1 - What is a Test Case?
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Introduction to Test Cases
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Today weβre going to discuss test cases. Can anyone tell me what a test case is?
Is it a way to check if a software feature works as intended?
Exactly! A test case is a step-by-step set of actions to verify a specific functionality. How does this help us in software testing?
It helps ensure we are validating all the business requirements.
Correct! And this is crucial for delivering quality software.
Components of a Test Case
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Letβs dive into the typical components of a test case. Can someone list a few?
Thereβs the Test Case ID, objective, and steps.
Great start! What about expected results and actual results?
Those are important too! The expected result tells us what should happen, and the actual result shows what really happened.
Absolutely! Always compare the expected and actual results to determine if the test passes or fails.
Creating a Test Case
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Now, how do you create an effective test case? What should you consider?
Start with clear objectives and detailed steps, right?
Yes! And ensure you define the preconditions. Why do you think preconditions are vital?
They establish the context for the test, so we know the conditions under which to run it.
Exactly! Remember, clarity in each component is key to effective testing.
Real-World Example of a Test Case
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Letβs look at a real-world example. How would you structure a test case for logging into an application?
Weβd start with a Test Case ID, then the objective, right?
Yes! Letβs say weβre verifying login with valid credentials. What would the next steps be?
List the preconditions, the steps to enter credentials, and the expected results.
Correct! Always format it clearly so anyone can understand and execute the case.
Importance of Test Cases
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Finally, why are test cases so important in the software development lifecycle?
They help ensure that all requirements have been tested and validated.
Exactly! And they ensure that the software not only functions correctly but also meets the business's needs.
A missed requirement could lead to significant business problems!
Well said! Always remember, every test case is an opportunity to validate a feature and enhance quality.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
Test cases are crucial for validating business requirements in software development. They consist of components such as a unique identifier, objectives, preconditions, test steps, expected results, actual results, and the status of the test. Understanding these components helps ensure the effectiveness of testing processes.
Detailed
What is a Test Case?
A test case is a defined set of actions executed to verify whether a specific functionality of a software application works as expected. Test cases are essential tools for validating business requirements and ensuring that software meets its intended purposes.
Components of a Test Case
A well-designed test case includes several essential components:
- Test Case ID: A unique identifier for tracking the test.
- Test Objective: The purpose of the test, indicating what functionality is being verified.
- Preconditions: Any setup conditions required before executing the test.
- Test Steps: Detailed instructions on the actions to perform during the test.
- Expected Result: What the software should do upon execution of the test case.
- Actual Result: The outcome of the test execution.
- Status: Indicates whether the test passed, failed, or was blocked.
- Remarks: Any additional observations or indications of issues encountered.
Example Test Case
For context, consider a test case for verifying login functionality:
- Test Case ID: TC_Login_01
- Objective: Verify login with valid credentials
- Preconditions: User is registered and on the login page.
- Test Steps:
1. Enter username
2. Enter password
3. Click Login
- Expected Result: User is redirected to the dashboard.
- Actual Result: User redirected to dashboard.
- Status: Pass
- Remarks: N/A
Understanding and meticulously designing test cases are vital for ensuring that software testing maintains alignment with business objectives and offers comprehensive coverage of requirements.
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Definition of a Test Case
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Chapter Content
A test case is a step-by-step set of actions performed to verify a specific functionality or requirement of a software application.
Detailed Explanation
A test case is essentially a written document that outlines what needs to be tested in a software application. It serves as a guide to ensure that developers and testers know exactly what actions to take to verify that a feature or requirement is working as intended. By following these predefined steps, testers can systematically check the system and confirm its functionality.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a test case like a recipe in cooking. Just as a recipe lists all the ingredients and the steps necessary to prepare a dish, a test case details the specific actions required to test a software feature and what results to expect. If you skip a step in a recipe, the dish may not turn out right, similar to how missing a step in a test case can lead to undetected software issues.
Typical Components of a Test Case
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Chapter Content
β Typical Components of a Test Case:
Field Description
Test Unique identifier for tracking
Case ID
Test What is being tested
Objectiv
e
Precondi Any setup or conditions needed before test
tions execution
Test Detailed steps to execute the test
Steps
Expecte What the system should do after executing
d Result the test
Actual What actually happened (during test
Result execution)
Status Pass / Fail / Blocked
Remarks Additional comments or screenshots if needed
Detailed Explanation
Test cases typically have several key components that help structure them. These include a unique identifier (Test Case ID), the objective of what is being tested, preconditions that need to be met before testing begins, the detailed steps to perform the test, the expected results of those steps, and what actually happened during testing. Additionally, there are status indicators (like Pass/Fail) to communicate the outcome, and remarks for any additional notes or evidence, such as screenshots.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine writing down the steps for a science experiment. Each step must clearly state what you need to do (like measure a specific amount of liquid), what you should see if the experiment works correctly (like a color change), and noting anything that goes wrong (like no color change). These components help ensure that anyone repeating the experiment has a clear understanding of what is expected.
Example Test Case
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Chapter Content
π Example Test Case
Field Sample Entry
Test TC_Login_01
Case ID
Test Verify login with valid
Objectiv credentials
e
Precond User is registered and on the
itions login page
Test 1. Enter username
Steps
2. Enter password
3. Click Login
Expecte User is redirected to the
d Result dashboard
Actual User redirected to dashboard
Result
Status Pass
Remark N/A
Detailed Explanation
The example test case provided shows how a test case is structured using a real-life scenario β logging into a system. It gives a unique identifier (TC_Login_01), describes the objective (verifying login with valid credentials), lists preconditions (the user must be registered and on the login page), and outlines specific steps to follow in order to execute the test. The expected result is also identified (the user should be redirected to the dashboard), alongside the actual result and the overall status of the test.
Examples & Analogies
Think about trying to log into your email account. The steps might include opening the email app (the precondition), entering your username and password (the test steps), and expecting to be taken to your inbox afterward (the expected result). If you were to keep track of this with a checklist, it would be like having a test case that details each action and what should happen next.
Key Concepts
-
Test Case: A defined sequence of actions to validate software functionality.
-
Components of a Test Case: Including Test Case ID, Objective, Preconditions, Steps, Expected Result, Actual Result, Status, and Remarks.
Examples & Applications
Example of a test case verifying login functionality: TC_Login_01 - Verify login with valid credentials.
Expected Result: User is redirected to the dashboard after successful login.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
When you write a test for the software fun, each step is important, and must be done!
Stories
Imagine you are a detective checking if a door is locked. Your test case is the steps you follow to ensure the door is secure; only when you complete all steps, do you know if it succeeded!
Memory Tools
Remember 'PESERA' for your test case components: Preconditions, Expectations, Steps, Actual results, Remarks, and the case ID.
Acronyms
For test cases think 'TEPAS'
Test case ID
Expected result
Preconditions
Actual result
Steps.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Test Case
A structured set of steps to verify a specific functionality or requirement of a software application.
- Test Case ID
A unique identifier used for tracking and referencing a specific test case.
- Objective
The purpose or goal of the test case, indicating what is being verified.
- Preconditions
Setup conditions required before executing a test case.
- Test Steps
Detailed actions to be performed during the test case execution.
- Expected Result
The anticipated outcome of a test case execution.
- Actual Result
The real outcome that results from executing the test case.
- Status
The current state of a test case, indicating pass, fail, or blocked.
- Remarks
Additional notes or comments related to the test case.
Reference links
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