Lecture 42: Test Case Templates & Design
Unit 5: Software Coding and Testing (4353202)
Lecture Agenda
- Recap of White Box Testing (Path & Condition Coverage)
- What is a Test Case?
- Importance of Test Cases
- Components of a Test Case Template
- Example: Test Case for User Login
- Test Case Design Principles
- Key Takeaways
Recap of White Box Testing (Path & Condition Coverage)
Path Coverage tests every independent path, and Condition Coverage ensures every boolean sub-expression is evaluated. These are advanced white box techniques for thorough code logic testing.
What is a Test Case?
A Test Case is a set of conditions or variables under which a tester will determine whether a system under test satisfies requirements or works correctly. It describes a specific scenario to be tested, along with the expected outcome.
Test cases are the fundamental building blocks of software testing.
Importance of Test Cases
- Ensures Coverage: Helps ensure that all requirements and functionalities are tested.
- Repeatability: Allows tests to be executed consistently multiple times.
- Defect Detection: Designed to uncover defects and errors in the software.
- Communication: Provides clear instructions for testers and developers.
- Traceability: Links tests back to specific requirements.
- Regression Testing: Essential for verifying that new changes don't break existing functionality.
Components of a Test Case Template
A standard test case template typically includes the following fields:
- Test Case ID: Unique identifier for the test case.
- Test Case Title/Name: A brief, descriptive name for the test.
- Test Objective: What is the purpose of this test case?
- Pre-conditions: Conditions that must be met before executing the test.
- Test Steps: Detailed, step-by-step instructions to perform the test.
- Test Data: Any data required to execute the test steps.
- Expected Result: The anticipated outcome if the software works correctly.
- Actual Result: The actual outcome observed after executing the test.
- Status: Pass/Fail/Blocked.
- Post-conditions: Conditions after the test execution.
- Tester Name: Who executed the test.
- Date Executed: When the test was executed.
Example: Test Case for User Login
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Test Case ID | TC_LOGIN_001 |
| Test Case Title | Verify successful user login with valid credentials |
| Test Objective | To ensure a registered user can log in successfully. |
| Pre-conditions | User account exists and is active. |
| Test Steps | 1. Navigate to login page. 2. Enter valid username. 3. Enter valid password. 4. Click 'Login' button. |
| Test Data | Username: testuser@example.com, Password: Password123 |
| Expected Result | User is redirected to the dashboard/home page. |
| Actual Result | (To be filled after execution) |
| Status | (To be filled after execution) |
Test Case Design Principles
- Atomic: Each test case should test one specific thing.
- Independent: Test cases should not depend on the execution of other test cases.
- Clear and Concise: Easy to understand and follow.
- Maintainable: Easy to update when requirements or code change.
- Prioritized: Focus on high-risk or critical functionalities first.
- Reusable: Design test cases that can be reused for regression testing.
- Traceable: Link test cases back to specific requirements.
Key Takeaways
- **Test Cases** are detailed instructions for verifying software functionality.
- They are essential for **ensuring coverage, repeatability, and defect detection**.
- A standard **template** helps organize test case information.
- Good test cases are **atomic, independent, clear, and traceable**.
Course Conclusion
This concludes the Software Engineering (4353202) course lectures. We have covered fundamental concepts from software processes and models to requirements, design, project management, and testing.
Remember that software engineering is an evolving discipline, and continuous learning is key to success.
Q & A
Questions & Discussion

