End-to-end testing is an essential part of the software development process. It’s also known as “e2e” testing. It involves testing an application from start to finish. This ensures it performs as expected in a real-world scenario.
This blog post will dive into the core and edge test cases in e2e testing. It provides examples to help you better understand their importance.
Understanding these test cases will help ensure your application is thoroughly tested. This will make it ready for deployment.
What are core test cases?
Core test cases are the most critical tests in the end-to-end testing. In the e2e testing process, the core test cases are typically run early on, as they are important for identifying any major issues or defects that could prevent the system from being used as intended. Once the core test cases have been run and any issues have been identified and resolved, additional test cases can be run to test more specific functionality and edge cases.The tests ensure that the product’s core functionality works correctly. These tests focus on the key features and functionality of the product.
Examples of core test cases
- Login/logout functionality
- Adding items to a shopping cart
- Searching for a specific item
- Submitting a form or application
- Sending and receiving messages or emails
Importance of covering core functionality in e2e testing
You must test a product’s core functionality. This is because these are the features that users rely on the most. Suppose these features are not working correctly. It can severely impact the user experience and the product’s overall success.
Tips for testing the core functionality
- Prioritize testing core functionality first
- Make sure all core test cases are thoroughly covered
- Ensure that all core test cases are reliable and repeatable
- Remember to test negative scenarios for core functionality as well.
What are edge test cases?
Edge test cases test the boundaries or limits of a system. They push the system to its limits. This ensures it can handle extreme or unexpected inputs and conditions.
Examples of edge test cases
- Testing the system with a large volume of data
- Testing the system with a long list of input parameters
- Testing the system with invalid or unexpected input
- Testing the system with a high number of concurrent users
- Testing the system in extreme environments (e.g., high or low temperatures)
Importance of covering edge cases in e2e testing
Edge cases help ensure the system is robust and can handle various inputs and conditions. This is especially important in mission-critical systems. Here, even a small failure can have serious consequences.
How to prioritize test cases
In e2e testing, knowing which test cases to prioritize is vital. It can differentiate between a smooth and chaotic testing process.
Here are some key factors to consider when prioritizing test cases. We’ve also provided a few tried-and-true techniques to help you get organized.
Consider the impact of each test case.
How important is it that this test case is run? If a particular test case is likely to reveal a major bug or issue, it should be prioritized higher.
Assess the likelihood of each test case uncovering an issue.
Some test cases may be more likely to reveal problems than others. These should also be given higher priority.
Use the MoSCoW method.
The MoSCoW technique categorizes test cases as either Must-haves, Should-haves, Could-haves, or Won’t-haves. Must-haves are the most important and should be prioritized first. Should-haves follow this, and so on.
Follow these rules
- Start with the most critical test cases.
- Test the most crucial functionality first.
- Test the most used functionality.
- Test the least used functionality.
Best practices for creating e2e test cases
Creating effective end-to-end test cases is crucial. It ensures the quality and reliability of your software. Here are some best practices to follow when creating e2e test cases:
Ensuring Test Cases are Well-Documented
When creating end-to-end (e2e) test cases, it’s essential to ensure they are well-documented. This means providing clear and concise descriptions of each test case. Also, provide the steps needed to execute it. Proper documentation lets your team understand each test case’s purpose and expected outcome. It also highlights how they can run it.
Well-documented test cases are also easier to maintain. Clear documentation can make the process much smoother. This is especially true in a test case that needs to be updated or modified.
Creating Test Cases that are Easy to Maintain
It’s not enough to ensure that test cases are well-documented. Designing them in a way that makes them easy to maintain is crucial. This means avoiding overly complex test cases. They shouldn’t also rely on specific internal implementations prone to change.
Instead, focus on creating test cases that test the system’s overall functionality. They shouldn’t focus on specific implementation details. This helps ensure that your test cases remain effective as the system evolves.
Avoiding Duplication of Test Cases
Another best practice for creating e2e test cases is to avoid duplication. This means not creating multiple test cases that test the same functionality. This can waste time and resources. It can also lead to confusion and inconsistencies in the testing process.
To avoid duplication, review your existing test cases before creating new ones. Suppose you discover duplicate test cases. Then consider consolidating them into a single, more comprehensive test case.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between core and edge test cases is essential. It leads to effective end-to-end testing. Teams can ensure a thorough and efficient testing process by prioritizing core functionality. They should also consider edge cases as additional tests.
