Test Case Creation Skill

Purpose

Translate requirements into executable steps to verify the system works as expected. While QA executes tests, BAs often define the scenarios to ensure business logic is covered.

When to Use

• During Requirements phase (to ensure testability).

• UAT Planning (writing scripts for users).

• Reviewing QA Test Plans (validation).

Anatomy of a Good Test Case

• ID: Unique (e.g., TC-001).

• Title: Concise summary.

• Preconditions: Setup required (e.g., "User logged in").

• Test Steps: Step-by-step actions using imperative verbs ("Click", "Enter", "Verify").

• Test Data: Specific data used (e.g., "Email: test@example.com").

• Expected Result: What should happen? (Specific).

• Postconditions: State after test (e.g., "Order created in DB").

Types of BA Test Cases

1. Happy Path (Positive)

The standard flow working perfectly.

• "User enters valid email/pass -> Logs in successfully."

2. Negative Path (Error Handling)

Trying to break it / Invalid inputs.

• "User enters invalid email -> Shows error message 'Invalid format'."

3. Edge Cases (Boundary)

Testing limits.

• "User enters exactly 255 characters (max) -> Accepted."

• "User enters 256 characters -> Rejected."

4. Business Logic / Complex Flow

Multi-step scenarios.

• "User adds item -> Apply Discount -> Remove Item -> Verify Total recalculates."

Test Case Template

Scenario: Apply Promo Code

ID TC-PROMO-01

Description Verify 'SUMMER20' gives 20% discount.

Preconditions User has $100 item in cart.

Steps

1. Navigate to Cart.2. Enter 'SUMMER20' in promo field.3. Click 'Apply'.

Expected Result

1. Success message 'Code Applied'.2. Discount line shows -$20.00.3. Total is $80.00.

Traceability

Ensure every Test Case links back to a Requirement (FR).

• TC-PROMO-01 <--> FR-CART-05 (Promo Codes).

Best Practices

• One Verification per Test: Don't test 10 things in one case. If one fails, the whole case fails.

• Be Specific: Don't say "Check result". Say "Verify text says 'Success'".

• Clean Up: Tests should clean up data (Postconditions) so the next test isn't blocked.

Tools

• Lark Base / Excel: Simple test tracking.

• Jira / Zephyr / Xray: Integrated test management.

• TestRail: Dedicated test tool.