How can you ensure test cases are executed in the correct order?

1 Prioritize test cases

One of the simplest ways to ensure test cases are executed in the correct order is to prioritize them based on their importance, risk, or complexity. You can use a numerical or alphabetical scale, or a simple high-medium-low classification, to assign a priority level to each test case. Then, you can sort the test cases by their priority, and execute them from the highest to the lowest. This way, you can ensure that the most critical and dependent test cases are executed first, and the less important and independent ones are executed later.

3 Sequence test cases

A more advanced way to ensure test cases are executed in the correct order is to sequence them based on their dependencies, preconditions, or postconditions. You can use a diagram, a table, or a tool, to map out the relationships and dependencies between the test cases. Then, you can execute the test cases following the sequence that is defined by the diagram, table, or tool. This way, you can ensure that the test cases that require the output or outcome of other test cases are executed after them, and the test cases that provide the input or setup for other test cases are executed before them.

4 Automate test cases

A final way to ensure test cases are executed in the correct order is to automate them using a scripting language, a framework, or a tool. You can write code or use graphical user interfaces, to create automated test scripts that execute the test cases according to your specifications. Then, you can run the automated test scripts using a scheduler, a trigger, or a command, to execute the test cases in a consistent and repeatable manner. This way, you can ensure that the test cases are executed in the correct order without any human intervention or error.