What is a key consideration when determining test case execution order?

Determining the execution order of test cases is critical in software testing and revolves around understanding dependencies and prioritization among those test cases. This is particularly important because some tests may require the outcomes of previous tests to execute properly. For example, if a test case is dependent on the successful execution of another (e.g., a test that verifies data in a database will usually depend on a test that populates that database), executing them in the correct order is essential to avoid false negatives in testing results.

Moreover, prioritizing test cases based on risk assessment or business impact ensures that critical functionality is tested first and helps in early detection of issues. Therefore, a focus on dependencies and prioritization enhances test strategy effectiveness and minimizes wastage of resources by ensuring that tests that rely on conditions established by earlier tests are executed correctly and logically. This structured approach to test case execution ultimately helps in maintaining the integrity of the testing process and the quality of the software.