Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a test case that is encapsulated defining its relationship with other such encapsulated test cases. An encapsulated test case may be explicitly associated with one or more parent test cases. Additionally, or alternatively, a test case embodying aspects of the present invention may be explicitly associated with one or more child test cases. Through such explicit relationships between test cases a complex hierarchical structure of test cases can be quickly and efficiently created. Further aspects of the invention, which may be incorporated in some embodiments, include an encapsulated test case which, when associated with other encapsulated test case, results in an explicit tree-like hierarchical structure of test cases being defined. In further embodiments of the present invention, a test case (encapsulated or conventional) may be associated with a test case association property.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a test case that is encapsulated defining its relationship with other such encapsulated test cases. An encapsulated test case may be explicitly associated with one or more parent test cases. Additionally, or alternatively, a test case embodying aspects of the present invention may be explicitly associated with one or more child test cases. Through such explicit relationships between test cases a complex hierarchical structure of test cases can be quickly and efficiently created. Further aspects of the invention, which may be incorporated in some embodiments, include an encapsulated test case which, when associated with other encapsulated test case, results in an explicit tree-like hierarchical structure of test cases being defined. In further embodiments of the present invention, a test case (encapsulated or conventional) may be associated with a test case association property.