What are use cases?

define the functional requirements of a system by outlining the steps involved in each interaction. Here are the key components of a use case:

1. Title: A brief, descriptive name for the use case.
2. Actors: The users or systems that interact with the system.
3. Preconditions: Conditions that must be met before the use case can be executed.
4. Main Flow: The primary sequence of steps the actor takes to achieve the goal.
5. Alternate Flows: Variations or exceptions to the main flow.
6. Postconditions: The state of the system after the use case is completed.

Example Use Case

Title: User Login

• Actors: User
• Preconditions: The user has a registered account.
• Main Flow:
  1. The user navigates to the login page.
  2. The user enters their username and password.
  3. The system validates the credentials.
  4. The system grants access and redirects the user to the dashboard.
• Alternate Flows:
  • If the user enters incorrect credentials, the system displays an error message.
  • If the user forgets their password, they can click on “Forgot Password” to reset it.
• Postconditions: The user is logged in and has access to their account.

Use cases are essential for understanding user interactions and ensuring the system meets user needs. They also serve as a basis for creating test cases and validating the system’s functionality.

Does this help clarify what use cases are?