Difference Between Test Case And Test Scenario
This is the fifth article in the series of our articles about test cases. In this article, we are discussing the differences between Test Case and Test Scenario and the importance of both Test Case and Test Scenario.
Are Test Cases Being Replaced Fast with Test Scenarios?
Over time, everything is changing, the software industry and processes also have transformed a lot.
Traditional Waterfall and V-models are being replaced by Agile and iterative models. Documentation is needed, but to meet targets and make the process easy and clear, documentation can be changed.
When Is Documentation of Test Cases Important?
*The client has requested the same as part of the project.
*There is no time restriction.
*Testers are a novice or unknown to the product or project.
*Company policy.
EXAMPLE
Suppose the Login form of an application that has Username & Password fields along with Login, and Cancel buttons respectively. If requested to write test cases for the same, we will result in writing quite a lot of test cases by combining different options and details.
However, if test scenarios are to be inscribed, it will be a matter of a few lines as below:
High-Level Scenario: Login Functionality
Low-Level Scenarios:
*To ensure the application is launching
*To ensure text content on the login page
*To ensure the Username field
*To ensure the Password field
*To ensure Login Button and Cancel button functionality
Finally, I would like to summarize the difference between Test Case and Test Scenario:
1. Test Case: A thought which provides comprehensive information about what to test, steps to be taken, and expected results
Test Scenario: A thought which provides comprehensive one-liner information about what to test.
2. Test Case: It is more about documenting details.
Test Scenario: It is more about thinking and discussing details.
3. Test Case: It is derived from Test Scenario(s).
Test Scenario: Test Scenarios are derived from Business Requirement Specification and Software Requirement Specification documents.
4. Test Case: It is significant when testing is offshore and development is onsite. Writing test cases with details will help both the Development and QA team in harmonization.
Test Scenario: It is significant when time is less and most of the team members can understand the details from a one-liner scenario.
5. Test Case: One-time documentation of all the test cases is helpful to track multiple rounds of regression testing in the future.
Most of the time, it is helpful during bug reporting. Tester just needs to give reference of test case ID and does not require mentioning every small detail.
Test Scenario: A time saver activity, preferred by a new generation software testing community.
Modification and addition are simple and not specific to a person.
For a massive project, where a group of people knows specific modules only, this activity gives a chance to everyone to look into other modules and brainstorm and discuss.
6. Test Case: A complete test case document is a support for the new tester.
Test Scenario: Decent test coverage can be attained by dividing an application into test scenarios and it reduces the repeatability and complexity of the product.
7. Test Case: Time and money-consuming activity as it requires more resources to detail out everything about what to test and how to test.
Test Scenario: If created by a specific person, the reviewer or the other user might not synchronize the exact idea behind it. Need more discussions and team efforts.
8. Test Case: Test Cases are low-level actions.
Test Scenario: Test Scenarios are high-level actions.
9. Test Case: Test Cases are focused on what to test.
Test Scenario: Test Scenarios are focused on how to test.
10. Test Case: A test case is a set of actions executed to verify particular features.
Test Scenario: A test Scenario is any functionality that can be tested.
Conclusion
Test cases are the most important part of the Software Development Life Cycle and without the one, it is tough to track, understand, follow and reason out something. But in the era of Agile, test cases are being replaced fast with test scenarios. As usual, we welcome your thoughts and queries in the comments.
