Test case

Test Case is a term used in software testing to describe a set of conditions or variables under which a tester will determine whether a system under test satisfies requirements or works correctly. The process of developing test cases can also help find problems in the requirements or design of an application, which can be fixed before coding or implementation.

Definition

A test case in software engineering is a set of conditions or variables under which a tester will determine whether an application, software system or one of its features is working as it was originally established for it to do. The mechanism for determining whether a software program or system has passed or failed such a test is known as a test oracle. In some settings, an oracle could be a requirement or use case, while in others it could be a heuristic. It may take many test cases to determine that a software program or system is considered sufficiently scrutinized to be released. Test cases are often referred to collectively as a test suite.

Components of a Test Case

A test case generally consists of the following components:

• Test Case ID: Unique identifier for the test case.
• Test Case Description: Brief description of what the test case is about.
• Preconditions: Conditions that must be met before the test case can be executed.
• Test Steps: Detailed steps to follow in order to execute the test case.
• Expected Result: The expected outcome of the test case.
• Actual Result: The actual outcome of the test case, filled out after the test has been executed.
• Status: Indicates whether the test case passed or failed.

Types of Test Cases

There are several types of test cases in software testing, each designed to test a specific type of scenario:

• Positive Test Cases: Test cases that test the functionality of the system as it is supposed to work.
• Negative Test Cases: Test cases that test the system's response to unusual or invalid input data.
• Boundary Test Cases: Test cases that test the system's response at the boundaries of allowed input data.
• Performance Test Cases: Test cases that test the system's performance under heavy load.

Importance of Test Cases

Test cases are important for a number of reasons:

• They help ensure that the software application is working as expected.
• They help identify bugs and issues in the software during the early stages of software development.
• They help ensure that all the features of a software application are tested.
• They provide a standard way to test the software, ensuring that the testing is consistent and repeatable.
• They provide documentation of the testing process.

See Also

• Software Testing
• Test Suite
• Test Scenario
• Test Plan