Test Case vs Test Script in Software Testing – Simple Explanation with Examples!

Are you confused between Test Case and Test Script?
They sound similar, but they play very different roles in the world of software testing.

Let’s break it down in the easiest way possible — with real-world examples, clear differences, and why both are essential for QA professionals! 👇

✅ What is a Test Case?
A Test Case is like a checklist for testers.
It’s a step-by-step scenario written in plain language that helps you manually check whether a specific feature works correctly.

🔹 Format:
Descriptive and written in natural language (like English)

🔹 Use:
Used in manual testing to validate app features and flows.

🔹 Tools Required:
None! You can write it in Excel, Google Sheets, or any test management tool.

🔹 Execution:
Manually performed by a tester.

🧩 Test Case Includes:
Test Case ID

Test Steps

Test Data

Expected Result

Actual Result (recorded during testing)

Status (Pass/Fail)

📝 Example:
Title: Verify login with valid credentials
Steps:

Go to the login page

Enter valid username and password

Click the “Login” button
Expected Result: User is redirected to the dashboard

✅ What is a Test Script?
A Test Script is an automated version of a test case.
It’s written in code and executed by tools like Selenium, Cypress, or JUnit.

🔹 Format:
Code-based, written in a scripting or programming language (like Java, Python, JavaScript)

🔹 Use:
For automation testing – speeds up repetitive tests and supports regression testing.

🔹 Tools Required:
Yes – You’ll need tools/frameworks like Selenium, TestNG, Cypress, etc.

🔹 Execution:
Automatically executed by testing tools or in CI/CD pipelines.

💻 Example (Java + Selenium):

@Test
public void testLogin() {
}
🔍 Quick Recap: Test Case vs Test Script
Test Case → Manual, written in plain English, no coding needed, executed by humans

Test Script → Automated, written in code, requires tools, executed by machines

🎯 Final Thoughts
Both test cases and test scripts are vital in modern QA:

Test cases help you plan and organize testing in a readable way

Test scripts make the process faster, repeatable, and scalable

If you're starting in manual testing, begin with test cases.
If you're diving into automation, start writing test scripts with tools like Selenium.

💬 Want ready-made test case templates or a simple starter Selenium script? Drop a comment below and I’ll send it over!

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