What is a use case?

A use case is defined as a description of how users will interact with a system to achieve specific goals. This definition emphasizes the scenario-driven approach of use cases, which helps identify functional requirements by capturing various ways a user might engage with the system to complete a task or an objective. Each use case outlines the interactions between the user (often referred to as an actor) and the system, detailing the steps taken, the inputs required, and the expected outcomes. This method not only aids in understanding user needs but also serves as a foundation for both system design and testing, allowing developers to ensure that the system functions as intended from the user's perspective.

The concept is integral to systems analysis and design as it helps in documenting functional requirements and aids in communication among stakeholders, including users, developers, and project managers, ensuring that everyone has a clear understanding of the system's intended behavior.