Use Case

November 21, 2023 - Around 3 mins mins to read

Understanding Use Cases

A use case refers to a detailed description of how a specific application is utilized by an actor or system to achieve a particular goal within the context of software development. The term “actor” represents the individual or entity involved, while the term “goal” signifies the objective being pursued. It is essential to specify at least one actor and one goal in a use case.

In 1987, Ivar Jacobson introduced the use case format as a means to document complex requirements in a simple and easily understandable manner. Since then, use cases have become a crucial component of the unified process, which provides guidelines for the development of large-scale applications.

The Significance of Use Cases

Describing a user’s interaction with an application through use cases offers several advantages:

It provides developers with a comprehensive understanding of how users accomplish their goals using the system.
It facilitates communication among stakeholders, both internal and external to the project, by requiring them to consider their roles and responsibilities for each use case.
It generates documentation that can be utilized for tests and other activities.

Use cases present a step-by-step representation of workflows, enabling project team members and stakeholders to comprehend the necessary actions, potential outcomes, and interactions between actors at each stage of the process.

Use cases serve as the foundation of any software development project. They assist the team in identifying key user requirements, ensuring that the design and implementation align with business goals, and providing a clear checklist of the software’s functionalities. This helps teams avoid scope creep, a major cause of failed software projects.

An Illustration of a Use Case

Driving directions serve as an example of a use case that extends beyond software and systems development.

Let’s consider a scenario where a motorist intends to travel from City 1 to City 2. In this case, the driver acts as the actor, the goal is to reach City 2, and the road network serves as the system used to accomplish this objective. Typically, there is only one route between City 1 and City 2, representing the common course use case. However, there may be various deviations from this path that still lead to City 2. These deviations and alternative paths are known as expanding use cases. The purpose of driving instructions is to guide the motorist through the necessary turns and highway exits to reach their final destination.

Use Cases Address Significant Business Challenges

Imagine you have an eCommerce site that offers a wide range of products. While you may possess knowledge about the products you sell, you may not have the same level of expertise in the technologies used to build them.

How can you determine the most suitable technology for your requirements?

You could seek advice from your network or read opinions on social media, forums, and blogs. However, there is no guarantee that this information is accurate or up-to-date.

If you want to avoid any risks, especially considering the cost of technology, you wouldn’t want to end up with something that is incompatible with your existing systems or fails to meet your requirements.

Glossary