To write test cases for automation testing, follow these steps:
- Understand Requirements: Analyze the software requirements and identify scenarios suitable for automation.
- Define Objectives: Specify clearly the purpose and expected outcomes of the test case.
- Create a Test Plan: Outline the steps to automate, including preconditions, inputs, actions, and expected results.
- Choose the Right Tool: Use tools such as Selenium, JUnit, or PyTest that align with your project needs.
- Write the Script: Code the test case using the selected tool, incorporating reusable functions and modular designs for maintainability.
- Validate and Optimize: Run the automated test, verify the results, and refine the script for reliability and efficiency.
- Document and Store: Save test cases in a version-controlled repository and document their purpose for future reference.
How to create good test cases?
To write good test cases for automation testing, clearly define the test objective, expected outcome, input data, and steps to execute.
- Understand the Algorithm Thoroughly: Grasp the logic and purpose of the algorithm. Validate its correctness through proofs or counterexamples. Stretch the logic to extreme conditions to identify flaws.
- Expand Beyond Sample Cases: Use provided test cases to verify your solution, then create two to three additional cases of moderate size to test on paper. This helps confirm correctness in diverse scenarios.
- Test on Boundary Conditions: Validate your solution with both maximal and minimal inputs. Maximal tests ensure your code meets time and memory constraints, while minimal tests identify overlooked edge cases.
- Address Corner Cases: Review the problem’s potential outputs and create edge-case scenarios, such as conditions leading to specific outputs (e.g., ‘-1’). Verify your code accounts for these possibilities.
- Use a Brute-Force Generator: Develop a brute-force solution to generate expected results and compare them with your optimized solution. This approach is especially useful for identifying discrepancies in challenging cases.
- Practice Challenging Submissions: Engage in reviewing and challenging others’ solutions to improve your ability to identify weaknesses. Ensure you’re confident in your challenges, as incorrect challenges can backfire.
How to prioritize test cases for automation?
To prioritize test cases for automation, focus on high-risk areas, critical functionality, and tests that have a broad coverage of key features. Give priority to tests with significant business impact, those affected by recent code changes, and areas with a history of bugs. Additionally, consider test execution time for efficient outcome.
