A Test Log is the execution record for an individual test step within a Test Run.
Every step in a test case script generates its own Test Log, allowing the tester to capture detailed execution evidence for each action.
A Test Log typically records:
Step result (Pass, Fail, Blocked, Skipped)
Actual result
Comments
Attachments or screenshots
Linked defects
Execution timestamp
Time taken (optional)
This provides complete traceability for every step that was executed.
Example
Test Case: User Login
Test Run
Tester: Sarah
Environment: Chrome
Overall Result: Failed
Test Logs
Step | Expected Result | Step Result (Test Log) |
1. Navigate to Login page | Login page opens | ✅ Passed |
2. Enter username | Username accepted | ✅ Passed |
3. Enter password | Password accepted | ❌ Failed |
4. Click Login | Dashboard displayed | ⏸ Not Executed |
In this example:
There is one Test Run.
There are four Test Logs, one for each test step.
The overall Test Run result is calculated from the individual Test Logs (for example, because one step failed, the Test Run is marked as Failed).
In simple terms
Test Run = One execution of a test case.
Test Log = The execution result of an individual test step within that Test Run.