Test Scenario – Everything You Need to Know

A test scenario is a documentation of a use case. Simply put, it describes an action a user might undertake with an app or a website. It could also represent a situation in which the person might find themselves when using the tech product.

In this blog, I will talk about what is a test scenario. You will see good test scenarios examples and know about some templates that you can use. So, let’s get started.

What is a Test Scenario?

Test Scenarios are developed to ensure that each functionality an app or software offers is working as expected. The best thing to do here is to get input from stakeholders, clients, and developers. This is to create accurate and real test scenarios. This helps in covering all possible scenarios effectively. It also enables thorough testing of all business flows of the product/software in question. 

Test scenarios are essential to evaluate the system performance from the user’s perspective. When creating these scenarios, testers should imagine themselves as actual users. This can help identify the real-world situations the software will need to manage once it is released. 

When and why should the Test Scenario be used?

A test scenario is a general view of the things that need to be tested. It helps in the below ways: 

• Accurately assesses the project's current state. 
• Provides adequate test coverage before launching a product is necessary. 
• helps to understand the full scope of work and set priorities. 

This approach allows us to test all key elements and identify bugs early on. This ensures that users will not encounter significant issues after the release.

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Advantages of Test Scenario

I have come across many benefits of preparing and using test scenarios for the software testing process.

• It can help you save time. A test scenario does not require as detailed a description as a test case; a one-line description will suffice. 
• Test Scenario makes sure that all the key functionalities are tested. It is essential for large applications that will scale in the future. 
• It reduces the likelihood of mistakes. Test scenarios are typically written after brainstorming, so the likelihood of missing any behaviour is low. 
• In a few cases, a Test Scenario is the ideal option. But there are a few where it will not work. Let me help you with both- 

When to use Test Scenario

• Full Functionality Check: You can use it to examine the complete functionality of the application.
• Scope Determination: When you need to quickly determine the scope of testing work and prioritize it, this documentation can come in handy.
• User Behaviour Analysis: It is useful if you need to think about and simulate user behaviour.
• When not to use Test Scenario: It is advised not to go for it if you do not have much time. Also, this high-level description is not useful if the site or application is unstable.

How to create a Test Scenario?

If you are a tester, then in my opinion you should follow the below steps. They will help in creating test scenarios-

1. Know the requirements: Before making test scenarios, you must fully understand the software's requirements. This involves analysing both the functional and non-functional aspects. You need to also clearly define the scope of testing.

2. Pick the right testing technique: There are several testing techniques to consider. This includes-black-box testing, white-box testing and gray-box testing. Selecting the suitable method depends on the specific characteristics of your software application. Also, take into account the kind of testing you need to conduct.

3. Define the objective of the test: Clearly articulate your objectives for each Test Scenario. This clarity will help you craft-focused and concise scenarios.

4. Write the scenario steps: You need to break down the scenario into clear and easy-to-follow steps. Make sure to include all key actions and decisions the application needs to make based on different inputs. Use simple language to ensure it is understandable.

5. Identify the expected outcome: For each step, pinpoint the anticipated outcome. This approach will assist you in confirming the application’s behaviour is correct during testing.

6. Prioritize the Scenario: You need to sort the scenario based on its criticality. Consider their importance and potential impact on the application. This way, you can focus on the most critical scenarios first. This ensures efficient use of your testing resources.

7. Review and update: It is wise to evaluate the test scenarios often. Update them to match changes in the software or new requirements. This practice ensures that your test scenarios stay relevant and accurate. It keeps your testing process effective and up-to-date.

Test Scenarios Examples

Here I will provide Test Scenario examples that will help you- 

Let us take a look at an e-commerce site and Test a scenario related to its login page. 

Test Scenario 1- Check the functionality of Log in. 

• You must ask the following questions in such a scenario- 
• Can the user successfully log in using a valid email address and password?
• What is the outcome when an invalid email address and a valid password are entered?
• What happens when a valid email address is entered along with an invalid password?
• What occurs when both an invalid email address and an invalid password are provided?
• What happens if both the email address and password fields are left blank and the Login button is clicked?
• Is the “Forgot Password?” option functioning as expected?
• Are all the links on the page working correctly?

Test Scenario 2- Let me help you look at a detailed example of a Test scenario-

1. User Registration

• Verify that users can successfully make a new account using valid credentials.
• Next, you need to confirm that users are prevented from creating an account with invalid or duplicate credentials.
• Also, you should verify that users are redirected to the appropriate page after a successful registration.

2. Placing an order for food 

• See if the users can add food items to their cart and move to the checkout process.
• Do assess if the app accurately shows the total cost of the order. This should include taxes and fees.
• Verify that users have the choice to modify or cancel their order before it is finalized.
• Verify that users receive a confirmation of their order and an ETA.

3. Delivery Tracking 

• Verify that users can look at the status of their order from preparation to delivery.
• Check that the app shows the driver’s location and provides an estimated arrival time.
• Also examine if users have the option to contact the driver or restaurant for any issues related to their order.

4. Payment processing 

• The users should be able to securely add and manage their payment methods.
• Evaluate if the app processes payments accurately and generates a receipt for the transaction.
• Check that the users can dispute any unauthorized payments or errors in their payment history.

5. User Feedback 

• Users should be able to evaluate and rate restaurants and delivery partners.
• The app needs to show the average reviews and ratings for each of the eatery.
• Also, testers will check if users can report any problems with their order. 

These scenarios cover the main functions and features of a food delivery app. They make sure the app is running smoothly and user friendly. The test scenario should aid testers in checking for every user action possible. It should ensure you get the desired result. 

Test Scenario Template

As per my experience, a Test Scenario Template can have the below mentioned fields- 

Module: Refers to the specific part or component of the application.

RequirementId: This optional field can be linked to the SRS (Software Requirements Specification)

TestScenariold: This field serves as the identifier for the test scenarios.

Description: Provides an overview of the test scenario's purpose and objectives.

Test Scenario Vs. Test Case Vs. Test Script

To Conclude 

Test scenarios are a crucial part of the overall software checking mechanism. They help ensure that all key functionalities are covered and tested from the user’s perspective. Creating effective test scenarios involves understanding requirements and identifying test objectives. Also brainstorming scenarios and refining them through feedback. You can go for an Automation Testing Course to understand it in detail. 

FAQs

1. Who can write test scenarios?

The QA engineers or testers are tasked with the responsibility of writing test scenarios. They work with stakeholders and developers when preparing this document. They do this to understand the requirements and make good test scenarios.

2. How to write test scenarios?

Writing test scenarios involve:

• Understanding the requirements.

• Identifying test objectives.

• Brainstorming possible user interactions.

• Prioritizing the scenarios.

• Writing them in clear and simple language

.Reviewing and refining the scenarios with stakeholders is also crucial.

3. What does a test scenario contain?

A test scenario typically contains:

• A unique identifier.

• A brief description of the scenario.

• Pre-conditions.

• Test steps.

• Expected results.

• Actual results (filled out during testing).

• Any additional comments or observations. 

4. How to do scenario-based testing?

In scenario-based testing, you execute the test scenarios. Here, the tester will aim to assess whether that software works as per the end user expectation. They follow the checking steps as given in the scenarios. They compare the actual results with the expected results and write down any discrepancies or issues.

5. What is the test scenario vs the test suit?

A test scenario is a high-level description of what to test. A test suite is a collection of test cases or scenarios grouped together for testing. A test suite will come in handy for managing multiple test scenarios or test cases. This makes it easier for the tester to execute and track the checking activities.