Use Cases
A use case is a methodology used in software development and systems engineering to capture functional requirements by describing how users interact with a system to achieve specific goals. It outlines scenarios that define interactions between actors (users or systems) and the system under consideration, typically including preconditions, main flow, alternative flows, and postconditions. This concept helps bridge the gap between business requirements and technical implementation by focusing on user needs and system behavior.
Developers should learn and use use cases during the requirements gathering and design phases of a project to ensure software meets user expectations and business objectives. They are particularly valuable in agile and iterative development processes, such as Scrum or Unified Process, for defining user stories, acceptance criteria, and test cases. Use cases help prevent scope creep, improve communication among stakeholders, and guide the development of features that directly address real-world problems.