Based on a test step execution order for a test case such as one against a database system, a specific test step to be executed next is identified. In response to identifying the specific test step, a test step message is published to indicate that the specific test step is to be executed next, which causes a subscriber of the test step message to execute the specific test step. In response to determining that the specific test step has ended, a dependent test step message is published accordingly to cause a subscriber of the dependent test step message to perform: determining whether a next test step should be executed following the specific test step in the test step execution order; in response to determining that a next test step should be executed, the foregoing may be repeated by using the next test step in place of the specific test step.