Test scenario refers to the actions required to verify a particular feature or functionality in software testing. A test scenario outlines the necessary steps, data, preconditions, and post-conditions in detail to validate a feature.
When initially writing test scenarios, one might have written dozens or even more without much experience, leading to challenges in managing them effectively. How should we organize these test scenarios? Are we writing them in the “best” possible way? What strategies should we employ to write and maintain numerous test scenarios? Every tester encounters these questions in one way or another. Smart Test Scenarios provide a solution to the problem of writing and managing test scenarios.
There are certain considerations to keep in mind while writing smart test scenarios. These include:
1. Test Scenarios Should Be Evaluated Based on Risks and Priorities
We should prioritize which test scenarios to write based on the timeline of our project and the risk situations of the application. Test scenarios for a planned risky feature of the project might have higher priority due to potential issues in software testing later on. Failing to write test conditions for risky aspects later in the project might lead to issues. Thus, initiating risk analysis upfront helps mitigate problems in the project.
2. Is Our Test Scenario Good Enough?
It’s not possible to write all our test scenarios at once. Often, it’s better to write test scenarios that are “good enough” for now. We may need to revise our test scenarios as the project progresses.
3. Test Scenarios Should Be Continuously Maintained
We need to create test scenarios related to the upcoming updates and versions of our project. Making our scenarios specific ensures they are only valid for that stage of the project.
4. List Test Scenarios Before Writing Them
It’s beneficial to create a list of topics and priorities based on risks. This list helps us focus on what we need to test or want to test, enabling us to later break down or combine tests.
5. Classify Test Scenarios Based on Functionality and Business Scenarios
Understanding which test scenario applies to which stage is essential. It also helps in organizing and maintaining our tests in a repository, allowing us to select tests according to our needs in the test plan.
6. Test Drive Our Test Scenarios
Tests initially written will be run once or twice. Hence, conducting a test drive before going live or delivering to the customer is crucial.
7. Regularly Execute Our Test Scenarios
Changes in the application, environmental changes, and various other factors may require minor adjustments to our test scenarios. Making small adjustments is faster and easier than writing a new test from scratch.
Accurately anticipating, perceiving, and integrating user needs or customer requests with the right business requirements is crucial for enhancing our project before going live. We should not perceive writing test scenarios as another administrative task. Writing smart test scenarios is a vital part of the project and plays an effective role in its development. Whether this effect is positive or negative depends on whether the project functions correctly and delivers the right product.