How to Write Effective Test Cases with Examples

[Ehsanuls55]

Writing a good test case requires both business logic and technological acumen. You need to understand it from the user's point of view in the real world, as well as from the technological perspective in the digital world. Below is a solid framework to get you started on that journey.

1. Identify test scenarios
Before writing test cases, understand the real-world scenarios in which the feature will be used. Read the user story, study the requirements document, or even discuss the specifications with the developer.

For example, the test scenarios from the example above would be: User successfully subscribes to the newsletter.

In this step, it is important to ask whether the requirements document describes the user in any specific way.

For example, if you are creating a newsletter functionality for paying customers only, you will have a vp business development email list scenario where non-paying users might attempt to subscribe.

So, thoroughly review the requirements, specifications, and user stories.

2. Define the objectives of the test case
In this phase, define what you want to achieve with testing. For example, if you are only testing whether the feature works as planned, you will write functional test cases.

However, if you also need it to be safe and effective, you will also write the corresponding test cases. This will help you streamline your agile testing process and present the results to the development team.

3. Write clear and concise steps
This phase is more than just outlining the workflow. It is everything the QA has to do to ensure that the feature works as expected.

Be thorough : Explain in as much detail as possible. Include what should happen based on the user or system action. For example, you might write:

Enter the name in the name field
If the name contains a number, display an error message: "Please enter a name with only letters and spaces"
If the name contains special characters, display an error message, "Please enter a name with only letters and space"
If the name is a placeholder, display an error message: "Please enter a valid name"
If the name is validated, allow the user to submit it