Differences Between Test Case Summaries and Test Cases with Details
Knowing is Half the Battle
In software testing, test cases play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of a software application. Test case documentation is an essential part of the testing process, providing instructions for testers to execute and validate the software's functionalities. There are two common types of test case documentation: test case summaries and test cases with details. In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between these two types and their significance in the testing process.
Test Case Summaries
Test case summaries serve as high-level overviews of test scenarios and objectives. They provide a concise description of the test case, highlighting the main functionalities being tested. Test case summaries are typically used to provide a quick understanding of the test coverage without going into the nitty-gritty details.
Sample Code:
Validate that Google.com only has one text field
The main purpose of test case summaries is to give stakeholders, such as project managers or developers, a quick overview of the testing progress and the areas being tested. These summaries can be useful in communicating the overall testing strategy and highlighting any potential risks or issues that may arise during testing. They act as a foundation for higher-level discussions and decision-making processes.
However, test case summaries do not provide in-depth information about the steps to be performed, the expected results, or the test data to be used. They are more focused on the broader scope of the test case, rather than the intricate details. This makes test case summaries ideal for providing a high-level view of the test coverage without overwhelming the reader with excessive information.
Test Cases with Details
On the other hand, test cases with details provide a comprehensive breakdown of the test scenario. They contain step-by-step instructions that testers need to follow to execute the test case accurately. These details include the preconditions, the test steps, the expected results, and any required test data or environment setup.
Sample Test Case:
Open Google.com
Right-click on the page and select "Inspect" or press Ctrl+Shift+I (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Option+I (Mac) to open the Developer Console.
In the Developer Console, click on the "Elements" tab to inspect the HTML structure of the webpage.
Use the search functionality (usually a magnifying glass icon) to search for the HTML <input> tag. This tag represents input fields on the page.
You should only get 1 result of the search.
Test cases with details are essential for testers to perform thorough testing. They leave no room for ambiguity and ensure that testers have a clear understanding of what needs to be done. These detailed test cases are particularly useful for new testers who may not be familiar with the application or for complex test scenarios that require precise execution.
The detailed information provided in test cases with details allows for easier reproducibility of test scenarios. If a test fails, the detailed steps and expected results make it easier to identify the cause of the failure and facilitate quicker debugging and resolution.
However, the level of detail in test cases with details can sometimes make them overwhelming for stakeholders who are not directly involved in the testing process. Developers or project managers may find it challenging to extract a quick overview of the testing progress or to identify the areas being covered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both test case summaries and test cases with details have their own significance in the testing process. Test case summaries provide a high-level overview of the test coverage, making them ideal for communicating the testing strategy to stakeholders. On the other hand, test cases with details offer a comprehensive breakdown of the test scenario, ensuring accurate execution and facilitating easier debugging.
A well-balanced test case documentation approach would involve providing test case summaries for stakeholders to understand the overall testing progress, while also including detailed test cases for testers to perform thorough testing. By leveraging the strengths of both types, testing teams can ensure effective communication, efficient testing, and ultimately, high-quality software applications.