What is the difference between Use Case, Test Scenario and Test Case

In Software testing, the term “use case” is used to describe all the possible steps a user may perform to interact with the system. It allows you to chalk out all the possible techniques and how the end-user can use the application with a set of instructions to the system and the expected result of the interaction with the system. It is a list of actions or event steps typically defining the interactions between an actor and system to achieve a goal.

 A Test Case is a set of actions executed to verify a particular feature or functionality of your software application. A Test Case contains test steps, test data, precondition, and postcondition developed for a specific test scenario to verify any requirement. The test case includes specific variables or conditions, using which a testing engineer can compare expected and actual results to determine whether a software product is functioning as per the requirements of the customer.

A Test Scenario is defined as any functionality that can be tested. It is a collective set of test cases which helps the testing team to determine the positive and negative characteristics of the project.

• A test Case is a set of actions executed to verify particular features or functionality, whereas a Test Scenario is any functionality that can be tested.
• Test Case is mostly derived from test scenarios, while Test Scenarios are derived from test artifacts like BRS and SRS.
• Test Case helps in exhaustive testing of an application, whereas Test Scenario helps in an agile way of testing the end-to-end functionality.
• Test Cases are focused on what to test and how to test, while Test Scenario is more focused on what to test.
• Test Cases are low-level actions, whereas Test Scenarios are high-level actions.
• Test Case requires more resources and time for test execution, while Test Scenario requires fewer resources and time for test execution.
• Test Case includes test steps, data, and expected results for testing, whereas Test Scenario includes an end-to-end functionality to be tested.