How To Write Test cases

Sasikala Madushani -
There are certain documents which should be developed before and during software testing. This is known as Testing Documentation. This section describes Test Case Documentation.

What is a Test Case?

A test case is a set of actions which a tester carries out to verify a particular functionality of a software application. This helps to ensure that the software is bug free and end-user requirements are fulfilled. Usually, the QA team is responsible for writing test cases except unit test cases which are written by the development team.

Good test cases should be

  • Simple
  • Ensure 100% coverage
  • Avoid repetition
  • Repeatable

Why do we need Test Cases in Software Testing?

The main purpose of writing test cases is to verify that all features of a software application are working as expected. Other benefits of having test cases include;

  • Ensure that software meets the end user requirements
  • Improve quality of software
  • Anyone can refer and execute the test
  • Reduce maintenance and software support cost

How to write a Test Case in Software Testing?

Before writing a test case you should consider following facts.

  • Check whether the test case already exists. If yes, update it.
  • Consider all the different scenarios possible.
  • Give yourself enough time to write test cases.

Steps to write test cases

  1. Test case ID - A test case should have ID so that it can be identified easily.
  2. Test case description - This tells what the tester is going to test in brief.
  3. Test steps - This is about how to execute the test. Test steps should be clear, brief and include essential facts.
  4. Test data - In order to execute the test case, the tester would need Test Data.
  5. Expected result - This helps tester what is the perfect behaviour of the test case.
  6. Actual result - This includes the actual behaviour while the test cases were being executed.
  7. Status of the test - After check the actual result against expected result, assign Pass or Fail status
  8. Comments - Here the tester can include any useful information such as issues, attachments etc.

Here’s a sample test case for checking login functionality. Both positive and negative test cases should be included in testing.

Test Cases Best Practices

  • Write test cases such that others can understand easily and modify if required.
  • Create test cases keeping in mind the end user perspective.
  • Write unique test cases and avoid irrelevant and duplicate test cases.
  • Use testing techniques.
  • Use correct test case ID.

Conclusion

As a part of Test Documentation, Test Cases play an important role. Finally, writing test cases is nothing but you must have best practices.