Demo: Using datapools with IBM Rational Functional Tester, Java Scripting

Level: Introductory

Eric Patel (epatel@us.ibm.com), Technical Content Developer, IBM

02 Oct 2007

	Get the downloads

This presentation takes you through a demonstration of how you can create data-driven tests with datapools using Rational Functional Tester.

Editor's Note: Additional Rational testing demos are available on developerWorks Rational. Learn more about what you can do with IBM® Rational® Functional Tester, IBM® Rational® Performance Tester and IBM® Rational® ClearQuest® test management.

Overview

In data-driven testing, you separate the data from the test script. Instead of hard-coding data into the script, the script is coded to accept variable data from an external source. Because data is separated from the test script, you can:

• Modify test data without affecting the test script
• Add new test cases by modifying the data, not the test script
• Share the test data among many test scripts

A datapool is a test dataset that supplies data values to the variables in a script during script playback. These values are automatically bound to script variables that are accessed during playback to randomize transaction data. You use a datapool to ensure that the application functions properly with varied data. Typically, a row of data is a test case. Using a datapool makes it easier to generate more test cases and maintain the data for each test case. This feature makes your scripts reusable and powerful.

Datapools automatically supply a different set of test data to a script each time an emulated user sends data to the server during the playback of a test. Consider using a datapool whenever multiple records are being sent to the server in a single playback and you want to send a different record each time. For example, a script transaction sends a record to the server, and the script repeats the transaction multiple times through a loop (such as a For…Next loop).

In this demonstration we are going to record a new functional test script, convert a value to a datapool reference, modify the Private Test Datapool, and re-run the test script using data from the datapool.

Start the demo online

Download Adobe Flash Player.

Read the transcript of this demo online.

The demo and transcript are also available as a download below.

Downloads

	Information about download methods

Resources

• In the Functional Tester area on developerWorks Rational, get the resources you need to advance your skills with technical articles, forums, and more.
  
  
• Browse the technology bookstore for books on these and other technical topics.
  
  

• Download free Rational Functional Tester V7 trial software.

• Check out developerWorks blogs and get involved in the developerWorks community.
  
  

About the author

		Eric Patel has over 16 years of experience in software testing, test management, and quality assurance. He has been certified by ASTQB as a software tester, presents at testing conferences, and is published in Software Quality Professional and StickyMinds.

Rate this content

Please take a moment to complete this form to help us better serve you. Did the information help you to achieve your goal? Yes No Don't know   Please provide us with comments to help improve this page:   How useful is the information? 1 2 3 4 5 Not useful Extremely useful

Back to top