Right from the start, we are set to announce that there is no single all-purpose test case type. However, there is an easy-to-follow set of practices and solutions that, when implemented properly, will result in a good one. We’ve put together the test case writing best practices – read on to discover them all and level up your performance.
What is a Test Case?
A test case is one of the deliverables in software testing. Test cases are defined as the set of variables and conditions used to verify a particular software feature or functionality. By following the test steps, a QA engineer can compare actual and expected testing results to see if the software behaves as per the initial intention. The above description distills a test case to its core essence, yet, if someone decides to browse test case examples, say, test case examples for web applications or functional test case examples, the results may be somewhat surprising. Quite often, we come across test cases that are different in format and structure and devoid of crucial parts. As a golden rule of writing test cases, the following structure must be respected:
- Test Case ID
- Description
- Preconditions
- Severity
- Environment
- Steps
- Data
- Expected and Actual results
The core goal of any test case is to provide a clear and concise step-by-step guide – a “stairway to bugs” to deliver clear guidance of what went wrong.
How to Write Test Cases?
Learning how to write test cases calls for showing close attention to detail and a good understanding of the application under test (AUT). Let’s illustrate with the example of test cases for a login page. Choosing this particular type to showcase our time-proven practices is dictated by its utmost security value and commonly limited functionality. Hence relative availability to testers of all levels.
Below are steps to follow to deliver top-notch manual test cases examples for a login page:
| Step | Details | Example |
| 1 | Test Case ID | Make sure to assign a unique ID to every test case | TC_UI_1 |
| 2 | Test Case Description | Pick test cases properly from the test scenarios | Test scenario: Verify the login of Gmail
Test case: Enter a valid username and valid password |
| 3 | Preconditions | Conditions that need to be met before executing the test case. Only mention if any preconditions are available | The user has a valid Gmail account |
| 4 | Severity | The measure of the impact a defect (or bug) can have on software functioning. Levels: Trivial, Minor, Major, Critical, Blocker | Critical |
| 5 | Environment | A setup of software and hardware for test cases’ execution | Phone 8 Plus + iOS 14.4 |
| 6 | Test Steps | Describe your way to the Expected Result | 1. Enter the correct username.
2. Enter the correct password for a given user.
3. Tap the Login button. |
| 7 | Test Data | Identifying data for testing can be time-consuming and may sometimes require creating test data afresh | Username: [email protected]
Password: test |
| 8 | Expected Result | The result testers expect once the test case was executed | Successful login |
| 9 | Actual Result | The result testers get once the test case was executed | An error message pops up. Unsuccessful login. |
| 10 | Status | Stated when comparing expected and actual testing results (Pass/Fail) | Result: Fail |
1
DETAILS
Make sure to assign a unique ID to every test case
2
STEPS
Test Case Description
DETAILS
Pick test cases properly from the test scenarios
EXAMPLE
Test scenario: Verify the login of Gmail
Test case: Enter a valid username and valid password
3
DETAILS
Conditions that need to be met before executing the test case. Only mention if any preconditions are available
EXAMPLE
The user has a valid Gmail account
4
DETAILS
The measure of the impact a defect (or bug) can have on software functioning. Levels: Trivial, Minor, Major, Critical, Blocker
5
DETAILS
A setup of software and hardware for test cases’ execution
EXAMPLE
Phone 8 Plus + iOS 14.4
6
DETAILS
Describe your way to the Expected Result
EXAMPLE
1. Enter the correct username.
2. Enter the correct password for a given user.
3. Tap the Login button.
7
DETAILS
Identifying data for testing can be time-consuming and may sometimes require creating test data afresh
8
DETAILS
The result testers expect once the test case was executed
9
DETAILS
The result testers get once the test case was executed
EXAMPLE
An error message pops up.
Unsuccessful login.
10
DETAILS
Stated when comparing expected and actual testing results (Pass/Fail)
Test Case Writing Best Practices
Writing test cases takes practice, tested software knowledge, and familiarity with the test cases’ creation best practices. It would be wise to start with studying the examples from trustworthy testing companies and using the templates they provide, such as test script templates, as well as templates for particular methods such as unit testing templates.
Well-structured and professionally written test cases can make the testing process run smoother and save time and effort for all the interested parties. For your dream test case, follow the time-tested recommendations from QAwerk experienced QA specialists:
Dos:
- Easy to read and follow
- Reusable and maintainable
- Break long test cases into smaller ones
- Ensure 100% coverage
Dont’s:
- Vague description
- Include more than one objective
- Disregard peer reviews
- Assume functionality and features
Test Management Tools
For more efficient test case management and maintenance, QA professionals shouldn’t deny themselves tools that evolve testing routine to a whole new level. Apart from the basic features, one would expect from a high-quality test management tool, such as impeccable productivity, real-time reporting and analytics, and flawless tracking capabilities, there is, of course, more to ask for. In order to find a test management software that checks all the boxes for a tester, we’ve outlined the top features that bring more ease and convenience to test case management:
- Customization. Vital feature of a management tool is its flexibility. Thus, it responds better to users’ needs and enhances the overall user experience. For instance, such options as the ability to choose which custom fields to add and items available to denote a test case result (Pass/Fail, Skipped, Re-Test, N/A, etc.) are crucial.
- Integration. With the current abundance of software tools, the integration issue is a new uphill battle. We cannot stress enough the importance of seamless integration possibilities provided by test management tools. The main goal here is to aim for integration with minimal disturbance of the established workflow. Thus, the desired outcomes will be achieved.
- Simplicity. To sustain the competition, management tools must be, in addition to the rich functionality, user-friendly and simple enough for a trouble-free first user experience. Simplicity pillars are a quick setup, intuitive user experience, and easiness in troubleshooting. Sustaining an ongoing flow of top-notch testing processes is challenging; a tool to help with it shouldn’t be.
Consider tooling up with the top test management software, hand-picked by our QA specialists:
| Tool | Details | Pricing |
 | Highly customizable, with cloud-based or on-premise installation options. Offers integration with the major issue trackers and test automation tools. | Starts at $34/user/month |
 | Provides only the essential tools to manage test cases simply and efficiently. Offers integration with the major issue trackers. | Starts at $29/unlimited users/month |
 | An open source software. Offers an easy method for assigning test cases to multiple users. Offers integration with the major issue trackers. | Free |
 | Simpler and more accessible manual test tool. Usable and intuitive, with drag and drop organization for test plans. Offers integration with the major issue trackers. | Starts at $49/month for 3 users |
 | Hierarchical filter trees. Powerful API. Offers integration with the major issue trackers and test automation tools. | Starts at $39/user/month |
 | Well-structured monitoring, real-time analytics, enterprise-level reports, and built-in collaboration. Offers integration with the major issue trackers, test automation, and API testing tools. On premise and SaaS options available. | Starts at $29/user/month |
DETAILS
Highly customizable, with cloud-based or on-premise installation options. Offers integration with the major issue trackers and test automation tools.
PRICING
Starts at $34/user/month
DETAILS
Provides only the essential tools to manage test cases simply and efficiently. Offers integration with the major issue trackers.
PRICING
Starts at $29/unlimited users/month
DETAILS
An open source software. Offers an easy method for assigning test cases to multiple users. Offers integration with the major issue trackers.
DETAILS
Simpler and more accessible manual test tool. Usable and intuitive, with drag and drop organization for test plans. Offers integration with the major issue trackers.
PRICING
Starts at $49/month for 3 users
DETAILS
Hierarchical filter trees. Powerful API. Offers integration with the major issue trackers and test automation tools.
PRICING
Starts at $39/user/month
DETAILS
Well-structured monitoring, real-time analytics, enterprise-level reports, and built-in collaboration. Offers integration with the major issue trackers, test automation, and API testing tools. On premise and SaaS options available.
PRICING
Starts at $29/user/month
Gear up with our tips to deliver the top-flight test cases that will serve their purpose to the fullest.
Yours Free: Test Case Template
We’ve compiled 16 years of QA expertise to help you level up your testing performance. Use our time-proven template for your impeccable test cases
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Alex is known for his expertise in manual testing and his ability to demystify complex quality assurance tools and processes. His proficiency in QA is backed by years of hands-on experience, making him a go-to expert for understanding the nuances of quality assurance and testing in practical settings.
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