Test cases are fundamental components of testing. While writing a test case might seem like a simple task, the devil lies in the details. There have been instances where test cases were written improperly, leading to delayed deadlines. In this article, Zebrunner will delve into the six best practices for crafting test cases designed specifically for mobile app testing.

Why prioritize proper test case writing?

Effective test case writing serves as a base for successful mobile app testing. It not only streamlines the testing process but also enhances the efficiency of the entire development lifecycle. Robust test cases act as map elements and help testers navigate various scenarios, ensuring app functionality, and identifying critical issues.

What is the peculiarity of test cases for mobile apps?

This peculiarity lies in the challenges presented by the mobile environment. Mobile apps are diverse in terms of devices, operating systems, screen sizes, and user behaviors. This diversity demands a specialized approach to test case creation. Test cases for mobile app testing need to cover various scenarios and interactions, ensuring that the app functions seamlessly across different devices and user contexts. Additionally, mobile app test cases should consider factors such as touch interactions, network connectivity, battery consumption, and app performance to provide a comprehensive assessment of the app’s quality and user experience.

Writing test cases properly: practices

QA team members should write test cases for mobile application testing, adhering to uniform requirements. This approach provides clarity for all your test cases and ensures a coherent structure. Employ a reliable test case management system to establish a unified environment for all your QA activities, encompassing test case creation, management, test runs, and results. This system offers the testing team traceability and visibility across the entire QA workflow. Next, apply the practices below how to write test cases.

Practice #1. Follow software requirements specification

This practice ensures that your tests align precisely with the intended functionalities, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Clear alignment with the requirements minimizes misunderstandings and discrepancies during testing. Also, because specifications outline intended app behavior, precise test cases accurately represent expected functionalities. Moreover, test cases derived from specifications cover a diverse range of scenarios, leading to enhanced test coverage across various usage scenarios. Furthermore, specification-based test cases help identify deviations early on, facilitating prompt defect identification and prevention. In addition, the link between test results and specified requirements simplifies documentation and reporting, enhancing transparency in the testing process.

Practice #2. Utilize a requirement traceability matrix

A requirement traceability matrix acts as a bridge between requirements and test cases. This practice strengthens the traceability of your testing efforts, enhancing overall quality. Generally speaking, a requirement traceability matrix is helpful in several ways.

First, it makes sure that all the things the app is supposed to do (the requirements) are being tested. It’s like checking off a list to make sure nothing important is left out.

Second, the matrix helps keep track of how things are going. You can see what’s been tested and what hasn’t. This is helpful for knowing if you’re making good progress.

Lastly, if there’s a problem found, the matrix helps figure out what part of the app is affected. This way, you can quickly fix it and keep the app on track. Also, when things change during app development, the matrix helps manage those changes and keeps everyone on the same page. Plus, it’s a way to show that the app follows the rules and requirements that might be needed in some industries.

Practice #3. Prioritize test cases

Focus on testing high-impact scenarios, critical functionalities, and areas prone to defects. This strategic approach allows you to maximize testing efficiency and optimize the allocation of resources.

Imagine you’re testing a new e-commerce mobile app. The checkout process and payment gateway are crucial functionalities. If users can’t purchase products, the app fails its main purpose. In this scenario:

• High-priority test case. Test the entire checkout process, ensuring users can add items to their cart, proceed to payment, and complete the purchase without any errors. Prioritize this because it’s essential for the app’s core function.
• Medium-priority test case. Test the app’s search functionality, as it’s important for users to find products easily. While not as critical as checkout, it’s still important for user experience.
• Low-priority test case. Test the app’s social media sharing feature. While nice to have, it’s not essential for the app’s primary function, so it can be tested later.

By prioritizing the checkout process over social media sharing, you ensure that the most critical part of the app is thoroughly tested and functional before addressing less important features. This approach balances resource allocation and user impact, ultimately leading to a more effective testing process.

Practice #4. Start with test scenarios

Begin test case creation by building test scenarios. A scenario describes a user’s journey through the app. This approach ensures that your test cases cover a wide range of possible user interactions, helping detect defects across multiple dimensions.

Consider a travel booking mobile app. To effectively test this app, you’d start by building test scenarios:

Scenario #1: User searches for flights

• • Steps: Open the app > Click on “Flights” > Enter departure and destination > Select travel dates > Click “Search.”
  • Objective: Ensure flight search results are accurate, and users can choose flights based on their preferences.

Scenario #2: User books a hotel

• • Steps: Open the app > Click on “Hotels” > Enter destination and travel dates > Browse available hotels > Select a hotel > Enter booking details > Confirm booking.
  • Objective: Verify that the hotel booking process functions smoothly and users can confirm reservations.

By building these scenarios first, you’re outlining the core user interactions. From these scenarios, you then derive specific test cases that cover various aspects of each interaction, such as input validation, error handling, and usability. This approach ensures that you’re covering the app’s main functionalities before diving into more granular tests. It also helps testers understand the user journey, leading to more accurate and relevant test cases in the overall mobile app testing process.

Practice #5. Craft clear step-by-step instructions

Clarity is paramount when it comes to test case instructions. Write step-by-step guidelines that are concise, unambiguous, and easy to follow. This practice prevents misinterpretation and ensures that testers can consistently execute tests, generating reliable results.

Practice #6: Consider the end user’s perspective

Ultimately, the success of a mobile app lies in its ability to meet end users’ expectations. To replicate real-world scenarios, consider the end user’s perspective while crafting test cases. This practice ensures that testing aligns with user behavior, enhancing the app’s overall quality and user experience.