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What is the difference between a test case and a test scenario? Within QA testing, it’s not always clear what these two things are, but this article will provide a brief explanation.
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What is a test scenario?
How to write test scenarios
What is a test case?
Test scenarios and cases with codeless automation
Clearly understanding what a test scenario is versus a test case enables you to perform your work more effectively.
Fundamentally, test cases are derived from scenarios, which in turn are derived from test artifacts – these are the reports or documents created during the testing process to make sure that stakeholders are informed about testing progress.
Let’s go into further detail.
Within QA testing, a test scenario is any functionality that can be tested – it’s when you, as a tester, think of real-life scenarios and use cases of your application.
Test scenarios can also be called a test condition or test possibility. In general, scenario testing is to test end-to-end for specific bugs in software.
But why do you as a tester actually need a test scenario? They help you to ensure complete test coverage by knowing what you are actually testing.
An example of a test scenario could be testing the functionality of a login. This shows just how broad test scenarios are; they are high-level classifications.
When it comes to actually writing test scenarios, there are a few things you need to take into account.
You’ll want to make sure that your test scenario is linked to your overall project in at least one significant way. Ask yourself how it relates to how the user interacts with your application.
Also, when making a test scenario, be specific about which requirements you are testing and, if you’re on a budget, actively prioritize.
As test cases fall within the overall test scenario, testers need to consider what the test cases are for each scenario. A test case is a specific part of a test scenario.
Test cases are made up of different components: the input, action, and expected response. They typically feature step-by-step instructions on how to perform a test for a software feature. It’s a written document.
Read more: Test Case Examples for Web Applications
When writing a test case, you need to ensure it takes all possible inputs (like positive and negative) into account, as well as all the navigation steps involved.
The below graphic is an example of a test case for web applications.
So how can using a codeless automation platform help improve your work with test cases and test scenarios?
Because you have to prioritize which requirements you will test when making test scenarios and then test cases, performing risk-based testing can dramatically change your test coverage.
Using a codeless automation tool like Leapwork’s, you’ll be able to test a greater number of scenarios more quickly and easily.
That’s because you'll spend less time writing and maintaining test scripts – instead you’ll be able to use visual building blocks to perform your tests (like in this graphic below).
While test cases are step-by-step instructions, the test scenario is more connected to wider business processes. Because codeless test automation helps you to bring those who really know your business into the testing process, the quality of your testing scenarios will inevitably be higher.
Once you’ve put your test cases into action with test automation, how can you ensure the time it takes to analyze your test results doesn’t outweigh the benefits?
Download our checklist to learn how to analyze and monitor your test results faster.
