Definition

Noun: 1. A specific, documented example used to verify that a system or component behaves as expected: In software development and testing, a "test case" is a set of conditions, inputs, and expected results used to determine if a particular feature or function of a software application is working correctly. 2. A representative legal action whose outcome is likely to become a precedent: In law, a "test case" is a lawsuit brought to establish an important legal principle or right. The outcome of this single case is intended to set a rule that will apply to many similar situations.

Usage Examples

• Software/General Context:
  • The QA engineer wrote a detailed test case to check the login functionality with invalid credentials.
  • Before releasing the update, we must run every test case in the regression suite.
• Legal Context:
  • The civil rights lawsuit was chosen as a test case to challenge the constitutionality of the new law.
  • The outcome of this test case will affect hundreds of similar claims currently on hold.

Advanced Usage

• "To bring a test case": To initiate a legal action specifically to establish a precedent.
  • The advocacy group decided to bring a test case before the Supreme Court.
• "Test case design": The process of creating effective and comprehensive test cases in software engineering.
  • Good test case design is crucial for achieving high test coverage.

Variants and Related Words

• Test Suite (n): A collection of test cases.
  • The automated test suite runs overnight.
• Test Scenario (n): A broader description of what to test, which may be broken down into multiple specific test cases.
  • The "user registration" test scenario includes cases for valid data, duplicate emails, and weak passwords.

Synonyms

• Software: Test script, verification procedure, check.
• Legal: Lead case, precedent-setting case, representative action.

Related Phrases

• Execute/Run a test case: To perform the steps outlined in a test case.
  • The build failed because several critical test cases did not execute successfully.
• Pass/Fail a test case: The result of executing a test case.
  • A failed test case indicates a potential defect in the software.

Noun

1. a representative legal action whose outcome is likely to become a precedent