Demystifying Shared Test Cases in Azure DevOps

 Introduction

In the realm of software testing within Azure DevOps, the term "Shared Test Case" often surfaces. But what exactly is a Shared Test Case, and why is it an invaluable asset for agile development teams? In this blog post, I'll demystify Shared Test Cases in Azure DevOps, explore their significance, and provide insights on how to utilize them effectively.

Understanding Shared Test Cases

Shared Test Cases are reusable test cases that can be employed across multiple test suites, test plans, or even projects within Azure DevOps. They serve as a single source of truth for a particular test scenario or requirement, ensuring consistency and simplifying test management.

Key Characteristics of Shared Test Cases

• Reusability - Shared Test Cases can be used in various test suites or test plans, reducing redundancy and effort.

• Centralized Maintenance - Any updates or modifications made to a Shared Test Case are reflected across all instances where it is used, ensuring consistency.

• Traceability - Shared Test Cases are linked to specific requirements or user stories, providing traceability from testing back to the original requirement.

• Version Control - Azure DevOps enables version control for Shared Test Cases, allowing you to track changes over time.

Benefits of Shared Test Cases

Now that I've defined Shared Test Cases, let's explore the benefits they bring to your testing efforts.

• Efficiency and Consistency - By reusing the same test cases, you reduce the effort required for test case creation and maintenance, promoting consistency in testing across your projects.

• Traceability - Shared Test Cases establish a clear link between testing activities and the requirements they validate, enhancing traceability and aiding in compliance efforts.

• Time Savings - Teams can focus on testing execution rather than recreating test cases, resulting in quicker test cycles.

• Easy Updates - When a requirement or scenario changes, you only need to update the Shared Test Case once, ensuring all instances remain synchronize.

Practical Application

Let's take a closer look at how Shared Test Cases can be practically applied.

• Creating Shared Test Cases - In Azure DevOps, you can create Shared Test Cases by selecting the "Shared Steps" work item type. Define your test steps, add parameters as needed, and link the Shared Test Case to the relevant requirement.

• Linking to Test Suites - Link Shared Test Cases to test suites in your test plan. These test suites can belong to various projects, providing flexibility in test organization.

• Maintenance and Version Control - As requirements evolve or bugs are fixed, update the Shared Test Case. Azure DevOps automatically tracks versions, allowing you to roll back if necessary.

• Reusability - When setting up new test plans or test suites, simply add the Shared Test Cases you need, streamlining test planning.

Now, let's commence with an illustrative example by crafting a shared test case designed for a login screen.

Step 1: Begin by selecting the test case containing steps suitable for sharing.

Step 2: Click on the "Create Shared Steps" option.

Step 3: Provide a name for the new test case.

Step 4: Next, select the shared test step's name to access the shared test case. 

Step 5: You will find the specific test case ID (e.g., 19291) within this section. Proceed by completing all relevant steps and then click the "Save and Close" button.

Step 6: Upon returning to your list of test cases, you will notice the shared steps are now linked. You can proceed to fill in the necessary steps to complete your test case. During the execution process, all shared steps will be readily accessible to the user.

Step 7: In the execution view, the shared test case steps are prominently displayed while executing the test case.

Step 8: If you wish to utilize the created login test case for another purpose, simply add it.

Step 9: Click on "Insert Shared Step" and query the shared test case ID. For example, in our case, it is 19291.

Step 10: Now, with ease, you can query and incorporate the created shared test case into your desired test case.

Conclusion

Shared Test Cases in Azure DevOps are a powerful tool for improving the efficiency, consistency, and traceability of your testing efforts. By embracing the concept of reusability and centralization, development teams can accelerate their testing cycles, reduce maintenance overhead, and ensure that every requirement is thoroughly validated.

Incorporating Shared Test Cases into your testing strategy is a step toward optimizing your software development process and delivering higher-quality applications to your users.

Stay tuned for more insights and practical tips on making the most of Azure DevOps for your software development and testing endeavors.