How to Write Test Cases: QAwerk’s Comprehensive Guide
›Blog›How to Write Test Cases: QAwerk’s Comprehensive Guide
October 20, 2021
8 min read
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.
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
The result testers expect once the test case was executed
EXAMPLE
Successful login
9
STEPS
Actual Result
DETAILS
The result testers get once the test case was executed
EXAMPLE
An error message pops up.
Unsuccessful login.
10
STEPS
Status
DETAILS
Stated when comparing expected and actual testing results (Pass/Fail)
EXAMPLE
Result: 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:
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
TOOL
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
TOOL
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
TOOL
DETAILS
An open source software. Offers an easy method for assigning test cases to multiple users. Offers integration with the major issue trackers.
PRICING
Free
TOOL
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
TOOL
DETAILS
Hierarchical filter trees. Powerful API. Offers integration with the major issue trackers and test automation tools.
PRICING
Starts at $39/user/month
TOOL
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
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. More by Author
