Even though there are many different stages in the testing process, it is primarily based on designing, validating, and implementing successive test cases for different scenarios. Considering that testing is an important metric of measuring the quality of the software, it means that the overall quality of the end product is contingent on the reliability and integrity of the test cases.
One of the predominant responsibilities of the quality assurance or testing team is to create a central repository of test cases that verifies the performance and functionality of the software product in various different operating environments. The role of an effective test case management tool is to ensure that this whole process is seamless and smooth. It should be able to run the test cases and record their results against their respective modules or aspects, under varying conditions. Ultimately, it is the end result of the test cases which determine whether the software application is ready to be released into the market or not. Traditionally with the manual testing process, a large part of the testing resources was devoted to the testing of the actual functionality. However, with the introduction of automated testing tools, more testing resources are freed up that can be utilized for test case development and overall process improvement.
Importance of Test Case Management
There are two main test case categories when it comes to the synchronization of testing processes and configuration management. These specific categories are indicative of the fact that the testing process is pivotal at almost every stage of the development lifecycle. These categories essentially allow the teams to identify the density of the functions of the test teams.
Primary Test Cases – this category is used by the teams to introduce new test cases in the central database, it includes;
– Black box, that verifies the requirements of the software application product
– White box, which is used to verify the software requirements or the design of the application
– Change, this type of verification is required if there is a logical change in the software application or in the case of a change package
– Defects, it reproduces the problem and validates if the issues are resolved and they no longer persist
– Sanity, the basic sanity of the overall product, the deliverable, and the platform is ascertained
– Stress, this type of case is required to ensure that system responds properly when it is tested under various operating environments, out of the application requirements’ envelope, or near the edge
– Beta, is used to identify any defects or issues in the system which are caused by the imperfect testing processes, unfulfilled requirements of the application, and unexpected test cases
Secondary Test Cases – the main purpose of the secondary test cases is to repurpose or reorganize the existing test cases in order to provide a more targeted test coverage. It comprises of;
– Regression, is essentially reapplication of the test cases in the system to make sure that all aspects and modules are performing as per the expectations
– Feature, the testers usually test a subset of the black-box test case which is focused on one particular aspect or feature
– Performance, the testers usually test a subset of the black-box test case which is focused on the management of real-time issues
– Environment, the testers usually test a subset of the black-box test case which is focused on discovering the impact of the end product on the overall environment
– Validation, the testers usually test a subset of the black-box test case which is targeted towards keeping up with the specified requirements and standards
– Unit, a hybrid of the white box and black box testing is performed at the card, module, and subsystem level
– Alpha, an internal test site is generally used to perform the initial stages of beta tests
Conclusion
An organization that has embedded the test case management tool in its entire software development lifecycle is much more likely to deliver higher quality, defect-free end products on time. It also speeds up the testing processes and provides a platform for the whole team to come together, work towards a common goal, and ensures that everyone has the same understanding of the test cases and issues. Maximum visibility and traceability of relations can be achieved between the test cases, their respective issues, test plans, and their initial requirements. Hence, this software opens many different avenues for the organization which benefits them in the long run.
