How to write test cases: 10 steps you should take in any test case scenario

Test cases are one of the most important parts of any project because they are the opening step in any testing cycle. If anything goes wrong at the first step, the impact gets extrapolated as you move forward in the software testing life-cycle.

Knowing how to write a good test case is utterly important for you as a testing resource doesn't take much intention.

What is the test case? It is a term that implicates the documentation which states input, prerequisites, set of accomplishment steps, and expected results. Some elements describe an input, action, or event and a pending reply to induce if a feature of the app works rightly. It explains what to test and how to run a particular test. Test case means a detailed procedure that fully tests a feature or an aspect of a feature, and it should be listed in the test scenario. Test cases are one of the most important parts of any project because they are an important part of any testing cycle. Knowing how to write a good test case is utterly important for performing a test with a great chance to find errors in the test project.

What is the test scenario? It is any functionality that should be tested. Every test scenario is joined to a minimum of Requirements or User Story as per the Project Methodology. Test scenarios based on customer priorities should be run. It guarantees that the Test Coverage will be completed. Test scenario serves as a quick tool to determine the testing work effort and create a proposal accordingly for the client or organize the workforce and allows the customer to allocate time and efforts of test engineers optimally. They help make the most important end-to-end transaction testing or the actual use case of the software apps. Also, they are used for studying the program's functioning.

Importance of the Scenario Testing

All-around testing of any software app is impossible for the following reasons: the quantity of input data combinations and possible paths in the software tends to infinity.

As a result, you always prioritize your testing efforts and focus on the most important areas. It ensures that software works for the most accepted user scenarios. And it helps to find lots of defects that cannot be found with other testing types.

Scenario testing is essential for complex transactions and for considering end-to-end functioning of the program.

Test cases are vital parts of the Software Development Life Cycle, and it isn't easy to track, penetrate, follow, and think out something without one. Scenario testing is done by creating test cases that reproduce the various use cases. A test scenario might be an independent test case or a series of test cases that follow each other. The test case scenario is just a story that explains the usage of the software by any end-user.

Let us consider the difference between the test scenario and test case.

In general, test cases are how one can run a test, and the test scenario is what to test.

These are the 10 steps you ought to take in any test case scenario

Step 1. Name your test case thoroughly

A strong title is a good start for a test case. You may call it as the module that is tested or functional area that is verified. E. g. if the login page is tested, the title of the test case must include "Login Page."

Step 2. Write a description for every test case

The tester must understand what he is going to test and the purpose of running it. The description contains pertinent information (test data, precondition, assumption, test environment). Make sure to add as much information as possible before the test case is run.

Step 3. Consider the data

Test data ought to be given for a test case or test case step. You must mention the proper data for each test. If the test involves some values that must be verified, you can specify the value range or describe what values must be tested and for which field. It also can be done for negative scenarios.

Step 4. Cover all verification points in test design steps

Ensure that the test case optimally covers all the verification points. The test steps should contain the data and information on how to perform the test. This is the most fundamental part of a test case. Keep this section clear, and don't leave out any necessary details.

Step 5. Consider dividing test cases into sets if necessary

It would help if you considered subdividing your Test Cases into sets (subsets) to test specific scenarios. If you aim for writing an effective test case, you should mention these special functions of the test cases one by one. Ensure that all scenarios (positive and negative) are included. For example, the test case that verifies error conditions should be written apart from functional test cases and have steps to check the error messages.

Step 6. Ensure that it is readable and simply apprehensible

It would help if you kept in mind that the Test Case will not always be carried out by designing it. So the tests should be simply apprehensible, readable, and to-the-point.

Step 7. Give some expected results

Expected results help to determine whether the test is a "pass" or "fail." So, when writing test cases, note at length what page/screen you contemplate to appear after the test. You should mention the updates you expect. As a result, to be made in backend systems or databases. Screenshots or specification documents can be attached to the relevant step mentioning the system work outlined in the given document.

Step 8. Make sure about maintenance and updates

It's of great importance to sure that the Test Case is eternally updated as per the lately introduced changes in the app they apply to. Always consider updating the existing Test Cases before you start writing a new one!

Step 9. Review the test case

After creating test cases must be reviewed. Your peers can uncover missteps in your test case design, that you may overlook.

Step 10. Make it reusable

Test cases may be reused in other projects. A good test case is reusable and provides longtime concern to the software testing team. If you need a specific test case to execute another one, you can transfer the existing test case in preconditions or at a particular design of the test step.

As you see, writing an effective test case with all the necessary details is very important in the test cycle. The test case must be compelling at finding defects and implement most of the scenarios on the tested system. If you follow the steps, we have prepared your test cases will help you in your test process.