Xray is a powerful test management tool integrated into JIRA, designed to help teams manage manual and automated tests efficiently. It enables seamless test case creation, execution, tracking, and reporting while maintaining a strong link between requirements, defects, and test execution.
1. Key Features of Xray
Test Case Management
- Supports manual, automated, and exploratory testing
- Enables parameterized test cases (reusable test data)
- Provides structured organization with test sets, folders, and labels
Test Execution & Tracking
- Enables test execution at different levels (single test, test sets, test plans)
- Supports pass/fail status tracking with detailed execution history
- Test runs can be linked to requirements and defects
Requirements & Defect Traceability
- Links test cases to JIRA stories, epics, and bugs
- Provides end-to-end traceability from requirements → test cases → defects
- Supports real-time coverage analysis
Automated Testing Support
- Integrates with automation frameworks like Selenium, JUnit, TestNG, Cucumber
- Provides REST API for automation result integration
- Compatible with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, Bamboo, GitLab, and Azure DevOps
Test Reporting & Metrics
- Provides real-time dashboards and customizable reports
- Supports test coverage analysis (traceability matrix, requirement status)
- Generates traceability reports, execution reports, and coverage reports
Agile & DevOps Support
- Works seamlessly within Agile development workflows
- Supports BDD (Behavior-Driven Development) with Cucumber
- Integrates with DevOps pipelines for automated test execution
2. Types of Test Artifacts in Xray
ArtifactDescriptionTestRepresents a test case (manual, automated, or exploratory)PreconditionDefines conditions that must be met before running a testTest SetA group of related test casesTest PlanA structured plan for managing multiple test executionsTest ExecutionThe process of running tests and tracking resultsTest RepositoryA hierarchical structure for organizing test cases3. Xray Workflow in JIRA
Step 1: Create a Test Case
- Go to JIRA → Create Issue → Select “Test”
- Define Test Summary, Test Type (Manual/Automated), Steps, and Expected Results
- Link it to User Stories or Requirements
Step 2: Organize Tests into Test Sets
- Create a Test Set and add related test cases
- Use labels or folders to group test cases
Step 3: Define Test Plans
- Create a Test Plan to track multiple test executions
- Link Test Plan to JIRA Epics or Releases
Step 4: Execute Tests
- Run test cases manually or trigger automated test execution
- Capture execution results (Pass/Fail/Blocked)
- Log defects if a test fails
Step 5: Generate Reports & Analyze Results
- Use built-in traceability and execution reports
- Track test coverage against requirements
- Monitor test execution progress in Agile sprints
4. Xray Integration with Automation Tools
- Supports automation frameworks like:
- JUnit, TestNG, NUnit, Cucumber, Selenium, Appium
- Test results can be imported via:
- REST API
- CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab, Azure DevOps, Bamboo)
- Supports BDD (Behavior-Driven Development) using Cucumber Gherkin syntax