Using Parameters

Applies to Zephyr Scale Server/Data Center 9.1, last modified on September 26, 2023

Using parameters and adopting a modular approach to test case design is an effective way to boost reusability for large test cases libraries.

The most valuable test cases are broadly applicable and reusable across different cycles and releases. To effectively reuse test cases, test engineers must design them to be only as specific as required and generic enough to be reused in different situations with different data inputs. Instead of duplicating or copy/pasting test cases or steps, break them down into small, reusable pieces to give yourself the ability to assemble them into larger end-to-end testing scenarios.

Testers can break down test cases into logical, manageable functions or modules. These isolated modules can be used to create independent tests, and they can be reassembled to create larger main test cases.

Parameters provide additional flexibility to make your modules even more generic and reusable. They can contain editable default values which allow testers to meet the needs of various testing situations. When invoking a reuseable module that contains parameters, the main test case passes the parameters, which can affect how input or output data are displayed or processed during test execution.

You can nest as many child modules called under any main test case as desired and with multiple levels. Each set of steps unfolds during the test execution (with the parameter replaced) as displayed in the following diagram:

Modular test case design

Click the image to enlarge it.

Note: You cannot enable both Test Data and Parameters at the same time.

See Also

Creating Test Case Parameters
Calling a Test Case with Parameters

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