Difference Between Test Cases and Test Scenarios

The main difference between test cases and test scenarios is that test cases are specific instructions for testing an application's function. Meanwhile, test scenarios describe how a function should work.

When we talk about software testing, two terms often pop up: Test Cases and Test Scenarios. While these terms may seem similar, they differ significantly in detail and focus. The primary difference between test cases and test scenarios lies in the level of detail and focus. 

Test Cases are about the 'how' - they provide the exact steps for testing each part of a feature. Test Scenarios are about the 'what' - they identify the features or functions that need testing but leave the specific 'how' more open. Test Cases are like a detailed guide, while Test Scenarios are more like a summary or an objective.

Table of Contents (TOC)

• Test Cases and Test Scenarios: Comparison Table
• What is a Test Case?
• Test Case Example
• Best Practices for Creating Test Cases
• What is a Test Scenario?
• Test Scenario Example
• Best Practices for Creating Test Scenarios
• Real-Life Examples of Test Cases and Test Scenarios
• Key Differences Between Test Cases and Test Scenarios

Test Cases and Test Scenarios: Comparison Table 

What is a Test Case?

A Test Case is a set of actions executed to verify a particular feature or functionality of a software application. In lay terms, it is like a blueprint for testers that instructs - how to test each small part of a software feature. Each Test Case includes:

• Preconditions: What needs to be in place before you start testing?
• Test Steps: Exact steps you need to follow to carry out the test.
• Expected Results: What the outcome should be if the function works correctly.

Test Case Example

Scenario: Testing the login functionality of a social media app. 

• Preconditions: The user must be registered. 
• Test Steps: 
• Step 1: Enter a valid username and password. 
• Step 2: Click the login button. 
• Expected Result: The user logs in successfully and is redirected to the dashboard.

Test Case Best Practices

Here are the five best practices for creating test cases:

• Link each test case to specific requirements for clarity and relevance.
• Write transparent, user-focused test cases for straightforward execution.
• Regularly update test cases, including positive and negative conditions.
• Avoid repetition; each test case should uniquely validate a function.
• Ensure test cases are identifiable and check all specified software requirements.

What is a Test Scenario?

A Test Scenario is a high-level overview of what needs to be tested in an app or software. Unlike the detailed Test Case, it's more about the objective or goal, focusing on the end goal rather than the detailed process.

In layman’s terms, a test scenario answers a single query, "What features or functions of the application should we test?" but doesn't break down the steps to do so. These are drawn from test artifacts like Business Requirement Specifications (BRS) and System Requirement Specifications (SRS).

Test Scenario Example

Scenario: Validate the payment process in an e-commerce application. 

This scenario checks the complete payment process's functionality. But doesn't specify individual steps like - card details entry, OTP verification, payment confirmation, etc.

Test Scenario Best Practices

Here are the five best practices for creating test scenarios:

• Keep test scenarios simple, focusing on entire functionality coverage (functional testing).
• Ensure each scenario is a clear, single-line statement of the test objective.
• Regularly review scenarios to verify whether they reflect real user needs and risks.
• Prioritize scenarios based on application complexity and stakeholder requirements.
• Accumulate necessary tools and resources before testing begins for efficiency.

Real-Life Examples of Test Cases and Test Scenarios

Until now, you must have grasped the difference between test cases and test scenarios. If not, here's a real-life example to help you understand better.

Test Case: Consider a banking application where a Test Case might involve verifying the functionality of a fund transfer. It will include steps like - login, account selection, entering the transfer amount, authentication, confirmation, etc.. 

Test Scenario: For the same banking application, a Test Scenario could be "Test the fund transfer feature," encompassing an overall functionality check. But without delving into the specific steps.

Here are the key differences:

• Test Cases verify specific features or functions through a series of actions, while Test Scenarios assess broader functionalities.
• Test Cases typically stem from Test Scenarios, whereas Test Scenarios are derived from documents like Business and System Requirement Specifications.
• Test Cases detail the aspects of 'what' and 'how' to test, whereas Test Scenarios primarily focus on 'what' to test.
• Test Cases involve detailed, specific actions (low-level), contrasting with the broader, general actions (high-level) in Test Scenarios.
• Test Cases demand more resources and time for execution, unlike Test Scenarios, which are more resource and time-efficient.

Conclusion

Test Cases outline the testing strategy, process, preconditions, and outcomes. They resemble a recipe, giving instructions for testing each software feature. Conversely, Test Scenarios classify features or functions for testing (what features or functions need testing). They provide a broader view, similar to a menu. Outlining what dishes (features) are available without detailing the specific ingredients or preparation steps.