Test Cases and Modules

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TomBrad
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Mar 30, 2020 12:00 pm

Test Cases and Modules

Post by TomBrad » Mon Oct 03, 2022 12:02 pm

I have a number of regression tests that I use for system integration testing of the application under test. The AUT is a large system, and comprised of a number of sub-systems. The regression tests that I have test that the subsystems have been integrated properly. The regression tests may be a hundred steps or more, and cross a number of subsystem boundaries. The verification points depend on data that might have been input a hundred steps earlier.

The regression test is sequential, so every step depends on the steps that have taken place before it. The test document organises subsections of the test under headings. So a certain sequence of e.g. 20 steps has a heading e.g. "Export the data to the file system".

My question is this- when I am organising my regression test, should the subsections of the test be test cases, or modules? What circumstances decide whether a test case or a module be used for a lengthy regression test? Thanks.

IvanF
Posts: 151
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2022 8:55 pm

Re: Test Cases and Modules

Post by IvanF » Tue Oct 04, 2022 3:48 pm

Hi, the primary consideration is probably the test suite hierarchy in Ranorex and the following limitations:
  • Test cases can never be a child of another test case.
  • When you move a test case into another test case, Ranorex will automatically convert it to a smart folder for you.
  • A smart folder can contain modules or module groups only when it is the child of a test case.
Source: https://www.ranorex.com/help/latest/ran ... -elements/

In your case, that seems likely to impact the transfer of runtime variable data. Let's say you structure each "subsection" as a test case, and Subsection 1 has "getValue" that stores it into "Var1". If you add "setValue" to Subsection 2, and look at the variable dropdown, you won't see "Var1", as that variable is limited to the first test case.

So, if such continuity of data is necessary, you would structure subsections as module groups/smart folders. If it is not, then the decision is more about reporting structure and your convenience regarding the per-test-case settings.

TomBrad
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Mar 30, 2020 12:00 pm

Re: Test Cases and Modules

Post by TomBrad » Wed Oct 05, 2022 2:00 pm

Thanks Ivan!