Test Cases

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Test cases are the set of steps a tester follows in order to validate whether or not the software is behaving as it is required.

Test cases in software testing are a key part of test documentation

They outline the steps in which a tester follows to verify a piece of software is behaving as required. Test cases can be organized into groups called test scenarios or test suites. A group of cases can be used to test a specific area of the software in it’s entirety.

Test caess

A good test case should have a strong title, include a description, list any preconditions, and include the expected results. Most importantly, it should list clear and concise steps. After, all, the “steps” are the main ingredient of a test case; they answer the question, “how should this be tested”.

A test case can come in a few different flavors; positive, negative, and destructive. Positive test cases verify the software is doing what it’s supposed to do. Negative test cases verify the software is not doing what it’s not supposed to do. A destructive test case examines scenarios the software can handle before it breaks or, “destructs”. Each type is equally important.

The very act of writing test cases has value. It allows the writer/tester to think like the user and come at the test from different angles. It ensures you’re not forgetting to test crucial parts of the application which leads to wide test coverage. After the test cases are written, the tester uses them to conduct tests. As the tester executes the tests, they compare the expected results to the actual results. If these don’t line up, there’s likely a bug in the software.

Our 'Test Cases' articles

Negative Test Cases – 10 Real-World Examples

Negative Test Cases

If a user strays from the happy path while using a product, will the system still function? Negative test cases explore what happens if… ?

How to Write Test Cases for Software (with a sample)

How to write test cases in software testing with sample

A test case is a set of steps and results that a software product under test must meet. Here are tips on how to write test cases for software.

When to Write Test Cases

When to write test cases

Test cases can provide structure within the software testing process, and knowing exactly when to write test cases can save both time, money, and stress.

Test Case Sources – 6 Test Case Resources

Test case sources

This article suggests 6 sources / resources that will help you write more meaningful test cases with greater test coverage, and give you the leading edge.

Positive vs Negative vs Destructive Test Cases

Positive negative destructive test cases

There are various styles of test cases in software testing; positive test cases, negative test cases and destructive test cases. Each are equally important.

Agile Test Case Management – Keeping Your Test Cases Lean

Agile test case management

Agile test case management may be straight forward, but test cases can easily become obsolete if not regularly managed, we take a look into this further.

Types of Test Cases in Software Testing

Types of test cases

There are many different types of test cases in software testing. Each type of test case helps us target software testing in a different way.

What Is A Test Case In Software Testing?

Test case In software testing

There are many terms in the software testing world. Some of them sound the same and share similar functions. So, what is a test case in software testing?

Writing Test Cases from User Stories & Acceptance Criteria

Creating test cases from acceptance criteria

Well thought out acceptance criteria can be a tester’s best friend. We look at how to write test cases from the user stories and acceptance criteria.

What’s the Difference Between a Test Case & a Test Scenario?

Test scenario and cases

A Test Scenario is what to test, and Test Cases describe how to test. A scenario will often contain many cases to guide successful testing.

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