goes to production.

Regression – Regression test cases help ensure that recent code changes do not affect the existing software functionality. They help maintain the stability and integrity of the software over time.

Typical Test Case Parameters

Let’s talk about the parameters in detail,

Test Case ID – It is a unique identifier for the test case. It is usually represented using alphanumeric or numeric characters.

Test Scenario – It is a brief description of what needs to be performed by the testers. Read here: Test case vs test scenario

Test Case Description – It is a detailed explanation of what function has to be tested.

Test Steps -Test steps are a sequence of steps or actions to be executed to check a particular functionality or condition.

Prerequisite – Prerequisites are conditions that are required to perform the test. Typically, testers must check or fulfill the prerequisites before starting the test process.

Test Data – Test data refers to the input data or values required to execute the test case. For example, username and password are the test data to test the email login.

Expected Result – It refers to the expected behavior or output that should be observed when executing the test case.

Test Parameters – Parameters that are assigned to a specific test case.

Actual Result – It is the actual output or behavior observed during the test case execution.

Test Environment – Test environment refers to the environment in which the test has to be performed, like operating system, version, browser, etc. It includes all hardware, software, and network configurations.

Test Priority -Test priority is all about what test cases should be prioritized and what can be performed later.

Status – It shows the status of tests, like pass, fail, or NA.

Comments – It includes remarks on how developers can improve the software quality.

Test Cases for Manual Testing or Automated Testing?

Test cases are created for manual and automated testing. The way it is created may vary depending on the testing type, that is, manual or automated.

Manual Test Case Creation

• Test cases are created manually by testers.
• Everything is manual, from test execution and test case management to report generation.

Automated Test Case Creation

• Its created using test automation tools without manual intervention.
• They are written using any scripting language like Java, C#, Javascript, Ruby, PHP, C++, and more. Example of tools supporting such test case creation are, Selenium, and Appium.
• You can also create test cases using Natural Language Processing, as few automation platforms support codeless testing. For example, Testsigma and Katalon.
• Alternatively, testers can create test cases using the record-and-play feature supported by automation test platforms. For example, Testsigma and Selenium IDE.
• Easily automate test execution, report generation, and more.
• It is fast and saves time and effort.

Examples for both are discussed in the next sections.

Why Use Testsigma For Writing Test Cases?

Testsigma is a robust low-code cloud-based GenAI-powered test automation platform that allows you to test web, mobile, desktop apps, API, and Salesforce in one place. It makes your test creation process 10x faster than any other traditional or manual method. Key reasons to use Testsigma for writing test cases, 

• Zero setup time: Cloud-based platform, so you can access the platform with a one-click sign in and start testing on the cloud infrastructure.
• Zero coding: No coding knowledge is required. Start writing test cases in minutes using plain English statements.
• 10x Faster Test Creation: The low-code test creation approach speeds up the test creation, execution, reporting, and maintenance process.
• GenAI-powered testing: Get 100% automation coverage with automated test suggestions that help cover even edge case scenarios. You can create automated test cases from multiple inputs such as prompts, user stories, Figma designs, etc.
• Data-driven testing: Generate automated test data while creating test cases to cover multiple user scenarios.
• Minimal learning curve: You don’t have to learn any programming language to use the platform. Testsigma makes automated testing inclusive for technical and non-technical members.
• High testing quality: Improves your testing quality and tester’s productivity by allowing developers and testers to collaborate and work closely on the platform.
• Ship confidently: Test continuously by integrating your automated tests into the CI/CD and DevOps pipeline. This speeds up your feedback loops and release cycles.
• Unified platform: You don’t have to switch between multiple platforms to test different application types. Test all your web, mobile, desktop, API, and Salesforce apps in one place.
• Language support: It supports code-based testing with Java. You can create custom test scripts for testing scenarios that might require coding.

How To Write And Manage Test Cases Using Testsigma?

With Testsigma, you can create automated test cases very quickly without requiring any coding. You can create test cases for web, mobile, desktop apps, API, and Salesforce using plain English with the help of NLP-driven testing or Recorder. This makes your entire testing process 10x faster and more efficient. A quick demo of how you can write automated test cases using Testsigma,

• Create a free Testsigma account or sign in to the platform. 
• Create a new project and start creating test cases using NLP or the Recorder.
• After creating test cases, execute the tests using the Run button.
• Once the test run is complete, you will get detailed test reports. You can also access the logs, screenshots, or videos for easy debugging.

• If the test fails, share the test report with the dev team for bug fixing. Then, rerun the tests to ensure the bugs are fixed. If not, repeat the steps.

Testsigma lets you put your test maintenance on auto-pilot with the help of auto-healing. It reduces your test maintenance efforts by up to 70% by preventing test failures. 

Read here – Test management

Best Practices to Write Test Cases

The following are some of the best practices to consider when writing test cases,

• It should be kept simple and transparent. It must be clear and easy to read as it will be used by different testers while testing. To do so, use simple language like go to the website URL, enter the button, and so on.
• It should be created by keeping the end user’s perspective in mind.
• Ensure to refer to the specification document while preparing test cases, do not assume the software features and functionalities.
• Try to achieve 100% test coverage by creating test cases that cover the entire software application. Use Traceability Matrix to make sure no function is left untested.
• Avoid repeating the test cases. If you can execute multiple tests using the same test case, use the test case id to refer to that particular test case.
• Use a proper test case id to easily identify the test cases in the later stages.
• Use test design techniques to select test cases with the maximum possibility of finding bugs.
• The test case should be self-standing and repeatable. That is, it should generate the same output whenever whoever runs it.
• It must be reviewed. That is, the test lead or test engineer should review and approve the test cases. Testsigma has an in-built test review management feature that QAs can enable with just one tap. Read about Test case review
• Include both positive and negative test cases (valid and invalid test data) to ensure robustness and stability.
• Prioritize test case creation based on their criticality, risk, and importance.
• Keep the test case description small and meaningful. This helps testers and developers quickly understand the purpose of the test case.
• Create test cases that are self-cleaning. That is, it should revert the test environment to a pre-test state.

Benefits of Writing High-quality Test Cases

Writing high-quality test cases offers several benefits throughout the software testing process. Below are some of the benefits of writing high-quality and effective test cases,

• It helps improve the software quality and its user experience.
• Guarantee that the software meets the end-user requirements.
• Reduce software maintenance and support costs.
• Higher test coverage.
• Great product quality will lead to satisfied customers and high profits.
• It helps determine whether the software works under a given set of conditions.
• Test cases are highly reusable and can be reused for future projects.

Conclusion

To sum up, test cases are crucial to the software testing process. The goal of test case creation is not just to find bugs but to provide feedback on the software’s behavior and ensure it meets the desired quality standards.

By following the best practices outlined in this guide, you can enhance your testing process, improve bug detection, and streamline overall workflow. Remember, testing is not just a phase; it’s an ongoing process that should be given due attention throughout the development lifecycle.