Software Architect's Handbook

Importance of test documentation

An aspect of testability is the ease with which tests can be executed, including testers who did not originally write the test cases. The reusability and maintainability of tests, part of testability, are improved with the existence of quality test documentation. When dealing with a large system, it can be difficult to remember all of the business rules and alternative paths related to a particular scenario.

With agile software development methodologies, excessive documentation is viewed as a project risk rather than something that will reduce risk. Project teams aim to be efficient with documentation and produce only as much as is needed. In addition, automated tests should be fairly self-documenting through ...