Test Case vs. Test Scenario

Criteria	Test Case	Test Scenario
Scope	Specific to a single functionality or a small part of the system.	Encompasses a broader set of functionalities, often involving multiple components.
Input Variation	Requires specific input data for execution.	May involve variations of input data to validate different conditions.
Execution Time	Generally shorter execution time due to specificity.	May have a longer execution time, covering a sequence of steps.
Error Isolation	Focuses on isolating and identifying specific errors in a small area.	Aims to identify how different components interact and affect each other.
Regression Testing	Part of regression testing but may not cover end-to-end scenarios.	Often includes regression testing within a broader context of the entire scenario.
Documentation	Requires detailed documentation of steps, expected results, and conditions.	Documentation may be less detailed, providing an overview of the scenario.
Dependency	Typically has fewer dependencies on other functionalities.	May have dependencies on various components and functionalities.
Complexity	Less complex due to its focused nature.	More complex, especially when dealing with intricate business processes.
Purpose	Primarily focuses on verifying specific requirements or functionalities.	Aims to validate a combination of functionalities, simulating real-world usage.
Change Impact	Changes to one test case have minimal impact on others.	Changes to a test scenario may impact multiple test cases within it.
Resource Dependency	May not require significant external resources.	May involve dependencies on external resources, databases, or systems.
Testing Level	Often associated with unit testing or component testing.	More aligned with system testing or acceptance testing.
Feedback Loop	Provides quick feedback on specific features.	Provides feedback on the overall flow and functionality of a system.
Execution Order	Test cases may be executed independently and in any order.	Test scenarios are often executed in a specific sequence.
Risk Coverage	Covers specific risks associated with a particular functionality.	Addresses broader risks associated with multiple functionalities.
Application Area	Primarily used within the development team.	May be communicated to stakeholders as part of user acceptance testing.
Comprehensiveness	More detailed in terms of specific features and conditions.	Provides a more holistic view of the application's behavior.
Test Data	Requires specific test data for precise validation.	May involve diverse sets of data to simulate real-world usage.
Scalability	Generally easier to scale as it deals with smaller components.	May require more effort to scale due to its broader scope and dependencies.