Alternative flow
Also called: Alternate flow
A different route through a use case that still reaches the goal.
Definition
Alternative flows branch off a step of the main success scenario when a condition differs, then usually rejoin it. Each one deserves its own test scenario, because developers often code the main path first and the alternatives in a hurry.
In practice
While reordering, two of three dishes are available: the app adds those two, lists the missing one, and the customer still orders.
Learn it in context
Lessons that use this term.
Related terms
- Use caseA step-by-step description of how a user reaches one goal with the system, including what can go differently.
- Main success scenarioThe use case's normal path, where everything goes right and the actor reaches the goal.
- Exception flowA route through a use case where an error or condition stops the actor from reaching the goal normally.