- It is important to know that even the most sophisticated testing tools are useless if the test cases themselves are poorly designed.
- A test case is only as effective as its ability to uncover defects and validate the software's functionality.
What Makes a Test Case Effective
Coverage
- Does the test case cover all possible scenarios?
- Effective test cases should address:
- Normal conditions: Typical use cases.
- Edge cases: Extreme or boundary values.
- Error conditions: Invalid inputs or unexpected situations.
- Effective test cases should address:
- For a login system, test cases should include:
- Valid username and password.
- Invalid username.
- Invalid password.
- Empty fields.
- SQL injection attempts.
Clarity
- Is the test case easy to understand and execute?
- A well-written test case should include:
- Clear instructions: Steps to reproduce the scenario.
- Expected results: Precise outcomes to compare against actual results.
- A well-written test case should include:
- Test Case:
- "Enter a valid username and password, then click 'Login.'
- The user should be redirected to the dashboard."
Reusability
- Can the test case be reused for future testing?
- Effective test cases are:
- Modular: Focus on specific functionalities.
- Generalizable: Applicable to similar scenarios.
- Effective test cases are:
A test case for validating email format can be reused across multiple forms (registration, password reset, etc.).
Independence
- Does the test case rely on other test cases?
- Independent test cases ensure:
- Isolation: Failures can be traced to specific functionalities.
- Parallel execution: Multiple testers can work simultaneously.
- Independent test cases ensure:
A test case for password reset should not depend on the success of a login test case.
