What are the key concepts in understanding test cases in software testing?

Darshit Shah
2 min readOct 5, 2023

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A test case is a specific set of conditions or inputs, along with the expected results, that are used to determine whether a software application or system functions correctly. Test cases are an essential component of software testing and quality assurance processes.

They serve several purposes, including:

Verification: Test cases help verify that a software application or system behaves as intended and meets its requirements.

Validation: They ensure that the software meets user expectations and functions correctly in real-world scenarios.

Regression Testing: Test cases are used to check whether new changes or updates to the software have introduced any unintended side effects or defects in previously working functionality.

Documentation: Test cases provide a clear and documented way to test different aspects of the software, which is valuable for both testing teams and developers.

A typical test case includes the following components:

  • Test Case Identifier: A unique identifier or name for the test case.
  • Test Objective: A brief description of what the test is intended to achieve.
  • Preconditions: Any specific conditions or requirements that must be met before the test case can be executed.
  • Test Steps: A sequence of actions or steps that the tester should follow to execute the test.
  • Input Data: The data or inputs that should be provided to the software.
  • Attachments: Including attachments, such as screenshots, documents, logs, or reference materials, can help testers better understand the test scenario, replicate issues, and provide valuable feedback during the testing process.
  • Expected Results: The expected outcomes or behavior of the software when the test is executed.
  • Actual Results: The actual outcomes or behavior observed when the test is executed.
  • Pass/Fail Criteria: Criteria for determining whether the test case has passed or failed.

By creating and executing test cases, software testers can systematically identify and report defects or issues in the software, helping developers improve the quality and reliability of the application or system.

Test cases are an integral part of the software development lifecycle and are used in various testing methodologies, such as manual testing and automated testing.

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Darshit Shah
Darshit Shah

Written by Darshit Shah

Hello! I’m Darshit Shah - ISTQB Certified Software QA Engineer with 13+ years of experience. I believe that by sharing our stories, we can grow together.

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