This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by elle richard

In this blog, we are gonna discuss everything you need to know about test case management and how you can make test case management easy with the TestGrid.io automation tool.

**What Is Test Case Management?
**Test case management is the process of managing testing activities to ensure high-quality and end-to-end testing of software applications.

To deliver a high-quality software application, the method entails organizing, controlling, and ensuring traceability and visibility of the testing process. In addition, it ensures that the software testing process is continuous as per your plan.
**
What are The Different Types of Test Cases?

01 Functionality Test Cases**

You may use the functionality test cases to determine whether or not an application’s interface communicates with the rest of the system and its users. The tests determine whether or not the software can perform the functions that you are expecting of it.

Cases are a type of black-box testing it uses the specifications or user stories of the software under test as its foundation. This enables the tests to continue even without requiring access to the workings or internal structures of the software under test. The QA team usually writes functionality test cases because the task falls within normal QA processes.

They can be written and executed as soon as development releases the first function for testing. If the tester only has access to the requirements, they can be written ahead of the code to help steer development.

As previously stated, they can be written and run as soon as it becomes feasible and should be repeated whenever updates are added, right up until customers become a possibility.

*#02 User Interface Test Cases
*
User interface test cases are used to ensure that specific components of the Graphical User Interface (GUI) look and function correctly. You can also use these test cases to detect cosmetic inconsistencies, grammar and spelling errors, links, and any other elements with which the user interacts or sees.

The testing team typically writes these cases, but the inclusion of the design team may also take because they are more familiar with the interface. For example, user interface test cases are types of software testing test cases that typically drive cross-browser testing. Because browsers render things differently, user interface test cases help ensure that your application behaves consistently across multiple browsers.

*#03 Performance Test Cases
*
Performance test cases validate an application’s response times and overall effectiveness. That is, how long does it take for the system to respond after acting? The success criteria for performance test cases should be very clear.

The testing team usually writes these test cases and is frequently automated. Hundreds of thousands of performance tests can be found in an extensive application. Automating and running these tests regularly helps expose scenarios where the application is not performing as expected.

Performance test cases aid in determining how the application will perform in practice. As the testing team receives performance requirements from the product team, these cases can be written. However, we can identify many performance issues manually even when no set conditions.

*#04 Usability Test Cases
*
Usability test cases are known as “tasks” or “scenarios.” Rather than detailed step-by-step instructions for carrying out the test, the tester is given a high-level scenario or task to complete.

Usability test cases assist in determining how a user approaches and uses the application naturally. They help the tester in navigating various situations and flows. You don’t require any prior knowledge of the application.

The design team typically prepares these test cases in collaboration with the testing team. However, you must perform usability testing before performing user acceptance testing.

*#05 Security Test Cases
*
Security test cases ensure that the application restricts actions and permissions as needed. These test cases are written to safeguard data when and where required.

Security test cases drive penetration testing and other security-based tests.

Authentication and encryption are frequently at the forefront of security test cases. The security team (if one exists) is usually in charge of writing and carrying out these tests.

*#06 Database Test Cases
*
Database testing test cases Investigate what’s going on behind the scenes. The user interface is spotless, and everything appears to be in working order… But where is all that information going?

To write these test cases, you must thoroughly understand the entire application and the database tables and stored procedures. For example, the testing team frequently uses SQL queries to create database test cases.

Database tests are used to ensure that the code has been written to store and handle data consistently and safely.

*#07 Integration Test Cases
*
Integration test cases are designed to determine how various modules interact. The primary goal of integration test cases is to ensure that the interfaces between the various modules are functional.

The testing team determines which areas should be subjected to integration testing, while the development team provides feedback on how the test cases should be written. Either of these two teams could report the issues.

They ensure that modules that are already working independently can also work together.

**How To Prepare Test Cases?

01 Use a Strong Title and Description

**
A strong title is the foundation of a good test case. As a best practice, name the test case along the same lines as the tested module.

For instance, if you’re trying the login page, include “Login Page” in the test case title; also, have a unique identifier in the test case’s header so that the identifier can be referenced instead of a long writing title.

The description should inform the tester of what they will test. At times, other relevant information, such as the test environment, test data, and preconditions, may be included in this section. The description should be easy to read and should communicate the high-level goal of the test right away.

*#02 Make it Reusable
*
A good test case is reusable and adds value to the software testing team in the long run. Keep this in mind when creating a test case. You can save time in the long run by reusing the test case rather than rewriting it.

*#03 Include the Expected Result
*
The expected result informs the tester of what to expect from the test steps. This is how the tester determines whether the test case “passes” or “fails.”

*#04 Keep the Test Steps Clear
*
Simple test cases should be used, and test cases should be written by keeping in mind that the person who registers the test case may not be the same person who runs the test. The test steps should include all of the necessary data and instructions on how to run the test. These are essential aspects of a test case. Keep this section brief and to the point, but don’t leave any important information. Instead, create the test case so that anyone can perform it.

*#05 Include Assumptions and Preconditions
*
Include assumptions that apply to the test and execute any preconditions before the test can be. This information may include which page the user should begin the trial on, test environment dependencies, and any special setup requirements that we need to complete before running the test. This information also aids in keeping the test steps brief and to the point.

**How Do You Manage Test Cases in Automation?

01 Plan Your Test Cases and Test Suites

**Before beginning test automation, the vital thing to do is plan your test cases and test suites. Beginning test automation without proper test case planning can result in uncertainty and unexpected results due to a lack of correct steps and test scenarios.

The planning of test cases and test suites are also essential for managing test assets for future use. When test plans are communicated to developers, it aids in prioritizing development and testing efforts in the right direction, eliminating unnecessary and less important processes.

*#02 Differentiate Test Objects
*
Differentiate between good and bad test objects for successful test automation projects. This will allow you to run tests more quickly, improve the testing process, and reduce costs and time spent on test design.

On the other hand, it will assist you in eliminating repetitive test execution, allowing you to spend more time on test design, driving repeatability of regression tests, and achieving better test coverage for good tests.

*#03 Centralise Your Test Assets
*
It is also critical to centralize your test assets through a common repository for faster and smoother access to manage your automated test projects effectively. Centralization of test assets will help you eliminate the overheads of distributed resources while also allowing you to share resources with development teams. You can also use centralization to organize your test assets to retain their integrity and reusability for future projects.

*#04 Validate and Remove Outdated Test Cases
*
Applications change over time to accommodate future requirements, which means you must validate and modify test cases to meet these requirements. Validity checks performed after each release or software update will also assist you in keeping your tests compatible.

In addition, test cases that are no longer compatible with the application must be removed. This will lower the cost of managing obsolete and unnecessary test cases while also simplifying future test executions.

*#05 Separate Test Architecture
*
Finally, keep your test architecture and libraries separate from your test automation tool. This will allow you to manage and document test cases clearly and efficiently with minimal effort. Separating the test architecture from the tool will also ensure reusability across projects, tools, and environments.

Consider all of the above test automation best practices to improve the effectiveness of your test automation management process. Please do so if you want to share anything about test management or automation.

**Features of Test Case Management Tool

01 Improve Software Quality**

Every software development company works for a better software quality goal: to create and deliver software that completely meets the tastes and preferences of its customers.

Test management tools help testers greatly because they tell us exactly where the bug is, how certain features work, and where a little extra finesse is required.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that software goes through a test management tool to assess its quality and efficiency.

*#02 Scalable Environment
*
Like any other avenue, software development must scale and improve its functions in accordance with market trends. For this to happen in the future, things must get moving in the backend to ensure users have a positive experience.

Test management tools, such as QA touch, provide expanding options such as unlimited test cases, unlimited test runs, unlimited project inclusion, and can accommodate more than 50 users, resulting in a scalable environment and a constant window of scope.

*#03 Secure Testing Data
*
There is no doubt about the security of the data processed with a test management tool. It will, indeed. Because of the ability to manage users and role-based access in sync, only a select few who have access card will view the data stored in the cloud.

Especially in data scams, test management tools secure data by utilizing the appropriate technological aspects.

*#04 Reduction In Repetitive Work
*
Work repetition can be very challenging. Most of the time, this occurs when one employee is unaware that another employee is working on resolving the issues. The use of a test management tool aids in the reduction of repetitive work.

For example, when the tools detect a bug, it automatically redirects it to the tester, developer, and anyone else who is working in the process. When this occurs, there should be no duplication of the same work, saving time and effort for employees.

*#05 Increases Team Productivity
*
Productivity is important because it contributes to increased output, increased sales, improved team morale, and many other benefits. Real change occurs only when the entire team is in sync with creating things rather than just reacting to tasks and issues.

Test management tools rely less on human resources and more on automation, freeing up time for the entire team to focus on goals and increase productivity.

3 Person Illustration showing test case management

*#06 Integration With Testing Platforms
*
Test management tools are well-designed to adapt and integrate with various other platforms. For example, to deliver better test results, issue trackers run quality test cases, aid in bug detection, and various other benefits.

With newer market developments and well-known industry players such as Slack, GitHub, Rally, Trac, and others, finding the right fit to collaborate for proper integration

*#07 Identify Bugs
*
Bugs can be both annoying and destructive. Regardless of the amount of time spent on testing and development, bugs can creep in during software development. With test management tools, identifying bugs is simplified.

As a result, testers can do it quickly without spending more time locating the issue, allowing developers to fix it on time.

*#08 AI Text Prediction
*
Only a few companies in the world of QA are delivering on this powerful feature of AI Text Prediction. QA touch, for example, has an AI feature that allows the QA team to reduce their effort and time in writing test cases by predicting text as they type.

What Should I Look For in a Test Case Management Tool?
**#01 Cost
**
First, select some tools from a list of all available tools based on your project budget. Using a commercial tool in a large organization is a good option if the budget allows it because it is simple to use and maintain.

Then it would be best if you decided how much you are willing to pay for licensing. You can easily determine by the time frame you require the tool. Many commercial tools also include a customized license in which you pay based on the features and duration of use that you choose.

*#02 Easy To Adopt
*
You can determine the success of any test management tool by how quickly and easily you and other users in your organization can adopt it. Some critical points to consider here are the training options available while you are just starting and the tool’s ease of use.

Another factor that facilitates adoption is the availability of integrations with other tools, which means you do not have to spend time developing custom integrations.

*#03 Multiple User Support
*
One of the primary reasons for moving away from Excel as a test management platform is the ability for multiple users to collaborate. However, tracking and security challenges arise when multiple users access the tool.

For example., one of the most important things to look for is whether the test management tool locks a specific test case when accessed so that two people cannot edit it simultaneously.

*#04 Productivity
*
Throughout the testing process, the tool should provide detailed and valuable information.

The tool’s test report should be able to tell you exactly where the test failed, saving you time in tracing and replicating the issue.

Furthermore, the tool should be capable of documenting testing strategies, maintaining test case versions, logging defects, linking user stories, planning test execution, and uploading videos/images.

The tool should track and update the list of application modules on which the tests are running and released reliably. It should also provide a repository that represents a single version of the truth to all stakeholders, ensuring that there are no requirements conflicts.

Most projects these days use the agile methodology, so the tool you choose should support it as well. For example, it helps user stories creation, sprints, scrum, velocity charts, reports, and so on.

*#05 Support And Training
*
Many test management tools have appealing features and benefits, but they appear to lag in proper Support.

Training test management tools and journey, training, and Support are equally important. For example, should they provide training guidance like videos or some guides? Will their Support guide you through specific features of their test management tool that will assist you in making better decisions?

Support is also essential when migrating from a legacy or comparable test management tool. For example, Timely support and training can make or break your test management journey.

*#06 Integration Support
*
The quality assurance ecosystem is completely changing by test automation. It assists teams in shifting left by running tests throughout the development cycle. In addition, it enables continuous testing or testing at each CI/CD pipeline stage.

Because of the growing importance of test automation, you really need a test management tool that can easily integrate with automation tools and other CI/CD Tools.

Make sure the tool you choose can manage test scripts both locally and on the host, as well as store test automation results.

If the tool supports Continuous Integration, the tests will automatically launch in response to predefined triggers such as commits and scheduled tasks.

Today, most teams use bug-tracking tools such as Jira, Bugzilla, Mantis, etc. Check to see if the tools you’ve shortlisted integrate with these bug-tracking apps or other SDLC apps.

The benefit of such integration is that users can easily link bugs to test case runs and gain advanced traceability.

Based on your requirements, you can establish an integration benchmark. For example, if you want the test management tool to support a variety of DevOps tools in your pipelines, such as version control tools, continuous integration tools, continuous testing and deployment tools, and monitoring applications.

Many modern test management tools have open APIs that you can use for customer support and integration. This allows you to programmatically perform any task and integrate your test repository with other tools or in-house systems.

*#07 Quality Analytics
*
Quality analytics and test reports provide Agile teams with actionable insights into project status and product readiness for go-to-market.

The tool you choose must have a sophisticated reporting function.

For example, the ability to generate a demand report. For example, a project team leader would like a report that shows the number of test cases executed per release or Defect by status for multiple projects. The best test management software provides user-defined custom reports in which users input the criteria for data generation.

Advanced reports provide agile teams with the desired customizations and flexibility in generating reports based on their data visualization requirements. For example, technical users may require a tool that supports SQL queries to create specific reports and features to obtain the desired information quickly

Conclusion
A QA organization’s backbone is test case management. To release software efficiently and confidently, you need robust and trusted test cases, whether the goal is to validate feature functionality or to ensure regressions do not slip through to end-users.

Many businesses find it challenging to create, maintain, and execute a robust library of high-quality test case suites. These teams frequently suffer from poor quality, coverage gaps, release bottlenecks, and missed opportunities to add value through testing.

Source:*This blog was originally posted on Testgrid*.)_

This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by elle richard