How to write test cases with a sample test case

What is a test case?

A Test Case is a set of actions executed to verify a particular feature or functionality of your software application. The Test case has a set test data, precondition, certain expected and actual results developed for a specific test scenario to verify any requirement.

Why test cases are important?

• Test cases ensure good coverage
• Test cases are reusable
• Once written, anyone can execute it
• If there are no other documents, test cases can be used as baseline documents
• It's easy to trace the history of pass/fail rate of the particular feature
• Overall, it helps to improve the quality of the product

Who will use test cases?

Manual testers, automation testers, developers and management

What is a good test case?

A good test case or a well-written test case should allow any tester to understand and execute the test

How to write a good test case?

The main idea is to keep test cases simple, precise, reusable, to focus on one goal and not too big (7-8 steps maximum).

Important points/tips - 

• Test case Id: Test rail by default generates this id.
• Test case name/title: I prefer starting the title/test case name with the module name. For e.x. If we are writing login page related test cases, test case name should be “Login - Verify that the user is able to login with valid credentials”. It is okay to omit “Login - ” if the tool we are using gives the good distinction of test cases feature-wise.
• Test case description: This should communicate the goal of the test case.
• Preconditions: Preconditions section can refer to another test case if it is relevant. If we have any assumptions we can put it in the precondition section.
• Test steps: Test steps will have 2 parts - step description and expected results. Step description is basically the action tester has to perform. The expected result is what you are expecting from that step.
• Other details: Like section, type, priority, estimate, references and automation field has to be filled accordingly.

Sample test case -

Test case title Login - Verify that the user is able to login with a valid user name and valid password

Test case description This is to verify that a registered user is able to login to the system successfully after entering a valid user name and valid password.

PreConditions/Assumptions Registered user’s credentials are available

Test Steps | Expected Result

1. Navigate to the website under site | Website URL is retrieved
2. Enter registered user’s valid username | User name is visible
3. Enter registered user’s valid password | Password is hidden
4. Click sign-in | Upon sign in dashboard shall be loaded successfully