Mastering Software Testing: From Test Cases to Automation Tools

01 Test Case Writing

Test cases are the core documentation of testing work, defining input‑output standards that map directly to software requirements. Writing good test cases is a fundamental skill that few master.

Typical test case contents include: case ID, name, background, pre‑conditions, priority, test data, steps, expected result, actual result, and remarks.

When a tester receives the first requirement document, they should analyze it, extract test points, write test cases, and then conduct a review with developers, product owners, and other stakeholders.

Common test‑case design techniques are equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, error guessing, and flow‑chart methods.

Testers should also question requirements, considering user perspectives to uncover hidden functionality and experience issues.

02 HTTP and HTTPS Protocols

1. HTTP Protocol Overview

HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) is used to transfer hypertext from web servers to browsers.

2. TCP vs UDP

Both are transport‑layer protocols in the OSI model; TCP provides reliable communication, while UDP is often used for broadcasting and low‑latency applications.

3. GET vs POST

GET retrieves data without modifying the server, making it safe for read‑only operations. POST sends data that can modify server state, such as posting comments or replies.

03 Business Understanding Ability

Understanding the business domain is essential for effective functional testing and overall quality improvement.

When to introduce automation? – When the system becomes stable.

When to start API testing? – After API development is complete.

When to conduct performance testing? – During high‑traffic events like promotions or flash sales.

04 Testing Tools Usage

1. API Testing Tool: Apipost

Use Apipost to input the URL, request method, and parameters, then send the request to verify the API.

2. Performance Testing Tool: JMeter

JMeter is used for stress, load, and stability testing of systems.

05 Automation Test Code Writing Ability

1. UI Automation

a) Web automation – typically implemented with Python + Selenium.

b) App automation – typically implemented with Python + Appium.

2. API Automation

Usually performed with Python + Requests library.

06 Proficient SQL Usage

Key SQL skills include basic CRUD statements, understanding transactions, writing stored procedures, using system functions, performing backup, migration, restoration, mirroring, clustering, and query optimization with performance monitoring.

07 Linux Skills

Linux basics for testers involve commands for log viewing and issue localization.

When encountering bugs that developers deny, testers should examine log levels: INFO (general information, excludes debug details), WARNING (potential issues), and ERROR (program failures). INFO logs contain less detail, while ERROR logs indicate actual failures.