Manual testing guide
Search Functionality Test Cases: Results, Filters and Boundaries
Search quality depends on data, matching rules, filters and consistent navigation through results. These examples cover both what appears and how the interface behaves when queries are empty, broad or unusual.
Example requirement
A user can search available records using text, filters and sorting. Results must be relevant, paginated consistently and safe for empty, invalid and special-character queries.
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6 example test cases
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Return relevant results for an exact query
Precondition
A known searchable record exists.
Expected result
The matching record appears and unrelated records do not outrank the exact match.
Steps
- 1.Enter the exact searchable value
- 2.Submit the search
- 3.Inspect the returned results
Support documented partial and case-insensitive matching
Precondition
The matching rules and representative data are known.
Expected result
Results follow the documented partial-match and case-sensitivity rules consistently.
Steps
- 1.Search with a partial value
- 2.Repeat using different letter casing
- 3.Compare the results
Show a useful no-results state
Precondition
A query with no matching records is available.
Expected result
A clear empty state appears with safe guidance to modify or clear the search.
Steps
- 1.Submit the unmatched query
- 2.Review the message and available next actions
Combine filters and sorting correctly
Precondition
Data exists across multiple filter and sort values.
Expected result
All results satisfy both filters and remain ordered using the selected rule.
Steps
- 1.Apply two compatible filters
- 2.Change the sort order
- 3.Inspect every visible result
Maintain consistent pagination
Precondition
The query returns more than one page.
Expected result
Page counts and navigation remain consistent with no unintended duplicates or omissions.
Steps
- 1.Open successive result pages
- 2.Return to an earlier page
- 3.Check for missing or duplicated records
Handle special characters safely
Precondition
The search input accepts text.
Expected result
Input is handled as data, the interface remains intact and no internal error or executable content is exposed.
Steps
- 1.Search using quotes, operators, markup-like text and long input
- 2.Inspect the response and page output
Coverage checklist
- Confirm exact, prefix, partial, fuzzy and case rules with product owners.
- Build test data that makes relevance and ordering objectively verifiable.
- Test filters independently before testing combinations.
- Check pagination after records are added, removed or reordered.
- Measure acceptable response time using realistic result volumes.
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