The ABCs of Writing Test Cases.
Hello there, future coding whiz!
Let's dive into the super cool world of writing test cases. It's like being a detective for computer programs, making sure they do what they're supposed to do.
Exciting, right?
Writing test cases in plain language or pseudocode is crucial for effective software development.
Here's a step-by-step guide with examples in pseudocode and Python:
Step 1: Understand the Functionality.
Imagine you have a magical box that can add two numbers together. You want to make sure it works perfectly every time. That's the job of a test!
Problem: Let's say you want to test a calculator function that adds two numbers.
Imagine you have a magical box that can add two numbers together. Then you want it to work perfectly every time. That's the job of a test.
Problem: Let's say you want to test a calculator function that adds two numbers.
Example of Pseudocode in Python:
Function: AddNumbers
Input: First number, Second number
Output: Result
Example Test:
Set First number to 5
Set Second number to 3
Calculate Result by adding First number and Second number
Check if Result is 8
If yes, say "Great job! The calculator adds numbers correctly!"
If no, say "Uh-oh! Something is wrong. The calculator needs fixing."
Example in Python:
def test_add_numbers():
# Test Case
first_number = 5
second_number = 3
result = add_numbers(first_number, second_number)
assert result == 8, "The calculator should add numbers correctly."
#Calculator function
def add_numbers(a, b):
return a + b
Run the test:
test_add_numbers()
In simple terms, you're telling the computer, "Hey, if I give you 5 and 3, you should give me back 8." It's like checking if your magical box adds numbers just the way you want it to!
Step 2: Identify Test Scenarios
Now, let's pretend we're making a secret plan to test our magic machine. We want to be sure it adds numbers correctly.
In our secret plan language (pseudocode), it might look like this:
Function AddNumbers(a, b):
Assert(AddNumbers(2, 3) == 5)
Assert(AddNumbers(-1, 1) == 0)
In Python, it's like writing a spy code:
def test_add_numbers():
assert add_numbers(2, 3) == 5
assert add_numbers(-1, 1) == 0
Step 3: Define Input and Expected Output
Let's set up our test by telling the magic machine what numbers to add and what answers we expect. It's like giving it a challenge!
Input: a=2, b=3
Expected Output: 5
In Python, it looks like this:
def test_add_numbers():
assert add_numbers(2, 3) == 5
Step 4: Execute the Test
It's time to put our plan into action!
In pseudocode:
Execute Test AddNumbers
And in Python, we do it this way:
if name == "main":
test_add_numbers()
Step 5: Check for Edge Cases
Now, let's be extra sneaky and check if our magic machine handles some tricky situations, like adding zero to zero.
In pseudocode:
Function AddNumbers(a, b):
Assert(AddNumbers(0, 0) == 0)
In Python:
def test_add_numbers():
assert add_numbers(0, 0) == 0
Step 6: Review and Refine
After our secret mission, we review the results and make our plan even better! It's like fine-tuning a treasure map.
Review Test Results Refine Test Scenarios In Python:
def test_add_numbers():
assert add_numbers(2, 3) == 5
assert add_numbers(-1, 1) == 0
assert add_numbers(0, 0) == 0
And there you have it, You've just learned the art of testing with secret plans, spy codes, and magic machines. Keep exploring, and maybe one day you'll have your coding adventures!
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Written by
Barasa Jnr.
Barasa Jnr.
I am a self-starter with strong interpersonal skills working efficiently as an individual contributor and with a team. I seek new challenges and try to think out of the box while looking for creative solutions to a given problem.