Demystifying Test Scenarios and Test Cases in Testing
Published: 2023-08-20 14:53:46

As a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), I'm often asked about the difference between test scenarios and test cases, particularly when it comes to testing. Let's dive into this essential aspect of software testing and clarify why understanding this distinction is vital for ensuring the quality of platforms.

**Test Scenarios: A Bird's Eye View**

Test scenarios provide a high-level, big-picture perspective of what we aim to test. They describe the overall context, objective, and scope of the test. In the realm of e-commerce, a test scenario outlines the fundamental functionalities or user interactions we need to assess. It's like setting the stage for our testing efforts.

**Example of a Test Scenario (E-commerce Application):**
Imagine we're testing an e-commerce platform. Our test scenario could be: "User completes a purchase transaction."

In this scenario, we're focusing on a significant user action—making a purchase. It doesn't delve into the specifics of how to do it; instead, it sets the testing stage.

**Test Cases: Nitty-Gritty Details**

Now, let's move to the detailed level—test cases. Test cases are the actionable, step-by-step instructions for executing a particular test scenario. They define precisely how we'll navigate through the application, what inputs we'll provide, and what results we expect at each step. In our e-commerce example, test cases break down the scenario into manageable steps.

**Example of a Test Case (E-commerce Application):**
For our "User completes a purchase transaction" scenario, we'd create individual test cases for each step:

**Test Case 1: Log In**
- Action: Log in to the user account.
- Expected Result: Successful login, user's dashboard displayed.

**Test Case 2: Product Selection**
- Action: Search for a specific product, add it to the cart.
- Expected Result: Product added to the cart, cart total updated.

**Test Case 3: Checkout Process**
- Action: Go to the cart, proceed to checkout.
- Expected Result: Checkout page displayed, shipping and payment options available.

And so on, until we've covered each step in the scenario.

**Why This Distinction Matters in**

Understanding the difference between test scenarios and test cases is vital, especially when testing applications:

1. **Effective Planning**: Test scenarios help us plan our testing efforts by identifying critical user journeys or functionalities, like purchasing a product.

2. **Comprehensive Testing**: Test cases ensure that we test each step rigorously. This granularity helps catch issues at every stage, ensuring a smooth user experience.

3. **Reproducibility**: Well-defined test cases make our testing repeatable. Anyone following the same steps should achieve the same results, making it easier to identify and fix issues.

4. **Prioritization**: With test scenarios, we can prioritize what's most crucial to test based on business objectives. Test cases allow us to thoroughly assess each priority item.

In summary, test scenarios set the stage for testing by outlining high-level objectives, while test cases provide the detailed script for executing those objectives. Both are essential for thorough and organized testing of applications, ensuring the best possible user experience.