Importance of Writing TestCases

The Importance of Writing TestCases

Test case writing is a fundamental part of the testing process and it helps in documenting various testing scenarios undertaken by the testing team. A project could have 1 or more testers or QAs assigned to it. So, it becomes even more important to have a single document enlisting the different scenarios on which the Application under test(AUT) has been checked and approved.

It is in human nature to always look for better prospects and grab opportunities whenever they can. And that equally applies to the testing team as well. IT might be surprising to note, but a test case document can really help in providing in-depth understanding of the system to the replacing testers/QAs. The KT process thus becomes more efficient and helps the replacing project members to establish a good grasp of the system.

Thus, it is important to carefully undertake the process of TestCase creation.

Some important aspects of this process are:

Document Creation: Every organization has their own standard template and it is important that this standard be followed and maintained by the QAs as well. TestCase document creation should start as soon as the development process begins. It is important to have a basic document ready when you receive the first module/unit for testing. Writing the test cases also helps you draw a virtual image of the flow of different features and at times can help you make valuable suggestions to the developers thus saving time and effort for all your team members.

Updating the TestCases: As much as everyone we thrive for perfection, it is something we seldom achieve. So always be open to the fact that the final development might have some deviation from what you have documented thus far. So it is important to keep editing and updating your test cases as frequently as you can.

Negative Test Cases: A negative test case is that scenario which should have dedicated error-handling done to manage it. In simpler terms these can be defined as rules and restrictions that are developed in the system in order to prevent the end users from entering incorrect details or for example entering a section which should ideally be prohibited from them. This helps to make the system more robust and secure and helps to maintain integrity of use among its users. The negative test cases also help during regression testing or re-testing to determine that any new development has not opened the gates of possibilities for any identified breach in the system.

Maintaining Versions: As the project progresses, there is a strong possibility that the clients have demand/request changes to be done in certain features. These changes are not part of the initial requirement and are generally proposed by the clients after the demo has been given for the latest developments. Hence it is important that while we work those change requests and test the new developments, there should be a record of the functionality that has been tested in the past. While the test cases can never fully document all the testing that is done, maintaining versions would still help to keep record of the efforts put in from time-to-time.

Everything can't be Documented!: Accept it and accept it soon. As we start testing the system, as testers we make inumerable attempts to break the system. As much as we want to document each and every click made, it is genuinely impossible to document every single one of it. So spare as much time as you can, but don't beat yourself about not having documented enough. Just make sure you have all the major features and their criticalities listed within the document.

So, I hope this blog gives you a new perspective about the importance of a test case document and motivates you to take-up the process much more religiously going forward.

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