The use case test: what is it and how to use it

In this blog we are going to talk about the use case test and how to use it. The test is used to verify that the requirements listed in the use case are met. The test can also be used to help clarify the requirements and find defects. Read on if you want to know all about the software test!

schedule 30 mei 2022
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What is use case testing?

A use case is a scenario that defines how a system is used by actors, including their goals and interactions with the system. Use cases can be written for individual actors or for groups of actors. They can also be written for specific purposes, such as testing or documentation. Use case testing is thus the testing of these scenarios.

Curious about other software testing techniques? Discover the different testing techniques here!

White box cases and Black box cases

There are two main types of use cases: White box and Black box. White box use cases focus on the internal structure of the system and Black box use cases focus on the functionality of the system.

White box testing

White box testing is thus based on knowledge of the internal code structure of the software being tested. White box testing is more efficient because it can be focused on specific parts of the code. However, it requires a detailed knowledge of the code, which can be difficult to obtain.

Black box testing

Black box testing, on the other hand, has a more objective approach, focusing on the functionality of the software from the user's point of view. Black box testing is more time consuming, but can be performed by anyone with a basic understanding of the software's functionality.

Generally, a combination of both White box and Black box testing is most effective because each method highlights different aspects of the software.

When do you use use case testing?

A use case is a test that can be performed to determine whether a system is meeting its objectives. It is usually performed by developers during the design phase of a project, but it can also be used to assess the performance of existing systems. To perform a use case test, a number of steps are usually followed:

  1. First, developers must identify the different types of users who will interact with the system.
  2. Next, they must identify the goals that each user type is trying to achieve.
  3. Once those goals are identified, developers can create scenarios or use cases that describe how each goal might be achieved. These so-called use case testing templates can then be used to test the system to see if it meets the needs of the users.

To give concrete examples, use case testing can be used, for example:

  • To test how well a system handles concurrent users
  • Or to test the performance of the system under peak load conditions

Find out more about software testing

Do you have additional questions about use case testing? Then feel free to contact us! Or maybe you want to become a software tester or learn more about different software testing techniques? Testlearning provides e-learnings on many different TMap and TPI software tests that will help you develop into a professional! You can follow our e-learnings when and where it suits you. Take a look at our course offering and find out what we can do for you.

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