What is a test log?
A test log is a detailed record of everything that happens during testing. It documents test case runs, steps taken, test data used, and any bugs found. It’s a bit like a testing diary—it tells the full story of what you tested, how you tested it, and what happened.
Do you have any examples of test logs?
Here's one example of how a test log entry might look. Note that formats vary widely depending on your tools, team preferences, and testing needs:
Test ID: LOGIN-001 Date: 2025-01-17 Start Time: 09:15 AM Tester: Sarah Chen Steps Executed: 1. Entered invalid username 2. Entered correct password 3. Clicked login button Expected Result: Error message Actual Result: System crashed Status: Failed Notes: Attached screenshot of error screen
Why are test logs important?
Test logs provide evidence of what you've tested and help reproduce bugs. When something breaks in production, good test logs help you understand if you missed testing it or if it's a new issue. They're essential for audits and help new team members understand your testing approach.
What are the challenges with test logs?
The biggest challenge is deciding what to log. Too little detail makes logs useless for debugging, while too much creates noise that hides important information. Automated tests can generate overwhelming amounts of data. You need clear logging standards and good tools to filter and search logs effectively.
