Test Cases- Backbone of Software Quality

When we talk about software testing then test cases are considered an important part of the whole process. Be it the testing team, development team, or the management team, everyone uses them. They also serve as the baseline, in case documentation is not available. Basically, these are the set of conditions through which a tester will figure out if the application is working as per requirements or not. Through test case management, testers can easily work around the complete testing plan and focus on the aspects in which the client’s expectations can be fulfilled. 

Test cases define the steps through which the entire system can be tested, the values to enter in the system, and the expected results for a certain input. The whole testing process is associated with these test cases as different errors and bugs can be easily identified which can be missed during the ad-hoc testing process. 

Areas Covered with Test Case Management

Below mentioned are the few questions which can be easily answered while managing the test cases and implementing them. These questions help you to understand the quality of the product being developed. If all these questions can be answered then an idea can be generated regarding the stability of the application and what we can expect from it. It can also be used as a checklist that all aspects are being met during the testing. To ensure nothing is missed and to measure the test coverage, it is important to focus on test cases and design them in an intelligent way. 

1. The number of test cases being performed?
2. Modules that are tested?
3. Which modules are stable?
4. Which modules require revision or redesigning?
5. If sufficient inputs are considered to ensure the expected results.
6. Error message generated in case of discrepancies and issues.
7. Check whether the app is tested on multiple browsers and platforms before being launched.
8. Confirmation of user interface with the suggested specifications.
9. Traceability of features with the suggested requirements and how many of these are covered.
10. Traceability of user scenarios according to specific requirements.
11. Ensure that test cases are good enough to find the defects from the system.
12. Helps to decide if testing is good and detailed enough to move the software to the production phase.
13. Understand if the quality of the system is meeting the expected standards.

With time and functionalities, the system tends to become complicated, and managing all the changes along with test case updation becomes tricky at some point. Testers lean towards test case management tools through which they can record, monitor, update, and trace all test case functionalities in minimal time. This phase is extremely important and some process-oriented organizations also involve their developers to prepare these test cases. 

Characteristics of a test case:

While creating a test case, the following sections should be considered.

Objective:

All the details about the test case, why it was created, and what tester tends to achieve through it. 

Steps: 

All the steps are mentioned which needs to be followed to achieve the objective.

Expected Output: 

The result is expected as per the input and the requirements.

Actual Input: 

Actual input which is achieved through the performed steps.

Pass/Fail: 

If the expected output is not derived by following the steps then the tester needs to mention that this test case failed else pass if results and expectations are met.

While working around the test processes, testers need to act smartly and decide when to sign off the functionality. There are times when testers do a sufficient amount of work and are still not sure if all scenarios are covered as per the client’s expectation. Such uncertainty results in delays and wastage of time. To overcome such challenges, testers prepare test cases in advance and update them timely so that the whole process remains organized and monitored. Through test case management, you can get a clear picture of the whole testing process and the results you are expecting.