How can you make your test cases understandable for everyone?

You can use a Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) format for writing test cases. Structure your test cases using the Given-When-Then format, which consists of three sections: Given: Describe the preconditions or initial state of the system. When: Specify the actions or events that trigger the behavior being tested. Then: Define the expected outcomes or results of the test scenario.

While writing a testcase, we should write with a mindset that it can be executed by anyone. Few things to be taken into consideration are - 1. Use industry standard format. 2. Use industry / generalized jargon. 3. Use simple and clear language. 4. Clearly defined steps and expected results. 5. Use testdata wherever applicable. 6. Use examples while explaining complex calculations.

Use a Standard Format: Standardizing the format of your test cases helps make them consistent and easily digestible for everyone involved. A typical format may include sections for test case ID, description, test steps, expected results, actual results, and remarks. This consistency aids in comprehension and streamlines communication.

Test case ID: An interesting identifier for each test case. Rundown: A concise depiction of the test case, what it's attempting to accomplish. Pre-conditions: The conditions that should be met before the test can be run. For instance, the framework should be going, and the client should be signed in. Test steps: A reasonable and succinct rundown of the steps engaged with running the test. Each step ought to be significant and straightforward. Anticipated results: The normal result of each test step. Actual results: The actual results acquired when the test was run. Post-conditions: Any steps that should be stepped through after the examination is run, like logging out of the framework or tidying up test information.

Using a standard format means following a consistent structure or layout when presenting information. This helps make the information easier to read and understand, as the audience knows what to expect and where to find specific details. A standard format can include headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists to organize information in a logical manner. By using a standard format, you can improve the clarity and readability of your documents, making it easier for everyone to access and understand the information presented.

Write test cases using clear and concise language that is easy to understand for all stakeholders, including developers, testers, product owners, and business analysts. Avoid technical jargon or ambiguous terms that may confuse or misinterpret the intended steps.

Test case content has to be clear and simple, it should not cause any kind of doubt to the reader, it should not be complicated, it should not give you the opportunity to think in a different way. Test cases needs to be direct, and everyone that reads this test should think and execute it in the same way. Always.

Utilize Clear and Simple Language: Avoid technical jargon or overly complex language in your test cases. Use terminology that is easily understood by all stakeholders, including developers, testers, and project managers. Clear and concise language enhances comprehension and reduces the likelihood of misinterpretation.

Here are a few ways to involve clear and straightforward language in your test cases: Utilize short sentences and straightforward language. Characterize any specialized terms that you should utilize. Utilize dynamic voice rather than uninvolved voice. Utilize positive explanations whenever the situation allows. Edit your test cases cautiously for any mistakes or syntactic blunders.

Using clear and simple language means communicating in a way that is easy for everyone to understand, regardless of their background or expertise. It involves avoiding technical jargon and using plain language that is familiar to the audience. Clear and simple language helps ensure that your message is easily understood, reducing the risk of confusion or misunderstanding. It is especially important in technical documentation, instructions, and communication to make complex concepts more accessible to a wider audience.

Using comments and screenshots wisely can enhance the clarity and understanding of your documentation or instructions. Comments should provide additional context or explanations for complex or critical steps in your code or documentation. They should be concise and relevant, helping readers understand the purpose or logic behind the code or instructions. Screenshots can be used to visually illustrate concepts, steps, or results, making it easier for readers to follow along.

Comments and screenshots provide additional context and clarity for complex steps, use comments to explain specific details or expected behaviors that might not be obvious from the main instructions. Include screenshots to visually represent expected results or complex user interfaces and don't overuse comments or screenshots as they should be targeted to clarify specific areas, not replace clear explanations.

Incorporate Comments and Screenshots: Comments within test cases can provide valuable context and clarification. Explain the rationale behind certain test steps or highlight important details. Additionally, include screenshots or visual aids when applicable to further illustrate the expected behavior or outcome. This visual representation enhances understanding and reduces ambiguity.

Here are a few guidelines for utilizing remarks and screen captures in your test cases: Use remarks to make sense of intricate steps or to provide extra data that isn't fundamental for understanding the essential progression of the test case. Use screen captures to outline explicit UI components or to show the normal way of behaving of the framework. Avoid utilizing remarks or screen captures to rehash data that is as of now archived in the test case itself.

Detailing the test cases which are understandable for everyone is crucial for testing the application and it's not tangeable as well. Keep in mind that before executing the testcases one need to understand the application/feature as a whole. So, create one pager document for the application or the product to get the gist of the application overview. Detailing the test cases in such a way that anyone can understand the steps and the expected results. Better way is to have the mind maps for all the features, so that any team can navigate to the application and validate the functionality.

Provide Examples and Personal Experiences: Supplement your test cases with examples or anecdotes from personal experience. Sharing real-world scenarios can help others relate to the test cases and grasp their significance more effectively. Drawing from personal experiences also adds authenticity and relevance to the testing process.