What are the most common test case execution pitfalls?

1 Poor planning

One of the most common test case execution pitfalls is poor planning, which can result in wasted time, resources, and efforts. Poor planning can occur when there is no clear test strategy, scope, schedule, or criteria for test case execution. To avoid this pitfall, you should plan your test case execution in advance, based on the test objectives, requirements, risks, and priorities. You should also define the roles and responsibilities of the test team, the test environment and tools, the test data and scenarios, and the test reporting and metrics.

2 Inadequate test data

Another common test case execution pitfall is inadequate test data, which can affect the validity and reliability of the test results. Inadequate test data can occur when there is not enough data to cover all the test scenarios, when the data is outdated or irrelevant, or when the data is not consistent or accurate. To avoid this pitfall, you should prepare your test data carefully, based on the test requirements, specifications, and conditions. You should also ensure that your test data is sufficient, relevant, up-to-date, and accurate.

3 Unclear test objectives

A third common test case execution pitfall is unclear test objectives, which can lead to confusion and ambiguity among the test team and stakeholders. Unclear test objectives can occur when there is no clear definition of what the test case execution is supposed to achieve, verify, or validate. To avoid this pitfall, you should define your test objectives clearly, based on the test requirements, expectations, and criteria. You should also communicate your test objectives to the test team and stakeholders, and align them with the project goals and scope.

4 Human errors

A fourth common test case execution pitfall is human errors, which can introduce defects and inconsistencies in the test process and results. Human errors can occur when there is a lack of skills, knowledge, or experience among the test team, when there is a lack of attention, concentration, or motivation, or when there is a lack of communication, collaboration, or feedback. To avoid this pitfall, you should train and educate your test team on the test process, tools, and standards. You should also monitor and control your test case execution, and encourage communication, collaboration, and feedback among the test team and stakeholders.

5 Unhandled exceptions

A fifth common test case execution pitfall is unhandled exceptions, which can cause the test case execution to fail or abort unexpectedly. Unhandled exceptions can occur when there are unexpected errors or failures in the system under test, in the test environment or tools, or in the test scripts or code. To avoid this pitfall, you should anticipate and handle the possible exceptions that may occur during the test case execution, using techniques such as error handling, recovery, and retry. You should also document and report the exceptions, and analyze and resolve them as soon as possible.

6 Incomplete test coverage

A sixth common test case execution pitfall is incomplete test coverage, which can leave some aspects or features of the system under test untested or insufficiently tested. Incomplete test coverage can occur when there are gaps or overlaps in the test scenarios, cases, or steps, when there are changes or updates in the system or requirements that are not reflected in the test cases, or when there are constraints or limitations in the test resources, time, or budget. To avoid this pitfall, you should ensure that your test coverage is complete, based on the test objectives, requirements, and risks. You should also review and update your test cases regularly, and prioritize and optimize your test cases according to the test criteria and constraints.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?