A decision table shows which actions follow from specific combinations of conditions.
The table contains conditions, possible values, rules, and resulting actions. Each rule represents one valid combination. Therefore, readers can understand complex decision logic in a structured form.
Teams use a decision table to document business rules and functional requirements. Moreover, they can identify missing, duplicate, or conflicting rules.
The table also supports test design. For example, each rule can provide the basis for one or more test cases. As a result, teams can verify all relevant combinations.
However, many conditions can create a large number of rules. Teams should therefore combine similar rules or divide complex decisions into smaller parts.
Decision tables improve clarity, completeness, consistency, and test coverage.
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