Test Case For Radio Button & How to Write It?

Websites often feature forms with single-choice options, implemented using radio buttons. Unlike checkboxes allowing multiple selections, radio buttons permit only one choice. Typically, the accuracy of the data collected using the form depends on the radio button selection. If, for any reason, the radio button registers the wrong information even after the correct selection, the application under test could have issues. That is why even a simple-looking radio button needs to be tested properly using the right set of test cases for radio buttons.

Below is an example of a radio button:

What are the Test Cases for Radio Button?

Test cases for radio buttons are essential to ensure the accuracy and reliability of single-choice options in web applications. When creating these test cases, consider factors such as default selections, user interactions, and error handling. 

Start with verifying that the radio buttons have a default selection if required. Test the ability to select and deselect options, ensuring that only one choice is allowed at a time. Check for proper labeling and alignment to guarantee a user-friendly experience. Validate that the radio buttons respond correctly to user actions and that they maintain their state after selections. 

But wait, that’s not all: test error conditions, such as clicking an already selected option, and assess how the system handles these scenarios. 

How To Write Test Cases for Radio Button?

Although radio buttons provide only a single, simple choice, users can still interact with them differently. To write radio button test cases, you have to consider all the possible ways a radio button can be used. Refer to edge cases, how the UI element displays in different browsers and screens, and how it functions when selected/unselected. But the work does not end here; you should also verify the button as a part of the larger user interface. All of these tests can either be executed manually or automatically.

Manual

Manual testing of radio buttons involves human interaction to validate their functionality. Test cases for manual testing might include verifying that only one option can be selected at a time, checking default selections, and ensuring proper labeling.

Automated

Automated testing employs testing tools or scripts to verify radio button functionality. Automated test cases can include checking the behavior of radio buttons with different input data, validating error messages, and testing the responsiveness of radio buttons under various conditions. 

Test Scenario: Verify Radio Button Functionality

Objective: Ensure only one option can be selected at a time

Test Steps

1. Launch the Simply Travel application using Testsigma tool.

2. Select the ‘One Way Trip’ radio button.

3. Verify that ‘One Way Trip’ is selected.

4. Select the ‘Round Trip’ radio button.

5. Verify that ‘One Way Trip’ is deselected and ‘Round Trip’ is selected.

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Two Key Aspects to Testing a Radio Button

Testing a radio button typically involves two primary aspects: how it functions and looks.

Functionality: This aspect focuses on ensuring that the radio button functions correctly. Test cases under functionality testing may include verifying that only one option can be selected at a time, checking default selections, confirming proper labeling, and handling user interactions appropriately.

Responsiveness: The responsiveness aspect evaluates how the radio button displays and behaves under different conditions, such as varying screen resolutions or different user devices. It ensures that the radio button remains usable and visually appealing across a range of settings, contributing to a positive user experience.

Test Cases For Radio Buttons

• Verify that only one radio button can be selected at a time.
• Check if the radio buttons are initially unselected.
• Validate that clicking on the label associated with a radio button selects the button.
• Confirm that selecting one radio button deselects any previously selected option.
• Verify that keyboard navigation (e.g., using the “Tab” key) can select and deselect radio buttons.
• Test the behavior when no radio button is selected, and the form is submitted.
• Check if radio buttons maintain their state upon page refresh.
• Test the functionality of radio buttons with default pre-selected options.
• Verify the behavior of radio buttons with large labels or complex HTML structures.
• Validate radio button behavior when they are disabled (should not be selectable).
• Test radio button responsiveness at different screen resolutions (e.g., mobile, tablet, desktop).
• Test radio button behavior on touch devices to ensure easy selection.
• Verify the radio button’s appearance and functionality on various operating systems.
• Test the radio button under different network conditions to ensure it loads and responds efficiently.
• Check for visual consistency of radio buttons on different devices and browsers.
• Verify the radio button’s behavior when it is placed inside a radio button group with multiple sets of options.
• Test the radio button’s functionality in scenarios where there are more options than can fit within the visible viewport, ensuring proper scrolling or display mechanisms.
• Validate that radio buttons work correctly in multi-page forms, maintaining their selections as users navigate through the pages.
• Verify the radio button’s behavior when used in conjunction with other form elements, such as text fields or checkboxes, to ensure they do not interfere with each other.
• Check how radio buttons behave when used within complex forms with conditional logic or dynamic changes based on user selections.

Negative Test Scenarios for a Radio Button

Let’s look at some of the negative test scenarios for a radio button:

• Attempt to select multiple radio buttons within the same group simultaneously.
• Try to select a radio button that is disabled.
• Test what happens when selecting a radio button with no options available in the group.
• Verify the behavior when pressing the “Enter” or “Space” key when the radio button is in focus but not selected.
• Check if the radio button maintains its selection after the page refresh.
• Attempt to submit a form with a required radio button not selected and verify the error message or validation response.
• Try to interact with radio buttons using keyboard shortcuts not associated with selection (e.g., “Ctrl” or “Alt” keys).

Conclusion

As we come to the end of this post, let’s focus on different aspects of creating comprehensive test cases for radio buttons. It is essential to ensure the robustness and reliability of a software application. By meticulously examining functionality, responsiveness, and various scenarios, testers can identify and rectify potential issues before they reach end-users. Additionally, incorporating both manual test cases and automated testing approaches provides a thorough examination of the radio button’s behavior, contributing to the overall quality and effectiveness of the software.

Further reading: Test cases for Registration Page

Test cases for API Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a radio button in software testing?

In software testing, a radio button is a graphical user interface (GUI) element that allows users to make a single selection from a predefined set of options. The distinctive feature of radio buttons is that, within a group of radio buttons sharing the same name, only one option can be selected at a time. This makes radio buttons suitable for scenarios where users need to make mutually exclusive choices, such as selecting a gender or choosing a preference from a set of options.

How to check if the radio button is selected in Selenium?

In Selenium, the isSelected() method is used to check if the radio button is selected. Here’s a part of the code in Java:

driver.get(“https://example.com”);

        // Locate the radio button element using its XPath, ID, or other locator strategy

        WebElement radioButton = driver.findElement(By.id(“radioButtonId”));

        // Check if the radio button is selected

        if (radioButton.isSelected()) {

            System.out.println(“Radio button is selected.”);

        } else {

            System.out.println(“Radio button is not selected.”);

        }