What is a test script?
A test script is a set of clear instructions that tell you exactly how to test a specific feature. It includes what steps to follow, what data to input, and what results to expect. Test scripts can be followed manually by a tester or coded to run automatically.
Do you have any examples of test scripts?
A login test script might look like:
- Enter valid username "testuser@example.com"
- Enter password "Test1234!"
- Click "Login" button
- Verify user dashboard appears with username displayed
- Verify navigation menu shows authorized options
For automated testing, the same script in Selenium/Java might be:
driver.findElement(By.id("username")).sendKeys("testuser@example.com");
driver.findElement(By.id("password")).sendKeys("Test1234!");
driver.findElement(By.id("loginButton")).click();
assert(driver.findElement(By.id("dashboard")).isDisplayed());
assert(driver.findElement(By.id("userGreeting")).getText().contains("testuser"));Why is a test script important?
Test scripts keep testing consistent and reliable. You know exactly what was tested, how it was tested, and whether it passed or failed. This makes troubleshooting easier and helps prove that critical features work properly. For teams, scripts ensure everyone tests the same way, regardless of who runs the test.
What are the challenges of using test scripts?
Test scripts break easily when the application changes. A simple button ID change can cause automated tests to fail completely. They're also time-consuming to create and maintain. Rigid scripts might miss bugs that fall outside their specific scenarios.
Lots of teams struggle to balance comprehensive script coverage with the resources needed to keep them updated.
