Definition
A use case is a detailed description of how a user or system interacts with a software application or system to achieve a specific goal. It outlines the sequence of actions, potential outcomes, and any necessary preconditions or postconditions for a particular scenario. In practice, use cases are developed during the planning and design phases of a project to ensure all functional requirements are captured and understood. They are crucial for effective communication between stakeholders and development teams, helping to validate that the system will meet user needs and business objectives. For instance, a use case for an e-commerce website might describe the steps a customer takes to add an item to their cart and proceed to checkout. Unlike user stories, which are brief descriptions of a feature from an end-user perspective, use cases provide a more comprehensive and structured view of interactions. Understanding use cases is fundamental for domains like requirements analysis and system design, appearing in PMP and CAPM examinations.