Microsoft Docs > Azure > Azure DevOps > Test Plans > Tutorial

Get started with Azure Test Plans

This tutorial will guide you through the fundamental features and workflows of Azure Test Plans, a comprehensive suite of tools for manual and exploratory testing within Azure DevOps.

Azure Test Plans empowers your team to deliver high-quality software by providing robust capabilities for creating test plans, designing test cases, executing tests, and tracking results.

Prerequisites

Step 1: Creating a Test Plan

Test plans provide a container for your testing activities. You can organize test cases by sprint, feature, or any other logical grouping.

  1. Navigate to your Azure DevOps project.
  2. In the left-hand navigation pane, select Test Plans.
  3. Click on the New Test Plan button.
  4. Enter a descriptive name for your test plan (e.g., "Sprint 12 Features Testing").
  5. Optionally, select a Iteration Path and assign the plan to a Area Path.
  6. Click Create.
Creating a new test plan in Azure Test Plans

Step 2: Adding Test Cases

Test cases define the specific steps and expected results for verifying a requirement or feature.

  1. Open the test plan you created in Step 1.
  2. Click the Add Test Case button.
  3. You can either create a new test case or add an existing one.
  4. To create a new test case:
    • Enter a title for the test case.
    • Click the Open test case editor link.
    • In the test case editor, define the Steps, Expected Results, and any relevant Parameters.
    • Save the test case.
  5. To add an existing test case:
    • Click Add existing.
    • Use the work item search to find and select the test cases you want to add.
    • Click OK.
Tip: You can link test cases to user stories or requirements to ensure traceability.

Step 3: Creating Test Suites

Test suites help organize your test cases within a test plan, allowing for better management and execution.

  1. Within your test plan, right-click on the test plan name or a folder.
  2. Select New suite.
  3. Choose the type of suite:
    • Requirement based suite: Links to one or more requirements. Test cases are automatically added when requirements are created or linked.
    • Test case suite: A static collection of test cases.
    • Shared test suite: A reusable suite of test cases that can be linked to multiple test plans.
  4. Enter a name for your suite and click Create.
  5. Drag and drop test cases from the unassigned list into your newly created suite.

Step 4: Running Tests

Execute your test cases and record the outcomes.

  1. Navigate to the test suite containing the test cases you want to run.
  2. Select the test case(s) you wish to execute.
  3. Click the Run for manual testing button.
  4. The Microsoft Test Runner will launch. Follow the steps outlined in the test case and record your results (Pass/Fail/Blocked).
  5. Provide any necessary attachments or comments.
  6. Click Close to save the test results.
Tip: You can also use the web-based Test Runner for a lighter execution experience.

Step 5: Analyzing Results

Monitor the progress and outcomes of your testing efforts.

  1. In the Test Plans hub, you can view the status of your test cases directly within the plan or suite.
  2. Click on the Charts tab to visualize test execution progress, pass/fail rates, and other key metrics.
  3. Azure Test Plans integrates with Azure Boards, allowing you to link test results to bugs and user stories for comprehensive tracking.
Viewing test results and charts in Azure Test Plans
Previous: Azure Boards Basics Next: Introduction to Azure Pipelines