9 Tips for Writing an Effective Test Case

Test cases are the first step in any testing cycle, and slight errors in this stage can have costly effects on the later stages of software testing cycles. As a software developer, understanding the key concepts of writing an excellent test case is crucial. If mastered well, the process takes less effort and time. In this article, we will highlight crucial tips for writing an excellent test case.

1. Naming conventions

Poor naming conventions is one of the highly committed errors when writing test cases. A well-thought-out case should have convention naming that makes sense to anyone wishing to make a reference in the future. Additionally, your name convention should be relevant to the module and project under test, and people should be able to identify them by looking at the test case ID.

2. Test case description

The description gives all the necessary details under the test. In reality, it should answer the question, ‘what am I going to test?’ Additionally, it should state the needs to be verified, the environment where tests will be carried, its preconditions and conditions.

3. Have the end-user in mind

The ultimate aim of a test case is to address user needs, and it is necessary to have user experience in mind when writing test cases. If you accomplish this, your test case will be free of bugs and applicable in real-world scenarios.

4. Domain Knowledge

As a developer, you must have sufficient domain knowledge.  For instance, business rules vary from one domain to another, which may impact essential business functions. Therefore, a tester must have adequate knowledge of different domain standards before writing test cases.

5. Do not make assumptions

Most testers assume simple aspects of a test case only to end up with undesired results. Assumptions on specification documents create a functionality gap between the client’s specification and the end product.

6. Do not repeat aspects

Repetitions increase the number of errors on the final test document. If possible, try to have straightforward procedures on your test case. Using tools such as test automation proofreads your work for repetitions. Additionally, straightforward test cases are reusable in any other project

7. Simplify

Whenever long cases pop up on your document, break them down into simplified and shorter versions, which should then be grouped into related categories. Simplifying test case processes makes editing easier, as bugs can be easily spotted.

8. Preconditions

Different tests have conditions that have to be met for them to be carried out. When writing down your test case, you have to state the preconditions that have to be met and confirm that all assumptions make theoretical sense. Checking preconditions identifies any data interdependencies or data-environment dependencies.

9. Attach artifacts

Testers have to attach relevant artifacts to the test case using the test management tool. Artifacts enable easier tracking of changes on the application after product delivery by highlighting flow functions if a change occurs in any testing process.

Endnote

Case testing is a complicated process, and the tester needs advanced domain knowledge to pull it off successfully. You should seek expert assistance when case tests get complicated, as they have deeper experience in conducting successful tests.