Use Case

Editorial Chief

Author

November 15, 2023

Published

A use case describes how a system interacts with an external entity, such as a user or another system, to accomplish a specific goal.

 

It outlines the system’s steps or actions and the external entities involved in a particular scenario.

 

Use cases are commonly used in software development and systems engineering to understand, document, and communicate the functional requirements of a system.

 

They help ensure that the system meets the needs of its users by capturing various scenarios and user interactions.

 

What are the Importance of Use Cases?

 

1. Use cases help clarify and define the functional requirements of a system.

 

They provide a detailed understanding of how the system is expected to behave in various scenarios.

 

2. They serve as a communication tool between different stakeholders, including developers, designers, and clients.

 

Use cases offer a common language for discussing and understanding system functionality.

 

3. By focusing on specific scenarios and interactions, use cases help ensure the system is designed with the end user in mind.

 

This user-centric approach improves the overall user experience.

 

4. Use cases provide a basis for creating test cases, helping develop effective testing strategies.

 

This ensures that the system functions as intended in different situations.

 

5. Use cases aid in project planning by breaking down the system’s functionality into manageable components.

 

This facilitates a more organized and phased approach to development.

 

Relevance of use cases

 

1. Online Purchase

    • Use Case: The user makes an online purchase.
    • Steps: Login, browse products, add to cart, proceed to checkout, enter payment information, and confirm purchase.

 

2. Social Media Posting

    • Use Case: The user creates a new social media post.

    • Steps: Login, navigate to the post creation page, compose the post, attach media (if any), add tags, and publish.

 

3. ATM Withdrawal

    • Use Case: The user withdraws cash from an ATM.

    • Steps: Insert card, enter PIN, select withdrawal, enter the amount, confirm transaction, retrieve cash and receipt.

 

In summary, use cases describe how a system interacts with external entities to achieve specific goals.

 

They are crucial in software development and systems engineering for several reasons: online purchases, social media posting, and ATM withdrawals, demonstrating their application in diverse scenarios to capture and understand system interactions.