The spelling of "test case" can be a bit confusing as it involves some uncommonly pronounced sounds in the English language. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /tɛst keɪs/. The first syllable "tɛst" is pronounced with a short "e" sound, followed by the "s" sound. The second syllable "keɪs" is pronounced with a long "a" sound and the "s" sound again. "Test case" is commonly used in software testing and refers to a set of conditions or variables designed to test the functionality of a program or system.
A test case is a specific set of conditions or circumstances designed to verify the functionality, behavior, or performance of a software application. It is a detailed plan that outlines the steps to follow, the input values to be used, and the expected output to be obtained. Test cases are created to ensure that all aspects of the software are thoroughly tested, faults and bugs are detected, and the software meets the requirements and specifications defined by the client.
A test case typically consists of a test objective, a test environment, a set of preconditions, a set of test inputs, and the expected results. It may also include additional information like test data, expected outcomes, and specific instructions or steps to execute the test. Test cases can be categorized into different types based on their purpose, such as functional test cases, performance test cases, security test cases, and usability test cases.
Test cases are an integral part of the software testing process as they help ensure that the software functions as intended and meets the desired quality standards. They are created by software testers or quality assurance professionals based on the requirements and specifications provided. Test cases may be executed manually by following the defined steps or automated using specialized testing tools. The results obtained from executing test cases assist in identifying and fixing defects, improving the software's reliability, and ensuring a more robust and error-free application.
The word "test case" is composed of two distinct parts, each with its own etymology:
1. Test: The term "test" has its origins in Old French, from the Latin word "testum" meaning "earthen vessel" or "piece of earthenware". This Latin term evolved to refer to a vessel used for melting metals to determine their quality, which eventually led to the notion of testing or examining something to ascertain its value or quality.
2. Case: The word "case" derives from the Old French term "cas", which comes from the Latin word "casus" meaning "fall" or "event". It later expanded to signify a particular instance or situation.
When combined, "test case" refers to a specific instance or situation that is executed to assess or verify the behavior or functionality of a system, program, or process.