A test case is a document or script that is used to validate that a product, service, process or system meets requirements.
Types
Test cases are created from both functional and non-functional requirements. Any formal test can be documented with a test.
Composition
Test cases typically include the steps required to execute a test and a list of preconditions, postconditions and success criteria. Tests also include a variety of meta information such as an identifier that can be used to trace them to requirements.
Positive vs Negation
There are often at least two test cases for each requirement and sub-requirement including a positive and a negative test. A positive test confirms that a requirement works as stated. A negative test confirms that the system acts as required given invalid preconditions, user input or scenarios.
Automation
It is common to automate testing using test cases represented as a script. This is particularly efficient for tests that must be run many times such as regression tests. In some cases, a test requires human judgment and can't be fully automated.
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