Shared steps refer to a set of well-defined and reusable test procedures or checkpoints that are common across multiple test cases within a software testing framework. These steps are created once and can be utilized across various test cases for different functionalities or scenarios. Shared steps help in the systematic and consistent execution of common activities or validations during the testing process, reducing redundancy and improving efficiency.
Shared steps are particularly useful in situations where multiple test cases require similar preconditions, setups, or verifications. By documenting these steps separately, test case designers can easily reference and include the shared steps into their specific test cases, eliminating the need to duplicate the instructions or verifications across different test cases. This promotes maintainability and improves consistency across the testing effort.
Using shared steps can streamline the testing process, as any updates or modifications to the shared steps automatically reflect in all the associated test cases. This ensures that any changes or enhancements in the execution flow or validation criteria can be easily applied across the entire set of test cases, saving effort and time. Additionally, shared steps encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among testers, as they provide a standardized and centralized approach to testing common functionalities.
In conclusion, shared steps are reusable test procedures or checkpoints that help in maintaining consistency, reducing duplication, and improving efficiency in software testing by providing a centralized set of instructions or validations that can be used across multiple test cases.
The word "shared steps" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two common words, "shared" and "steps".
"Shared" is the past participle of the verb "share", which originated from the Old English word "scearu", meaning a portion or division. It evolved through Middle English and Old Norse influences to become "share" in modern English, representing the act of giving a portion or participating in something together.
"Steps" is a noun that dates back to Middle English, derived from the Old English word "stæpe", which means to move by lifting the foot and setting it down elsewhere. It is related to the Old High German word "stapfo", meaning footprint or track.
The combination of these two words, "shared steps", implies the notion of taking steps or making progress together, often indicating a joint effort or collaboration in a particular endeavor.