What is meant by test case prioritization?

Test case prioritization refers to the process of ordering test cases in a manner that allows the most critical tests to be executed first. This is essential in situations where time or resources are limited, enabling teams to maximize the effectiveness of their testing efforts. By focusing on the most important test cases initially, such as those that cover high-risk features or critical functionality, QA teams can identify significant issues early in the testing process. This approach not only helps in minimizing the potential impact of defects but also ensures that the core functionalities of the application are validated before moving on to less critical tests.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of prioritization in testing. Arranging test cases based on ease of execution does not specifically address their importance or risk levels. Grouping all test cases together for execution negates the benefits of prioritization by treating all cases equally, regardless of their criticality. Evaluating test cases randomly contradicts the goal of prioritization, which is to systematically assess and execute the most important tests first.