How to Write Effective Test Cases in Software Testing

Ensuring that applications function as intended is critical, and test cases are fundamental to this validation process. Test cases are designed to check if a software feature is functioning as intended, ensuring its reliability and accuracy. 

Without proper test cases, identifying bugs or issues early in development becomes challenging. As the complexity of software increases, so does the importance of writing effective and comprehensive test cases.

In this article, we’ll explore the essential elements of test cases, their importance in software testing, and best practices to help you write effective test cases.

What Are Test Cases in Software Testing?

Test cases in software testing are a set of conditions or variables that a tester uses to determine whether a software application is functioning as expected. They define the specific inputs, actions, and expected outcomes for a particular feature or functionality of the software.

Now that we've defined test cases, let's take a closer look at the format in which they should be written.

Test Case Format

A well-structured test case ensures clarity, consistency, and easy tracking of progress during the testing cycle. Let's break down the format components:

1. Test Case ID: Every test case should have a unique ID to easily track, refer, and manage it throughout the testing cycle.

Example: "TC_Login_001" might represent the first login functionality test.

2. Test Scenario: This is a concise description of what is being validated through the test case.

Example: "Verify login functionality with valid credentials."

3. Test Steps: These are the clear, step-by-step actions a tester needs to perform during execution.

Example: Open login page → Enter credentials → Click login.

4. Prerequisites: Prerequisites include setup steps or conditions that must be in place before running the test.

Example: Tester must be logged out before starting login test cases.

5. Test Data: Data used for executing the test, including input values or environmental details.

Example: Username: "testuser", Password: "Test@123"

Sahi Pro’s Simple & Powerful APIs make it easy to interact with various elements in a software application, allowing you to easily automate these test case components.

6. Expected Results: This outlines what the system should display or perform after the steps are executed.

Example: "User should be redirected to the dashboard."

7. Actual Results: Captures what actually happened during execution to verify against the expected outcome.

Example: "User landed on the dashboard successfully."

8. Test Status (Pass/Fail): The final verdict, determined by comparing the actual result with the expected result.

Example: Status-Pass.

With Sahi Pro’s Feature of Automatic Waits, you don’t have to worry about failures due to inconsistent page load times. It automatically waits for elements to load before proceeding with the next step, ensuring stability and reliability in your tests.

Now that we know the format, let's explore why they are essential in ensuring quality software development.

Why Are Test Cases Important in Software Testing?

Test cases are critical for several reasons. They help ensure consistency, reduce risks, and provide clear documentation for testing processes. Here are five key reasons why test cases are essential in software testing:

1.  Consistent Testing Process: Provides a standardized approach, ensuring all testers follow the same steps.
2. Repeatability: Test cases can be reused for future testing, especially for regression tests.
3. Documented Evidence: Serve as documentation for tracking progress and test results.

Sahi Pro offers Automatic Logging & Reporting that provides concise summaries of test execution and pinpoints failures at the step level. It’s a great tool for effective test case management.

With their importance clear, let's move on to understanding the different types of test cases you might encounter.

Types of Test Cases in Software Testing

There are several types of test cases based on the nature of the software being tested and the testing objectives. Understanding these types helps in structuring the testing process and choosing the right approach. Here are some common types of test cases:

1. Functionality Test Cases: Check if each feature works as intended based on requirements.
2. Performance Test Cases: Test speed, stability, and scalability under different loads.
3. Unit Test Cases: Validate individual code components like functions or methods.
4. UI Test Cases: Ensure interface elements are functional, responsive, and user-friendly.
5. Security Test Cases: Test the system’s ability to prevent unauthorized access and threats.
6. Integration Test Cases: Verify that combined modules interact and function correctly.
7. Database Test Cases: Check data storage, retrieval, and manipulation in the database.
8. Usability Test Cases: Evaluate if the system is easy and intuitive for users.
9. User Acceptance Test Cases: Confirm the software meets user and business needs before release.
10. Regression Test Cases: Ensure new updates don’t break existing features.

Sahi Pro makes designing all these test types easier with its No-Code Flowcharts, empowering QA and business teams to collaborate on test creation—no programming required.

With an understanding of the types, it's important to know who is responsible for writing these test cases.

Who Writes Test Cases?

Test cases are typically written by those with a deep understanding of the application’s functionality. However, the responsibility of writing test cases is often shared across different team members, including:

• Testers/QA: Know app features; ensure thorough testing.
• Business Analysts: Align tests with real-world use and business needs.
• Developers: Test technical functionality.
• Non-technical Stakeholders: Ensure user needs and goals are met.

This collaborative approach guarantees that the test cases address both technical and business objectives, ensuring the software meets real-world expectations.

With Sahi Pro’s Business-Friendly Frameworks, testers and non-technical personnel can easily contribute to creating robust test cases through a user-friendly, no-code interface, making the process faster and more inclusive. 

Next, let's clarify the distinction between test scenarios and test cases, as both play crucial roles in testing.

Test Scenario vs. Test Case

While the terms "test scenario" and "test case" are often used interchangeably, they represent different concepts in the software testing process. Understanding the distinction between them is important for effective test design and execution.

1. Test Scenario

A test scenario is a high-level description of what needs to be tested, focusing on the functionality or feature without specifying how it will be tested. It provides a broader context, such as:

• Verifying login functionality for both valid and invalid credentials.
• Ensuring a specific feature works as intended without detailing the steps.
• Giving an overall objective without going into specifics of inputs or expected outcomes.

2. Test Case

A test case provides detailed steps and specific inputs to verify a feature’s behavior. It includes:

• The exact steps to perform, such as entering user credentials and clicking the 'login' button.
• Expected results, such as successful login or an error message.
• Post-conditions to ensure the feature behaves as expected under various conditions.

This distinction ensures comprehensive testing and a structured approach.

With Sahi Pro’s No-Code Flowcharts, even non-technical team members can easily create test scenarios and automate test cases, reducing time and increasing collaboration across teams.

Once the difference is clear, let’s dive into the structure of a well-organized test case format.

Steps to Write Effective Test Cases

Writing effective test cases ensures thorough testing and helps identify potential issues early. Follow these steps to create clear, concise, and reliable test cases for any project.

1. Define the test area: Identify the specific functionality to validate; align it with requirements.
2. Ensure clarity: Write simple, jargon-free steps that are easy to follow.
3. Apply test designs: Use techniques like boundary value or equivalence partitioning for better coverage.
4. Use unique IDs: Assign a unique ID to each test case for easy tracking and organization.
5. Use RTM: Link test cases to requirements to ensure complete coverage and traceability.
6. Write a clear description: Define what’s being tested and why it matters.
7. Add pre/postconditions: Set up required states before and after testing for consistency.
8. Specify expected results: Clearly define measurable outcomes to verify pass/fail.
9. Use the right techniques: Choose testing methods that match the scenario and goals.
10. Peer review: Get feedback to improve clarity, coverage, and accuracy.

Sahi Pro’s Feature of Object Spy & Recorder can help you easily identify elements in your application, even with dynamic IDs. This feature makes it easier to write accurate and precise test cases for applications with complex UI elements.

To further enhance the quality of your test cases, let's discuss the best practices to follow.

Best Practices for Writing Test Cases

To ensure the quality and efficiency of your testing process, here are seven best practices for writing test cases:

1. Keep it simple: Write clear, straightforward test cases for easy execution and fewer errors.
2. Make it reusable: Design test cases to be used across different test cycles or modules.
3. Cover all scenarios: Include positive, negative, and edge cases for thorough testing.

Sahi Pro’s Parallel & Distributed Playback ensures that large test suites can be executed efficiently across multiple machines, saving time while maintaining accuracy.

Along with best practices, examining a test case example can provide valuable insights into writing a robust test case.

Test Case Example

To ensure your testing process is structured and thorough, it's helpful to refer to a well-written test case example. Here is a sample test case on mobile compatibility to help you understand how to build the test case effectively:

Test Case ID: #MOB001

Test Scenario: To verify the app’s UI compatibility across different mobile device screen sizes.

Test Steps:

1. Open the app on a 5-inch phone; check UI visibility and usability.
2. Tap key elements to ensure proper interaction.
3. Open the app on a 10-inch tablet; check layout scaling.
4. Rotate device; verify UI consistency in both orientations.

Prerequisites: The app must be installed on both a smartphone and a tablet.

Browser: Native mobile browser or in-app WebView.

Devices: iPhone 12 (6.1-inch display), iPad Pro (12.9-inch display).

Test Data: NA (UI-based test).

Expected/Intended Results:

The app interface should adapt smoothly to varying screen sizes without layout breakage, content overlap, or cut-off elements. All buttons and interactive elements must remain usable across devices.

Actual Results: As Expected

Test Status – Pass/Fail: Pass

With Sahi Pro’s Automatic Logging & Reporting, you can see detailed logs of your test cases' execution and identify where issues occur with clarity, improving test efficiency.

However, it's also essential to be aware of common mistakes that can undermine the effectiveness of test cases.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While writing test cases, there are several common mistakes that testers should avoid:

1. Be Specific: Avoid unclear test steps.
2. Include Negatives: Test for invalid inputs too.
3. Use Clear Data: Test with realistic data.
4. Test Edges: Cover software limits.
5. Keep It Simple: Avoid complex test steps.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you can create test cases that are both thorough and effective.

Conclusion

Test cases provide a systematic approach to identifying issues early, saving time and costs in the long run. They also ensure consistency across updates, helping teams quickly validate that software remains functional even after deploying new features or bug fixes.

By following best practices, such as maintaining clarity, focusing on essential details, and writing concise steps, testers can greatly enhance the accuracy and reliability of their software. 

Simplify your testing process and boost productivity with tools like Sahi Pro, featuring advanced capabilities such as object recognition, automatic waits, and parallel execution. 

Start crafting effective test cases with Sahi Pro today!