How to write Test Cases in Jira?

Features of Jira

There are many features of Jira, such as:

• Jira allows teams to build, track, and prioritize problems like tasks, bugs, etc.
   
• Jira shows adaptable and customizable workflows allowing groups to determine and automate their processes.
   
• Jira contains reporting and analytics features to support teams in gaining an understanding of their projects and performance.
   
• Jira integrates seamlessly with different third-party tools and services. 

Test Cases

A test case is a written collection of requirements and actions that aims to validate a software application or system's functionality, behavior, or performance. It is a wide manual for testers, providing clear instructions to execute tests and evaluate whether the software aligns with the planned conditions and specifications.

Let's take an example about shopping, our aim is to ensure that users can easily add items to their cart and complete the checkout process. To achieve this, we go through various steps, such as opening the website, searching for things, selecting them, and adding them to the cart. 

We test multiple items and ensure the shopping cart page correctly shows the selected items. We expect to successfully add the items to the cart, accurately calculate the total cost, and provide a smooth payment process. This test case analyzes each step carefully to ensure a seamless shopping experience. Further we will discuss how to write test cases in Jira.

Test Case Lifecycle

The test case life cycle involves different stages a test case goes through. Here are some of the essential phases a test case goes through.

Created a Test Case

We design the test case based on the requirements and specifications of the software application or system that requires testing.

Reviewed the test case

The team documents the design once they complete it. All the necessary information, like test case ID, description, etc., is written clearly for further reference.

Execute the test case

The test case follows the defined steps and compares the actual and expected results.

Document and Identify the Bug

After the execution phase, the test case results are recorded and documented in the test case report.

Maintain the test case 

Test cases often require maintenance to keep them updated with changes in requirements, specifications, or the software itself. 

Jira Setup

Let’s assume that you have installed the Jira software into your system. If the localhost is not working, go to your command prompt, navigate the path to the bin, and add the command "startup.bat." It will help you to solve the error of the local host.

Step 1: Create A Project

To make a project, we will first go to the “Home” screen and select “Project” -> “Create Project.”

Note: while creating a project, we need to make sure that you have selected the “Bug Tracking” template rather than the default one. It allows you to configure Jira to handle test cases easily.

Configure Jira to handle Test cases

In this section, we will learn how we can configure Jira to handle test cases.

Step 1: Create the project

After creating the project, we will add a new issue type. For this, we go to "Setting" -> "Issue" -> "Issue types." In this case, we have named it and set the type as "Standard Issue Type." 

Step 2: Create Custom Fields 

Now, we will add Custom fields that allow you to add all the details you need for your test case. For this, you need to go to "Setting" -> "Issue" -> "Custom Field."

Then select "Add Custom Field" and add two fields according to your need.

Step 3: Create a screen for the result

After creating the custom field, we will create a custom screen. For this, you need to go to "Setting" -> "Issue" -> "Screen." Then select "Add Screen" and add its name according to the requirement.

Once you have created it, it will redirect you to a page where you have to add a field to the new screen that you have made. Now add the field from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Create Screen Schema

Now, we will create a screen schema. For this, you need to go to "Setting" -> "Issues" -> "Screen Schema." Then select "Add Screen Schema" and add its name and default Screen.

Step 5: Configure Issue Type Screen Schema

We will configure Issue Type Screen Schema. For this, you need to go to "Setting" -> "Issues" -> "Issue type screen schema." Then select "Add issue type screen scheme" and add the name and screen schema you created earlier.

After configuring, select "Associate an issue type with a screen schema" and add the issue type(according to your requirement) and default screen( that you have created above). 

Step 6: Add test case result

After configuration, it is now time to add test case results. Now select an existing test case from the drop-down menu.

Click on Create sub-task. Now enter fields like summary( date, name, result, etc.), test case result (none, pass, fail, or skip), and Test case actual result (In case of any variance between the actual result and the expected outcome, use this field to provide additional details.)

Tips and Best Practices for Writing Test Cases

Some essential points that should be kept in mind while writing test cases are: 

• Descriptive: Concisely and descriptively use titles that accurately convey the purpose of the test case.
   
• Standard Format: You should define a test case template that includes all required fields like test case ID, explanation, test steps, desired results, etc.
   
• Explicit Precondition: You should define any preconditions required to execute the test case.
   
• Simple: Break down the test case into clear and sequential steps, ensuring each step is simple, specific, and unambiguous.
   
• Have all cases: You should ensure that your test cases cover both the positive and negative sides.
   
• Review carefully: Thoroughly review the test cases before performing them to check for any ambiguities, inconsistencies, or lacking steps.

Problems That Arise While Writing A Test Case

The problem that arises while writing a test case is:

• If the conditions are well-defined, writing test cases that accurately test the software can be easy.
   
• Test cases should be complete and comprehensive, but sometimes they need to be completed. 
   
• Communication between testers, developers, and stakeholders is essential for writing test cases. If there is a lack of communication, it can lead to misconceptions and issues with the test cases.
   
• Requirements can change during development, making it challenging to keep test cases up-to-date. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using Jira for test case management?

Jira can make handling, tracking, and carrying out your test cases more convenient. It can also help you create reports about your test cases to observe improvement and determine areas that need improvement.

What are the challenges of using Jira for test case management?

Jira can be hard to understand and use, particularly for people unfamiliar with tracking tasks. It can be challenging to collect and manage because Jira needs many customizations.

Can you integrate Jira with other testing tools?

Jira can perform with other testing tools using unique features and connections called Jira add-ons and integrations. Some examples of these tools are TestRail, Xray, and Zephyr.

How do you handle test cases that fail?

First, you need to discover what went wrong. Next, figure out why that situation happened, correct it, and then try rerunning the test.

What are the essential components of a test case in JIRA?

The essential components of a test case in JIRA include the test case name, description, steps, expected results, actual results, and status.

Conclusion

In this article, we come across what Jira is and what are some of the unique features that made it so famous. We briefly explore the lifecycle of a test case and encounter different steps involved in it. We also learn how to write test cases in Jira in detailed steps in this article. We also learned what are some of the tips or best practices that one must follow to write a test case. We even discuss problems that arise during the writing of a test case.

Do check out the link to learn more about such topic

• Jira Integration in Katalon
• Test Results with Jira in Katalon
• Test Management in JIRA
   

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