Test Case Vs Test Script

A software product is created to fulfill certain requirements of a business or a user. However, to verify that the developed product can meet the specific criteria, thorough testing of the software is necessary.

To determine whether the software is a high-quality product, every feature component, and functionality of the software needs to work up to and beyond expectations. Moreover, software must be free from bugs and other issues, and its performance should be flawless.

All of these are validated using various types of testing methods. Some of these concepts are often compared and analyzed to determine which one would work better in a software testing process.

In this article, we are going to talk about two such testing methods; test cases and test scripts. So, let's dive right in.

Test Case

A document focusing on testing a particular software feature is called a test case. The QA team usually selects the feature and prepares the different types of test cases for it. This test case consists of some specific testing elements along with expected results, preconditions, short test description, test ID, test steps, real results, and more

A test case is mostly prepared for the tests that are conducted manually. After the tests are completed, the expected and real test results are compared to determine if the particular software feature has passed the test or failed.

A test case acts as a guide for the testing teams for what needs to be tested and how. It helps them focus on their upcoming testing assignments. Additionally, if the test case is followed accurately then they contribute to accomplishing a good test coverage.

Advantages of Test Case

• Helps the testers focus on their testing goals and assignments.

• Helps understand how a particular software feature should work

• Ensure a good test coverage

• Acts as a guide to the test

Test Script

A set of instructions that are intended to test whether a software functionality works as per expectations is called a test script. When a testing team conducts automated tests, these tests are based on a specific test script.

Different types of programming languages are used to write a test script. A tester will write a script for an automation tool which later on performs the test based on that script.

In a way, you can say that all the benefits of automated tests are gained because of a test script because, without the scripts, the tests wouldn't be possible. Implementing test scripts significantly reduces the testing time. The test scripts are also reusable.

Advantages of Test Script

• Validates the software functionality

• Helps meet business and user requirements

• The performance and efficiency of an automated test is enhanced

• Reusable

Comparing Test Case and Test Script

	Test case	Test script
Definition	A test case is a document prepared particularly for testing a specific software feature by a QA team.	It is a set of instructions that a QA team prepares to test the working of a particular software functionality.
Purpose	To assist the testing team with what they are testing and make them aware of the expected results.	The automated tests are conducted based on the script’s requirements.
Language	Written in English or the language of the tester	Written in a programming language
Testing environments	Manual	Automated
Time	Consumes a lot of time and resources	Takes less time in comparison to test cases
Format	Created in the form of templates	Created in the form of scriptings
Coverage	End-to-end coverage with assumed data types	A single script is reusable to run tests with various types of data

Final words

A software development process comprises various stages and every one of them is crucial for the success of the project. Of all the stages, only testing can verify or measure the quality of the developed product.

A developer or a QA analyst has to get familiar with various types of tests, concepts, and testing terms. Because they are tasked with the selection of a methodology, they might have to pick one over another. Extensive field knowledge and experience make the decision-making process easier.

One common comparison is made between test cases and test scripts. Both of them are tasked to test specific aspects of software but they have different methodologies and are performed under distinct environments. It is the responsibility of QA analysts, project managers, and product owners to determine which one of these methods can help fulfill their software testing requirements. I hope this article helps you make an informed decision.