The "Happy Path" (also known as the "Happy Flow") refers to the ideal scenario in software development or testing where everything works as expected, no errors occur, and all inputs are valid.
Let’s say you’re developing a user registration form. The Happy Path would look like this:
The user enters all required information correctly (e.g., a valid email and secure password).
They click “Register.”
The system successfully creates an account.
The user is redirected to a welcome page.
➡️ No validation errors, no server issues, and no unexpected behavior.
Initial testing focus: Developers and testers often check the Happy Path first to make sure the core functionality works.
Basis for use cases: In documentation or requirements, the Happy Path is typically the main scenario before covering edge cases.
Contrasts with edge cases / error paths: Anything that deviates from the Happy Path (e.g., missing password, server error) is considered an "unhappy path" or "alternate flow."
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