What is Test Case development?

Last Updated : 09 May, 2024

Once the Test Plan has been finalized, the QA Team begins crafting test cases. This stage focuses on creating test cases tailored to specific units. These test cases, which encompass both functional and structural aspects, address the functionalities and validation points outlined in the Test Plan.

Table of Content

What is Test Case development?

A test case serves as a comprehensive document containing essential elements such as test data, preconditions, expected outcomes, and post-conditions. It's crafted specifically for testing scenarios to ensure they meet specific requirements. Test cases serve as the initial step for executing tests, providing a structured approach to verifying compliance.

Considerations that must be taken into account for developing test cases in the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC).

During this stage, the QA team methodically creates test cases, which are then reviewed by a Business Analyst for approval or adjustments as needed.
Once the test cases are finalized, the QA team proceeds to prepare the necessary test data based on predetermined conditions.
For this phase to commence, the test planning activities must be completed, and the test plan should be finalized.
To conclude this phase, the test cases must be approved, the test data prepared, and if applicable, test scripts for automation should be developed.
Additionally, it's important to ensure that the test cases are aligned with the Requirement Traceability Matrix to ensure comprehensive coverage of requirements, with any gaps addressed.

Activities in the Phase of Test Case Development

In the Test Case Development phase, three activities are undertaken which are:

1. Test Scenarios Identification

Scenarios are valuable for simplifying the testing and assessment of intricate systems. The following techniques aid in crafting effective scenarios.

Identify potential users, their activities, and goals.
Assess users with a hacker's perspective and outline potential instances of system misuse.
Detail system events and the corresponding response mechanisms.
Highlight advantages and devise step-by-step procedures to validate them.
Research analogous systems and their operations.
Analyze critiques of rival products and their predecessors.

2. Test Cases Writing

A test case serves as a blueprint containing all the necessary information such as test data, conditions before testing, expected outcomes, and conditions after testing. It's crafted for a specific test situation to ensure that it meets a particular requirement.
Think of a test case as the launchpad for executing tests. Once input values are inputted, the application undergoes a series of actions leading to a definite result, leaving the system at a specific state afterward, commonly referred to as the post condition of execution.

Please refer to the given link for more information: Test Cases Writing

3. Test Data Preparation

In order to conduct tests effectively using test ware, precise and comprehensive test data is essential to uncover defects. Achieving this requires a systematic approach, outlined as follows:

Identify what you need for testing: Figure out what resources or things you'll need to carry out the testing.
Decide what needs to be tested: Determine the specific features or functions that you want to test.
Prioritize what to test first: Decide which features are most important to test and should be checked first.
Choose what to test: Select the specific aspects or conditions within those features that you'll focus on during testing.
Figure out what should happen: Understand what you expect the outcome to be when you run the test cases.
Write down the steps for testing: Create detailed test cases outlining what needs to be done during testing.
Document what you're testing: Keep track of the conditions and criteria you're testing against.
Run the tests: Actually, carry out the testing process according to the test cases you've created.
Check and fix any issues: Review the test results and make any necessary corrections or adjustments based on the findings.

Activity Block Diagram of Test Case Development

The diagram below illustrates the various tasks involved in developing test cases.

Steps of Test Case Development

Gather Requirements: The process starts by collecting information from the client. This includes understanding the software's functionalities (use cases) and the client's expectations for its operation.
Analyze Requirements: Testers carefully examine the gathered requirements to ensure a complete understanding. They may ask clarifying questions to avoid any misinterpretations.
Plan Test Approach & Scope: Here, testers define the various testing methods they will use to evaluate the software. They will also determine the number of test cases needed for thorough testing.
Develop Test Procedures: Testers create detailed instructions for testing different scenarios identified earlier. These procedures outline the specific steps involved in testing each scenario.
Review Test Scenarios: The developed test scenarios are then sent for review. This review might involve senior testers or other project stakeholders to ensure their accuracy and effectiveness.
Refine Test Cases: Based on the feedback received during the review, the testers make any necessary adjustments to the test cases.
Create Traceability Matrix: A traceability matrix is a document that links each test case to a specific requirement. This ensures all requirements are covered by the test plan.
Estimate & Plan Testing: Testers provide estimates for the time and resources required to execute the test cases. They will also develop a comprehensive testing plan.
Clarify Requirements: If any questions or ambiguities arise regarding the requirements during the process, testers will reach out to the client for clarification.
Client Sign-off: Once all the test cases are finalized, they are delivered to the client for approval. Client sign-off signifies their agreement with the testing approach and marks the official start of the testing process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Test Case Development is a crucial stage in the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) that ensures comprehensive software quality. It involves a series of steps, beginning with understanding requirements and planning the testing approach. Then, testers meticulously craft test cases to target specific scenarios. These test cases are reviewed and refined to guarantee their effectiveness. Following this, traceability matrices are created to confirm all requirements are covered. Finally, after test data preparation and any necessary clarifications with the client, the test cases are signed off on, marking the green light for test execution.