Since every software project is tightly roped in with stringent deadlines, it is easy to get distracted while planning and creating test cases. Oftentimes, when you are preparing to start testing, the development team has already pushed out builds with loads of functionality — leaving less or no time for you to write new test cases or to analyze the already existing ones in the test case repository. Aren’t you always behind schedule?

Common issues with test cases

You simply need to know how to write a test case even in short timeframes. This is because bad test cases only waste time, delay product releases, affect team coordination and understanding levels, ultimately risking the user experience and time-to-market length. 

Good test cases are a testament to the right app performance as well as greater ROI. But if you are not achieving the anticipated results, you must look into all the problem areas that are impacting your test case management:

• Lack of test case accuracy due to obscure language or incorrect information.
• Testers are not creating test cases that will produce reproducible and coherent results on the same test.
• Taking too much, or too little time to design and write a test case. 
• Tester’s inefficiency to be productive and take ownership of their work due to lacking product knowledge or domain expertise.
• Not knowing how many test cases are enough. 
• Not keeping test cases updated according to the requirement changes negatively affecting precision.
• Not making the right use of test case management software.

How can you ace your test case management practice? 

Let’s break it down further; a test case is a collection of actions, conditions, details, and/ or variables that are executed on a system under test to verify if it functions against the pre-documented requirements.  

Writing test cases is a work of art where QA managers do the tightrope walking to precisely illustrate test scenarios and test conditions as achievable goals. Basically, test cases provide the base for optimum quality software releases and therefore require attention to detail. 

That being said, what should you do to write an in-depth test for a mission-critical app component? This article will help you uncover the no-nonsense tricks to write foolproof test cases. Read on to reveal the test management secrets:

A test case should serve one goal 

Your test case should serve a single goal of a particular test requirement. The test cases should not overlap with other testable parts of a feature/ module. 

Otherwise, a collection of goals assorted in a single test case may jumble up and cause inaccurate results, poor tracking, and distorted testing metrics. 

Every test case should look comprehensive

This practice demonstrates the value of complete information in a test case related to a module or feature. Deliberately add test steps or conditions of a module in a test case even if it has been mentioned in another test case earlier. The idea behind this is to assure every test case is independent and easily executable by any team member collaborating on test management tools. 

Don’t worry about info repetition since the end goal is the successful test execution of every module and feature. 

Don’t confuse your assumptions with facts!

If you follow a practice of writing test cases based on your assumptions then you need to set your facts right!

Believing your intuition is great, but writing test cases consisting of a theory will only make the execution process cumbersome. A test case coverage should include various input stipulations that are more in line with realistic business logic and goals. Otherwise, an assumed test case will only cause stakeholders to spend on something with almost zero fact-checks and applicability.

Let the experienced ones handle the test case game

Only years of experience can guarantee high-quality and full coverage test case generation. Make sure to allocate the old soldiers of the QA army to design and write the most perfect and comprehensive test cases. Their domain knowledge and expertise will help in the right selection of test case management software, techniques, and insights to produce quality-driven test cases, eventually reflecting in the seamless product delivery. 

Be project-specific

Carefully select a test design that fits well with project requirements and needs. Being project-specific allows you to follow and implement widely accepted protocols and practices during test case production and execution.

Use simple language 

The simpler you write, the more understandable your test case becomes to the rest of the team members. Make sure the test case outline, description, steps, conditions, and anticipated results are written and curated concisely and clearly. 

Cover each component of the software

To create a practical set of test cases assure that every area and aspect of the software including functionality, performance, loading, UI, and compatibility are fully covered and addressed. This requires creating separate test cases for each requirement and functionality such as usability test case, performance test case, negative test case, etc.

Use test case management software 

Since you have unleashed all the secret tips to outstanding test case creation, you can further add value to your software development processes by using robust test management tools. These tools help you to enhance your test management and deliver remarkable results by easily performing all the above-discussed tips flawlessly.

What can you achieve with a test management tool? Let’s find out:

• Create an organized test case repository without extra effort for documentation.
• Streamline your test cases in accordance with the requirements and specifications for more convenience.
• Manage all sorts of test cases from a single dashboard.
• Keep a record of their execution status and progress.
• Closely check the owners of test case creation and execution.