Testing Use-Case-Driven Projects

Foundations

Use-Case-Driven Testing

Deriving tests directly from use cases so testing verifies the required behavior stakeholders defined.

Use Case

A description of actor-system interactions that delivers observable value, capturing functional requirements.

Why Test from Use Cases

Use cases describe expected behavior clearly, making them a strong basis for test design and coverage.

Traceability

Linking tests to use cases so coverage is visible and change impact is clear.

Scenarios

Scenario

A single path through a use case — the basic flow plus chosen alternate flows — that becomes a test case.

Basic Flow

The main success scenario, tested to confirm the primary goal is achieved.

Alternate Flows

Variations and exceptions to the basic flow, each requiring its own tests.

Scenario Enumeration

Systematically listing the scenarios from a use case to ensure complete coverage.

Deriving Tests

Test Case

A specification of inputs, steps, and expected results that verifies a scenario.

From Scenario to Test Case

Walking a scenario and defining the data and expected outcomes to create a test case.

Preconditions and Postconditions

Using a use case's pre/postconditions to set up tests and verify results.

Test Data

Choosing inputs that exercise the scenario, including boundary and invalid values.

Coverage

Scenario Coverage

Ensuring every basic and significant alternate flow has corresponding tests.

Boundary and Edge Cases

Testing limits and unusual conditions where defects often hide.

Negative Testing

Verifying the system handles invalid inputs and exception flows correctly.

Coverage Matrix

A grid mapping use cases and scenarios to tests to reveal gaps.

Planning

Test Planning

Defining scope, priorities, and approach for testing based on use cases and risk.

Risk-Based Prioritization

Focusing testing on the highest-risk, highest-value use cases first.

Organizing Test Suites

Grouping tests by use case or feature for execution and maintenance.

Quality

Testable Use Cases

Well-written use cases with clear flows and criteria make effective test design possible.

Acceptance Testing

Verifying the system satisfies use-case acceptance criteria before it is accepted.

Applying It

Automation Opportunities

Automating repeatable use-case scenarios for regression testing and fast feedback.