✅ What is a Test Case?
🔷 Definition:
A test case is a detailed set of actions, inputs, conditions, and expected results designed to verify a
particular feature or functionality of a software application.
It answers the following questions:
What are we testing?
How are we testing it?
What is the expected outcome?
Test cases are a fundamental part of software testing and help ensure software behaves as
intended under various conditions.
🔷 Purpose of a Test Case:
1. Validate Functionality:
Ensure the software feature behaves correctly when used normally or incorrectly.
2. Prevent Bugs:
Help identify defects early during testing, reducing the chances of bugs in production.
3. Repeatable Testing:
Provide a step-by-step guide so any tester can execute the same test and get consistent
results.
4. Documentation and Traceability:
Test cases serve as proof of what was tested and can be reused in future versions.
5. Support for Automation:
Test cases are often used as the base for writing automated test scripts.
🧱 Components of a Test Case
Each test case typically includes the following sections:
1. Test Case ID
A unique identifier to distinguish it (e.g., TC_001_Login).
2. Title / Test Case Name
A brief title indicating what is being tested (e.g., "Login with valid credentials").
3. Preconditions
Conditions that must be met before running the test.
Example: User must be registered and have a valid account.
4. Test Steps
A numbered list of actions to perform during testing.
Example:
1. Navigate to login page
2. Enter valid username
3. Enter valid password
4. Click the “Login” button
5. Test Data
Specific inputs used in the test, like usernames, passwords, dates, etc.
Example: Username: john_doe, Password: welcome@123
6. Expected Result
What the system should do if it works correctly.
Example: User should be redirected to the dashboard.
7. Actual Result
What actually happened when the test was executed.
This is filled in after the test is run.
8. Status (Pass/Fail)
Indicates if the actual result matched the expected result.
Pass: If behavior was correct
Fail: If behavior was incorrect
9. Priority / Severity
Describes how important the test case is, or the impact if it fails.
High Priority: Critical feature like login or payment
Low Priority: Optional features like font color
10. Comments / Notes
Any additional observations, such as bug IDs, screenshots, or test environment notes.
📋 Complete Example of a Test Case
Field Value
Test Case ID TC_001_Login
Title Verify login with valid credentials
Field Value
Preconditions User must be registered
1. Open login page
Test Steps 2. Enter username/password
3. Click login
Username: john_doe
Test Data
Password: welcome@123
Expected Result User is redirected to the dashboard with welcome msg
Actual Result User is redirected correctly
Status Pass
Priority High
Comments Working as expected
📌 Types of Test Cases
1. Positive Test Case
o Checks correct functionality with valid inputs.
o Example: Valid login, valid payment.
2. Negative Test Case
o Checks system behavior with invalid inputs.
o Example: Wrong password, empty form submission.
3. Boundary Test Case
o Tests values at the edge of valid input range.
o Example: Entering exactly 255 characters in a username field.
4. Integration Test Case
o Checks interaction between multiple modules.
o Example: When a user places an order, stock quantity should update.
5. UI Test Case
o Verifies visual elements like layout, color, button visibility.
🧠 Tips for Writing Effective Test Cases
Be clear and concise in descriptions and steps.
Use realistic and valid test data.
Include expected results for verification.
Always map test cases to requirements.
Write both positive and negative scenarios.
Make test cases reusable and maintainable.
Assign priority levels to focus on critical areas.
✅ Conclusion
Test cases are essential for systematic, repeatable, and reliable testing.
Well-written test cases help ensure software quality, prevent bugs, and support
development teams in delivering robust applications.
They are the foundation of both manual and automated testing processes.
