#Test Execution Best Practices & Planning Guide
Effective test execution is about clarity, focus, and feedback loops.
Well-planned test runs make results actionable, reduce noise, and help teams move faster with confidence.
This guide covers recommended practices for planning, executing, and managing test runs in Hawzu.
#Test Run Planning
#Create Focused Test Runs
- Group test cases by release, sprint, feature, or goal
- Avoid “mega runs” that are hard to track and analyze
- Keep test runs manageable:
- 50–200 test cases per run is a good baseline
- Prefer multiple smaller test runs over one large run
Good examples
- Sprint 14 – Authentication Testing
- Release v2.3 – Regression
- Smoke – Production Validation
#Use Releases to Structure Execution
Releases act as containers for executions over time.
- Create a release for each:
- Run multiple executions within the same release:
- Initial testing
- Regression after fixes
- Final validation
This preserves execution history while keeping each run focused.
#Release Status Discipline
Use release statuses intentionally to reflect reality:
- Draft – Planning phase only. Test cases and configurations can be prepared, but execution is not allowed.
- Not Started – Release is ready. Test execution is allowed with a warning before proceeding.
- In Progress – Active testing phase. Users can execute test cases without restrictions.
- Paused – Testing is temporarily on hold. Test executions are not allowed until resumed.
- Completed – Testing is finished. Executions and modifications are not allowed, but the release can still be reopened if needed.
- Archived – Release is locked for historical reference. No executions, modifications, or status changes are allowed.
Keeping statuses accurate improves reporting and stakeholder visibility.
#Test Case Selection Strategy
When selecting test cases:
- Always include smoke tests
- Add regression tests for impacted areas
- Include new feature coverage for the release
- Balance depth of coverage with available time
Prefer intent-based selection over “select all”.
#Execution Workflow
#Assignment Strategy
- Assign test cases based on:
- Feature ownership
- Tester expertise
- Domain knowledge
- Keep related test cases assigned to the same tester when possible
- Leave some test cases unassigned if:
- Execution is collaborative
- Work distribution is flexible
Clear ownership reduces execution gaps and duplication.
#Executing Test Cases
- Execute test cases sequentially within the run
- Record results immediately after execution
- Update status accurately:
- Passed
- Failed
- Blocked
- Skipped
- Not Executed
Avoid batch-updating results later—fresh context matters.
#Recording Results & Step Notes
- Use step-level notes to capture observations
- Add notes especially when:
- A step fails
- Behavior is unclear or inconsistent
- Additional context is needed
- Attach screenshots or files for failures
Step notes are more precise and valuable than generic comments.
#Handling Blocked and Skipped Tests
- Use Blocked when execution is prevented by:
- Environment issues
- Missing dependencies
- External system failures
- Use Skipped only when:
- Test is intentionally not executed
- Out of scope for the run
Always record the reason to maintain execution transparency.
#Progress Tracking & Management
#Monitor Execution Health
Regularly review:
- Completion percentage
- Number of failed and blocked tests
- Distribution of statuses
This helps identify risks early instead of at the end.
#Reassignment & Continuity
- Reassign test cases when testers are unavailable
- Avoid leaving large portions of runs unexecuted
- Keep execution momentum steady
Execution velocity matters as much as coverage.
#Multiple Executions per Release
#Why Multiple Executions Matter
Running tests multiple times within a release allows you to:
- Validate fixes without overwriting past results
- Compare execution outcomes across cycles
- Track quality improvements (or regressions)
Each execution should have a clear purpose.
#Naming Executions Clearly
Use descriptive execution titles:
- v2.3 – Initial Execution
- v2.3 – Regression After Fixes
- v2.3 – Final Validation
Clear naming makes reporting and analysis easier.
#Post-Execution Practices
#Analyze Results
After execution:
- Review failed and blocked tests
- Identify patterns (same failures repeating)
- Confirm expected failures vs new issues
Execution without analysis is wasted effort.
#Defect Creation
- Create defects directly from failed test cases
- Ensure defects include:
- Clear title
- Auto-generated context from steps
- Linked release and execution
- Avoid duplicate defect creation
High-quality defects shorten feedback loops.
#Close the Loop
- Re-run tests after fixes in a new execution
- Verify resolved defects explicitly
- Update release status when confidence is achieved
Testing is complete only when results are verified.
#Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- ❌ One massive test run for everything
- ❌ Executing without clear scope
- ❌ Delayed result recording
- ❌ Overusing “Skipped”
- ❌ Ignoring blocked tests
- ❌ Not re-running tests after fixes
#Guiding Principle
A good test execution:
- Has a clear goal
- Is easy to track
- Produces actionable results
- Improves confidence—not confusion
Execution is not just about running tests—it’s about learning fast and responding well.
#Next Steps
Strong execution practices turn test cases into real quality signals.