Test Cases vs. Test Scenario

Attribute	Test Cases	Test Scenario
Definition	A set of conditions or variables under which a tester will determine whether a system under test satisfies requirements or works correctly.	A sequence of steps that represent a use case or a business function that a system needs to perform.
Scope	Focuses on specific test conditions, inputs, and expected results for individual functionalities or features.	Encompasses a broader perspective, covering end-to-end testing of a particular business process or user journey.
Granularity	Can be more detailed and specific, targeting specific aspects of a system's behavior or functionality.	Can be more high-level and abstract, focusing on the overall flow and interactions within a system.
Reusability	Can be reused across different test scenarios or regression testing cycles.	May not be as easily reusable due to its specific nature tailored to a particular scenario.
Independence	Can be executed independently of other test cases.	May depend on other test scenarios to cover end-to-end testing of a system.

Definition

Test cases and test scenarios are both essential components of software testing, but they serve different purposes. A test case is a detailed set of conditions or variables under which a tester will determine whether a system under test satisfies requirements or works correctly. It includes preconditions, inputs, actions, and expected results. On the other hand, a test scenario is a high-level description of a test, outlining the scope, objectives, and approach. It does not provide detailed steps like a test case.

Granularity

One key difference between test cases and test scenarios is the level of granularity. Test cases are more granular and specific, focusing on individual functionalities or features of the software. Each test case typically tests a single aspect of the system, making it easier to pinpoint issues. In contrast, test scenarios are broader and cover multiple functionalities or features. They provide a holistic view of how the system behaves under different conditions.

Reusability

Test cases are often designed to be reusable across different test scenarios. Once a test case is created and validated, it can be used in multiple scenarios to verify different aspects of the software. This reusability helps save time and effort in test design and execution. On the other hand, test scenarios are usually specific to a particular testing objective and may not be easily reusable for other scenarios. They are more tailored to the specific requirements being tested.

Complexity

Test cases tend to be more complex than test scenarios due to their detailed nature. They include specific steps, inputs, and expected outcomes, making them more time-consuming to create and execute. Test cases are essential for thorough testing of individual functionalities and edge cases. Test scenarios, on the other hand, are simpler and provide a high-level overview of the testing process. They are useful for planning and organizing testing activities without getting bogged down in the details.

Traceability

Traceability is crucial in software testing to ensure that all requirements are covered by tests. Test cases offer a high level of traceability as each case is linked to specific requirements or user stories. This makes it easy to track which requirements have been tested and which ones are pending. Test scenarios, on the other hand, may not provide the same level of traceability since they are more general in nature. It can be challenging to map test scenarios back to specific requirements.

Automation

Test cases are often the primary candidates for automation in software testing. Automated test cases can be executed quickly and repeatedly, saving time and effort in regression testing. Test cases are designed with automation in mind, with clear steps and expected results that can be easily scripted. Test scenarios, on the other hand, may not be as suitable for automation due to their high-level nature. Automating test scenarios may require breaking them down into smaller, more detailed test cases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, test cases and test scenarios are both essential components of software testing, each serving a unique purpose. Test cases are detailed, specific, and granular, focusing on individual functionalities and edge cases. They offer high traceability and are often reusable for different scenarios. Test scenarios, on the other hand, provide a high-level overview of testing objectives and approaches. They are broader, less detailed, and may not be as suitable for automation. Both test cases and test scenarios play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of software applications.