What is commonly referred to as a test procedure specification, particularly in automated testing?

In the context of automated testing, a test procedure specification is most commonly referred to as a test script. A test script consists of a set of instructions that are executed to validate a particular feature of the software. This scripted approach allows for repeatable and consistent testing, which is essential in automated environments. Test scripts are designed to automate the execution of test cases, often involving code that interacts with the application under test to verify its behavior against expected outcomes.

Test cases, while related, primarily represent the individual conditions or scenarios under which testing occurs, often outlining the inputs, execution steps, and expected results. However, they do not encompass the procedural aspect of how the tests will be executed in an automated fashion.

Test specification is a broader term that generally includes the overall documentation detailing the scope and approach of the testing process, but it does not specifically denote the procedural instructions required for automation.

A test suite refers to a collection of test cases or scripts grouped together to test a specific functionality or feature set, serving as an organizational unit for executing tests, but again, it does not cover the procedural aspect like a test script does.

Thus, "test script" captures the essence of a test procedure specification in automated testing, as it points specifically to the