Ranorex Forum

I know that in a testcase I can separate modules that connect to data bse with a smart folder so that the connections to the database of the other recording modules are not confused.

but I do not know exactly what difference it appears from that

in which case it is preferable to use a test case or a smart folder

Hi,

Smart folder is just an "envelope", with some smart tools, like data binding or iteration count. Basically, it's (almost) the same like Test Case, except that the failure in smart folder is not counted in total test suite error count. Additionally, you can create as many Smart Folders inside Test Case, as you want. But Test Case cannot have nested Test Cases. Eventually, You can create Test Cases inside Smart Folder.

In my opinion, Test Case should be the top level element under Test Suite. You can use smart folders for loops and conditions, but Test Case should be the highest element in Test Suite hierarchy. Just my opinion

In addition, Smart Folders that are not inside a Test Case cannot have test modules inside them, except in their SETUP and TEARDOWN sections.

Basically, the Test Case is the part of the script you want to "count" for testing purposes. Smart Folders are just a nice extra way to organize your script without having everything be a test case.