How to Write Effective Test Cases – Real-time Examples Included

In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to write clear, reusable, and practical test cases, along with real-time examples and templates.

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📌 What Is a Test Case?

A test case is a set of actions executed to verify a particular feature or functionality of your software application. Each test case includes test steps, expected results, inputs, and actual results.

🎯 Why Are Effective Test Cases Important?

• ✅ Ensure coverage of all scenarios
• ✅ Help developers understand the issue clearly
• ✅ Speed up test execution and defect tracking
• ✅ Make regression testing easier
• ✅ Useful for training and future references

🧩 Components of a Good Test Case

Field	Description
Test Case ID	Unique identifier (e.g., TC_UI_001)
Test Case Title	Short, meaningful description
Pre-Conditions	Conditions that must be met before execution
Test Steps	Clear steps to perform the test
Test Data	Input data needed for the test
Expected Result	What should happen after execution
Actual Result	What actually happened
Status	Pass / Fail / In Progress
Remarks	Notes, screenshots, or references

📘 Real-Time Example: Login Functionality

Requirement: The User should be able to log in using a valid email and password. If credentials are invalid, show an error message.

✅ Test Case 1: Valid Login

• Test Case ID: TC_LOGIN_001
• Title: Login with valid credentials
• Pre-Condition: User already has a registered account
• Test Steps:
  1. Go to the Login page
  2. Enter a valid email
  3. Enter a valid password
  4. Click Login
• Test Data: Email: user@example.com | Password: 123456
• Expected Result: User should be redirected to the Dashboard
• Actual Result: (To be filled after testing)
• Status: Pass/Fail
• Remarks: Screenshot attached if it failed

❌ Test Case 2: Invalid Password

• Test Case ID: TC_LOGIN_002
• Title: Login with invalid password
• Pre-Condition: User already has a registered account
• Test Steps:
  1. Go to the Login page
  2. Enter a valid email
  3. Enter the wrong password
  4. Click Login
• Test Data: Email: user@example.com | Password: wrong123
• Expected Result: Error message: "Invalid credentials"
• Actual Result: (To be filled after testing)
• Status: Pass/Fail

🚫 Test Case 3: Blank Fields

• Test Case ID: TC_LOGIN_003
• Title: Login with blank email and password
• Pre-Condition: None
• Test Steps:
  1. Go to the Login page
  2. Leave email & password blank
  3. Click Login
• Expected Result: Validation error messages displayed
• Actual Result: (To be filled after testing)
• Status: Pass/Fail

✅ Tips for Writing Better Test Cases

• ✅ Keep test case steps simple and clear
• ✅ Use consistent naming conventions
• ✅ Focus on one functionality per test case
• ✅ Include positive & negative test scenarios
• ✅ Update your test cases regularly
• ✅ Add screenshots or references if needed
• ✅ Avoid repetition – use shared preconditions

🧪 Additional Scenarios to Cover (Same Login Module)

• Log in with an unregistered email
• Log in with SQL injection attempt
• The login button is disabled without input
• Login page responsiveness on mobile
• Session timeout after login

👋 Hi, I'm Suriya — QA Engineer with 4+ years of experience in manual, API & automation testing.

📬 Contact Me | LinkedIn | GitHub

📌 Follow for: Real-Time Test Cases, Bug Reports, Selenium Frameworks.