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.