SynthQA

Best Practices Guide

Expert strategies and proven techniques for effective test case management with SynthQA.

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Introduction

Overview

Why Best Practices Matter
Maximize the value of your testing efforts.

Following best practices helps you create higher-quality test cases, execute tests more efficiently, and maintain your testing assets over time. This guide compiles proven strategies from experienced QA teams.

Better Coverage

Comprehensive testing that catches more issues

Time Savings

Efficient workflows that reduce redundant work

Consistency

Standardized approach across your team

Maintainability

Test cases that remain useful over time

Quality

Writing Effective Test Cases

Test Case Anatomy
Key elements of a well-written test case.
Essential elements:
Clear title: Concise summary of what's being tested
Description: Context and purpose of the test
Preconditions: Setup requirements and assumptions
Test steps: Clear, numbered actions
Expected results: Specific, measurable outcomes
Test data: Input values when needed

Foundation

Requirements Management

Effective Requirements
The foundation of good test coverage.
✅ Do
  • Write clear, testable requirements
  • Include acceptance criteria
  • Break down complex features
  • Tag by feature and priority
  • Link to design documents
❌ Avoid
  • Vague or ambiguous language
  • Overly broad requirements
  • Missing success criteria
  • Untestable requirements
  • No version tracking
Requirement Structure
Good requirement example:
Title: User Login with Email
Description: Users should be able to log in using their email address and password
Acceptance Criteria:
  • Email field validates email format
  • Password must be 8+ characters
  • Successful login redirects to dashboard
  • Failed login shows error message
  • Account locks after 5 failed attempts
Optimization

AI Generation Best Practices

Getting the Best AI Results
Tips for optimal test case generation.

Execution

Test Execution Strategy

Effective Test Execution
Strategies for running tests efficiently.
Before Execution
  • Review test cases for accuracy
  • Prepare test environment
  • Gather required test data
  • Check preconditions are met
  • Have browser extension ready
During Execution
  • Follow steps exactly as written
  • Capture screenshots of failures
  • Document deviations or blockers
  • Use keyboard shortcuts (P/F/B/S)
  • Add notes for clarity
After Execution
  • Review session statistics
  • File bugs for failures
  • Update test cases if needed
  • Share results with team
  • Archive session for records
Evidence Capture
  • Screenshot every failure
  • Include error messages
  • Capture network/console errors
  • Note exact failure step
  • Record reproduction steps
Test Suite Organization
Suite types and when to use them:
Smoke Test: Quick validation after deployment (5-10 critical tests)
Regression Test: Full verification before release (all core functionality)
Feature Test: In-depth testing of new features
Integration Test: Testing between system components
System

Organization & Structure

Organizing Your Testing Work
Structure for scale and maintainability.

Use projects to separate:

  • Different products or applications
  • Major features or initiatives
  • Client or customer work
  • Development vs. production testing
Pro tip
Start with 3-5 core projects. Add more as needed. Archive completed projects to reduce clutter.
Productivity

Efficiency Tips

Work Smarter, Not Harder
Time-saving strategies for common tasks.
Use Templates

Save commonly used generation settings. One-click test creation for standard scenarios.

Bulk Operations

Select multiple test cases to tag, move, or update at once. Saves time on repetitive tasks.

Keyboard Shortcuts

During execution: P (Pass), F (Fail), B (Block), S (Skip). Faster than clicking buttons.

Browser Extension

Capture screenshots directly from the page you're testing. Automatic upload to test sessions.

Filters & Search

Use project and tag filters to quickly find relevant test cases. Save time scrolling.

Copy & Adapt

Duplicate similar test cases and modify. Faster than creating from scratch.

Standards

Quality Assurance

Maintaining High Quality
Standards and checks for test quality.
Quality checklist for test cases:
Complete: All steps and expected results included
Clear: Anyone can execute without confusion
Specific: Exact values, locations, and actions
Independent: Doesn't rely on other tests
Repeatable: Same results every time
Valuable: Tests important functionality
Review process:
  1. Self-review before marking as ready
  2. Peer review for critical test cases
  3. Execute test once to validate steps
  4. Update based on feedback
  5. Mark as approved/ready for use
Longevity

Maintenance & Updates

Keeping Tests Current
Strategies for long-term test maintenance.

Learn from mistakes

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from common testing antipatterns.
Over-reliance on AI

Problem: Using AI-generated tests without review or customization.
Solution: Always review and enhance AI-generated tests with domain knowledge.

Testing too much at once

Problem: Single test case covering too many scenarios.
Solution: Break into smaller, focused test cases. One scenario per test.

Vague expected results

Problem: "System should work correctly" or "Data is saved."
Solution: Be specific: "User redirected to /dashboard" or "Success message displays 'Profile updated.'"

No test data management

Problem: Hardcoded data that becomes outdated or conflicts.
Solution: Use test data variables or create fresh data per test run.

Ignoring failed tests

Problem: Marking tests as "known failures" without investigation.
Solution: Every failure needs a bug report or test update. No exceptions.

Poor organization

Problem: No projects, inconsistent naming, no tags.
Solution: Establish structure early. Use projects and consistent naming conventions.

Missing evidence

Problem: Reporting bugs without screenshots or reproduction steps.
Solution: Always capture evidence. Screenshots + notes = actionable bugs.

Cheat sheet

Quick Reference

Essential Best Practices Summary
Test Cases
  • Clear titles and descriptions
  • Specific, actionable steps
  • Measurable expected results
  • One scenario per test
  • Independent and repeatable
Requirements
  • SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, etc.)
  • Include acceptance criteria
  • Break down complex features
  • Tag by priority and type
  • Link to documentation
Execution
  • Review tests before running
  • Follow steps exactly
  • Capture evidence for failures
  • Use keyboard shortcuts (P/F/B/S)
  • Document all deviations
Organization
  • Use projects for major separations
  • Consistent naming conventions
  • Tag for cross-cutting concerns
  • Archive completed work
  • Regular maintenance schedule
Remember: Quality `>` Quantity. Better to have 50 excellent test cases than 500 mediocre ones.
Learn more

Related Resources

Additional Guides
Dive deeper into specific topics.
AI Test Case Generator GuideTemplates GuideRequirements Management GuideTest Case Management GuideProjects Guide
Last updated: January 2026 · Guide version: 1.0