How to Write Good Test Cases for Web Apps

Question

I want to improve my test cases for a web app. Any tips or examples for writing clear and helpful test cases?

Sandhiya Priya · Answer

Let’s go through a complete, practical guide to writing excellent test cases for web applications 1. Understand What You’re Testing Before writing test cases, clearly identify: Modules (e.g., Login, Product Listing, Payment, Profile) User Roles (Admin, Sub-admin, User) Functionalities (CRUD operations, API integrations, validations) Goal: Make sure every user flow and feature is covered. 2. Structure of a Good Test Case A well-written test case has these key fields: Field Description Example Test Case ID Unique identifier TC_LOGIN_001 Test Scenario What you’re testing Verify valid user login Test Description Steps & expected result Login using correct credentials Pre-conditions Required setup User account exists Test Steps Step-by-step actions 1. Go to login page 2. Enter valid username/password 3. Click Login Test Data Input values user@example.com / Pass@123 Expected Result What should happen User navigates to dashboard Actual Result Observed result (after test) User redirected to dashboard Status Pass/Fail Pass 3. Types of Test Cases for Web Apps 1. Functional Test Cases Test the core functionality of the app: Login/Logout functionality Form validation (required fields, email format, etc.) CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete) Navigation and menu links Upload/download features Example: Test Case ID: TC_REG_001 Scenario: Verify user registration with valid details Steps: Enter valid details and click Submit Expected: Registration successful message shown 2. UI/UX Test Cases Check design consistency and user experience: Button alignment, font consistency, spacing Responsive layout across browsers/devices Color schemes follow brand palette (#7A85C1, #1A2A80, #B2B0E8 in your case ) Example: TC_UI_002: Verify the Register button color is #1A2A80 and visible on all devices. 3. Security Test Cases Ensure data protection and safe interactions: SQL Injection prevention Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) protection Password encryption and validation Session timeout and logout behavior Example: TC_SEC_004: Verify that password is not visible in browser developer tools or API response. 4. Performance Test Cases Check how the app performs under stress: Page load time Concurrent user handling API response times Example: TC_PERF_001: Verify the home page loads under 2 seconds with 100 concurrent users. 5. Integration Test Cases Verify communication between modules or services: Database updates after a form submit API responses from backend Email or notification triggers Example: TC_INT_003: Verify that after password reset, a confirmation email is sent. 6. Cross-Browser & Cross-Device Test Cases Ensure compatibility with: Browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari Devices: Desktop, Tablet, Mobile Example: TC_COMP_005: Verify login page works correctly on iPhone Safari. 4. Best Practices for Writing Good Test Cases Keep them clear, simple, and specific Use consistent naming convention (like TC_MODULE_NO) Include both positive and negative test cases Avoid repetition — use test case reusability where possible Add screenshots or attachments for complex steps Review test cases with developers for accuracy Maintain test cases in a tool (like JIRA , TestRail , or Excel sheet ) 5. Example Test Case Table Test Case ID Scenario Steps Test Data Expected Result Status TC_LOGIN_001 Valid login 1. Go to Login 2. Enter valid credentials 3. Click Login user@example.com / Pass@123 Redirect to Dashboard Pass TC_LOGIN_002 Invalid login Enter wrong password user@example.com / Wrong@123 Show “Invalid credentials” message Pass TC_REG_001 Registration with empty fields Click Submit without data None Show validation messages Pass TC_UI_001 Verify logo visibility Open homepage — Logo visible on top-left corner Pass 6. Tools for Test Case Management Excel / Google Sheets — for manual test tracking TestRail / Zephyr — for enterprise projects Postman — for API test cases Selenium / Playwright — for automation

Tuhin Paul · Answer

Great! Franklin Thatcher If you have any specific technical question please feel free to ask.

Franklin Thatcher · Answer

Thanks for this information

Tuhin Paul · Answer

Core Principles of Good Test Cases One thing at a time → Each test should verify one specific behavior . Clear and descriptive names → Anyone should understand the test’s purpose from its name. Independent & repeatable → Tests shouldn’t depend on each other or external state. Fast and deterministic → No flaky tests (e.g., relying on timing or random data). Readable like documentation → Well-structured so new team members can learn from them.

How to Write Good Test Cases for Web Apps

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