{"id":44,"date":"2023-02-01T13:14:51","date_gmt":"2023-02-01T13:14:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/softwaretestingstuff.com\/?p=44"},"modified":"2024-06-11T12:52:53","modified_gmt":"2024-06-11T12:52:53","slug":"test-specification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.softwaretestingstuff.com\/2007\/12\/test-specification.html","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About: Test Specifications"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What Is Test Specification?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Test Specification is a detailed summary of what scenarios will be tested, how they will be tested, how often they will be tested, and so on and so forth, for a given feature. Test runners use test specification strings to identify tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These specifications are essentially written guidelines as to which test suites to run and which to skip. Specifications should include the objective of the specific test, a list of required inputs as well as expected results, techniques for test execution, and finally benchmarks for deciding acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to remember that including all Editor or Window management features in a single test specification can make it too large to effectively read & understand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Test Case Specification Identifiers?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Test case specification identifiers are the unique identifiers or recognizers allocated to individual test case specifications. These identifiers also include a link to the associated test plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specification identifiers allow you to identify a test case in a unique way. It provides an overview of the functionality that will be tested using this test case. There are several test case specification identifiers such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Test Case Objectives<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This states the purpose or objective of executing a specific test case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Test Items<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Test items are basically a list of all the documents you need for executing a test case such as Software Requirement Specifications, Software Design Documents, user manual, code, etc. It defines the features and requirements that must be met before, during, and after testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Test Procedure Specification<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This section describes the step-by-step procedure for running the test cast case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Input Specifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This identifier indicates the inputs to be provided while running a specific test case. The crucial thing to remember when specifying input values is to give precise values and not to generalize them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Output Specifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a description of what the result of test case execution would look like. The success or failure of a test case is determined by comparing output specifications to the actual outputs obtained. Output specifications, like input specifications, should be stated precisely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Environmental Needs <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this identifier, any special environmental needs such as hardware tools, software applications<\/a>, and specific interfaces are listed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special procedural requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there are any special constraints or conditions that must be fulfilled for executing the test case, you must describe them here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intercase dependencies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, two or more test cases could be dependent on each other for proper execution. You must mention these intercase dependencies here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Test Case Specification In Software Testing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Test specification in software testing is a blueprint of overall test design. Test case specification is entirely based on the test plan. You have to first choose the software feature to be tested and then refine the approach stated in the test plan into detailed test specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Writing effective test case specification is a crucial part of the software testing life cycle. No matter how good your test cases are, if testers don\u2019t understand them clearly, you won\u2019t get the expected results. And test procedure specifications are what help the testers properly understand your test cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what does a test specification document include? We\u2019ve discussed some of the components you\u2019ll find in a software test specification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contents Of A Test Specification Example<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Revision History<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This section contains information like who created the test specification. When was it created? When was the last time it was updated?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feature Description<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A brief description of what area is being tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is tested?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An overview of what scenarios are tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is not tested?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are there any areas that are not being tested? There can be several reasons like being covered by different people or any test limitations etc. If so, include this information as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nightly Test Cases <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A list of the test cases and a high-level description of what is tested whenever a new build becomes available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breakout of Major Test Areas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is the most interesting part of the test specification where testers arrange test cases according to what they are testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specific Functionality Tests <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tests to verify the feature is working according to the design specification. This area also includes verifying error conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Security tests <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any tests that are related to security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessibility Tests <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any tests that are related to accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Performance Tests <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This section includes verifying any performance requirements for your feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Localization \/ Globalization <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tests to ensure you\u2019re meeting your product\u2019s Local and International requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Are Test Specifications Important? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Test specification defines the exact setup, inputs, and outputs for a test case. Writing good, detailed yet to-the-point test specifications is critical for efficient software testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n