The purpose of test cases is to verify and confirm if a software will be able perform its functions correctly in different scenarios. For testing a software, a pre-determined script in the form of a testing guide is followed with the help of defined pre-conditions and post-conditions required for successful testing. This exercise not only helps spot any errors in the software functionality, but the detailed documentation of this process aids future testing by eliminating the number of test-case scenarios, where an anomaly may pop up.
At Saransh, our IT experts have some tips on how to go about writing the most efficient test cases, as follows:
Choose The Most Efficient Design Technique
Knowing and using different test case design techniques may offer a chance to cover as much ground as possible, so that more test scenarios can be considered and margin for errors can be reduced.
- Error Guessing – This technique tries to anticipate problems based on creative scenarios drawn up by the test team. Functionalities are taken up and negative data, or in simpler words, data that is not likely to be accepted by the software, is entered so that the results can highlight errors. As the name suggested, an attempt is made to guess potential errors by creatively trying to (mis)use the software.
- Equivalence Partitioning: This technique prescribes dividing input data into broad categories so that random data can be picked and software functions can be tested on a category-by-category basis, instead of verifying each input individually. The result is vast reduction of testing time.
- Boundary Value Analysis: This technique aims to test the edge of the functionality in a way that whatever lies beyond the scope of the functionality i.e its boundary, is also tested so as to confirm that the functionality is working efficiently and no errors of accepting input values beyond its scope are being accepted by it.
- Decision Table Technique: Decision table technique is a method of taking preconditions of your software functionality and testing various scenarios in which they hold true or otherwise. In this technique, a table is drawn, that visually allows the quality assurance team to see the various combinations in which the preconditions apply or don’t apply and, in this way, any potential errors, which should not exist but which have somehow crept into the software, are identified.
- State Transition Technique: This technique aims to test the various transitions of a multilayered functionality. Based on the various stages, test cases are written to ensure that each stage of the transition in the functionality is working as it is supposed to.
The best way to write a test case is to understand the scope of the assignment and then choose one or more techniques based on your requirement.
Test Parameters Should Be Clear and Concise
Easy to follow test parameters make sure that the end result can be achieved without unnecessary time and energy being spend in decoding the various aspects of the test case itself. Naturally, the best test cases are those that are logically laid out and are written in a clear and concise manner.
Test cases allow QA to connect the dots and zone in on issues that become apparent through the process. This itself means that for the process to be effective, the test case must be easy to follow so that any errors in the application can be spotted easily.
Nomenclature and Terminologies Should Be Uniform Throughout
Uniformity in the terminology used in writing test cases is a matter of thematic consistency. A tester going through multiple test cases may become confused if different test cases in respect of an application uses different terminology in different places. This can have adverse consequences vis-a-vis the test results and is typically something that can be avoided by simply using the same nomenclature throughout all test cases.
Data Must Be Up-to-Date and Assumptions (in relation to any software functionalities) Should Be Avoided
The point of writing test cases is to maximize coverage. To do this, data being relied upon must be up-to-date, since obsolete data may lead to unforced errors in testing. Further, since testing is an objective method of identifying errors, no room for any doubt should be left by assuming any part of the process and, instead, efforts should be taken to ensure that any prerequisites for testing are confirmed.
Repetition and Redundancy Should Be Avoided
Since testing is an elaborate exercise, it is essential to sparingly use resources so that highest levels of productivity can be achieved. One surefire way to do this is by avoiding repetition in writing test cases. When thinking of coverage, a lot of times, same processes tend to be repeated so that no errors are missed. This is a fallacious approach that leads to loss of time and energy but does not necessarily add to the ground covered by the test case. Being careful about redundancy allows testers to engage with a wider range of test scenarios and achieve more fruitful results.
Be Mindful of the Format
Using traceable formats allows a tester to keep track of the functionalities being tested and helps avoid missing any steps. Using a good format is the best way to drive up traceability and ensure that 100% of the application is being tested for errors. As opposed, using the wrong format may cause certain important functions to be missed, thereby compromising the operation and the end result.
Test case writing is a crucial component of quality assurance and therefore it is essential to know best practices and key ingredients of test case writing to ensure optimum results.
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