Task: Create Test Cases
Develop the test cases and test data for the requirements to be tested.
Disciplines: Test
Purpose

To achieve a shared understanding of the specific conditions that the solution must meet.

Relationships
RolesPrimary Performer: Additional Performers:
InputsMandatory: Optional:
Outputs
Steps
Review the requirements to be tested

Work with Role: Analyst and Role: Developer to identify which use-case scenarios need new or additional test cases. Review the Artifact: Iteration Plan to ensure you understand the scope of development for the current iteration.

Identify relevant Test Cases

Identify paths through the use-case scenario as unique test conditions.  Consider alternative or exception paths from both a positive and negative perspective.  Review the test ideas list for patterns of test cases that apply to the use-case scenario.

Discuss the requirement with the Role: Stakeholder to identify other conditions of satisfaction for the requirement.

List the test cases with a unique name that identifies the condition they evaluate or their expected result.

Outline the Test Cases

For each test case, write a brief description with an expected result.  Ensure that a casual reader can clearly understand the difference between test cases.  Note the logical pre-conditions and post-conditions that apply to each test case. Optionally, outline steps for the test case.

Verify that test cases meet the Checklist: Test Case guidelines.

For more information on the test case, see Template: Test Case.

Identify test data needs

Review each test case and note where data input or output might be required. Identify the type, quantity, and uniqueness of the required data, and add these observations to the test case. Focus on articulating the data needed and not on creating specific data.

For more information on test data selection, see Checklist: Test Case.

Share and evaluate the Test Cases

Walk through the test cases with the Role: Analyst and Role: Developer responsible for the related use-case scenario.  Ideally, the Role: Stakeholder also participates.

Ask the participants to agree that if these test cases pass, they will consider these requirements implemented.  Elicit additional test ideas from the Role: Analyst and the Role: Stakeholder to ensure you understand the expected behavior of the use-case scenario.

During the walkthrough, ensure that:

  • The Artifact: Use Case and Artifact: Supporting Requirements planned for the current iteration have test cases.
  • All the participants agree with the expected results of the test cases.
  • There are no other conditions of satisfaction for the requirement being tested, which indicates either a missing test case or a missing requirement.

Optionally, capture new patterns of test cases in the test ideas list (see Concept: Test Ideas).

More Information
Concepts