How do you design test cases that meet all quality criteria?

1 Understand the requirements

The first step in designing test cases is to understand the requirements of the software product or system. Requirements are the features, functions, and attributes that the product or system should have, as well as the constraints and conditions that it should comply with. You can use different sources to gather and analyze the requirements, such as documents, specifications, user stories, use cases, acceptance criteria, and interviews with customers and stakeholders. You should also clarify any ambiguities, inconsistencies, or gaps in the requirements before proceeding to the next step.

2 Define the test objectives

The next step is to define the test objectives for each requirement. Test objectives are the statements that describe what you want to test and why. They should be clear, specific, measurable, and relevant to the requirements. You can use the SMART criteria to define your test objectives: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, a test objective for a login feature could be: To verify that the user can log in with a valid username and password within 10 seconds.

3 Design the test scenarios

The third step is to design the test scenarios for each test objective. Test scenarios are the high-level descriptions of the situations or flows that you will test. They should include the preconditions, the actions, and the expected outcomes. You can use different techniques to design your test scenarios, such as boundary value analysis, equivalence partitioning, decision tables, state transition diagrams, and use case testing. For example, a test scenario for the login feature could be: Given that the user is on the login page, when the user enters a valid username and password and clicks on the login button, then the user should be redirected to the home page.

4 Write the test cases

The fourth step is to write the test cases for each test scenario. Test cases are instructions that detail how to execute the test scenarios and verify the expected outcomes. They should include the test case ID, name, description, data, steps, expected results, and actual results. Different formats and tools can be used to write your test cases, such as spreadsheets, word processors, or test management software. For instance, a test case for the login feature might look like this: Test Case ID: TC-001; Test Case Name: Login with valid credentials; Test Case Description: To verify that the user can log in with a valid username and password; Test Data: Username: testuser, Password: testpass; Test Steps: 1. Navigate to the login page; 2. Enter the username and password in the respective fields; 3. Click on the login button; Expected Results: 1. The login page should load successfully; 2. The username and password should be accepted; 3. The user should be redirected to the home page; Actual Results: To be filled after execution.

5 Review and optimize the test cases

The fifth step is to review and optimize the test cases. Reviewing the test cases means checking them for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and readability. You can use different methods to review your test cases, such as peer review, walkthrough, inspection, or checklist. Optimizing the test cases means eliminating any unnecessary, redundant, or overlapping test cases, and prioritizing the most important, critical, or risky test cases. You can use different criteria to optimize your test cases, such as coverage, complexity, frequency, impact, or probability.

6 Execute and update the test cases

The final step is to execute and update the test cases. Executing the test cases means performing the test steps and comparing the actual results with the expected results. You can use different modes to execute your test cases, such as manual, automated, or hybrid. Updating the test cases means recording the test results, the test status, the defects, and the comments. You can use different metrics to update your test cases, such as pass, fail, skip, block, or retest.

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?