Get started

Overview

Getting started with Functional Tester involves three steps:

1. Installing Functional Tester
2. Installing and/or configuring the Java Runtime Environment
3. Creating a test project

In this section, you'll walk through those steps.

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Install Functional Tester

If you haven't already, install Functional Tester now. A fully functional trial version of the software is available from the IBM Web site; see Resources for a link.

The Functional Tester trial is delivered in two pieces. The first is the C81MWML.BIN file, which contains the compressed software; the second is an application called the extractor. Download both and run the extractor application. The extractor processes the .BIN file, expands it into the application installation files, and launches the setup for you. On the setup wizard, select Install IBM Rational Functional Tester v6.1.

During the Functional Tester installation, select any installation directory you like and accept all defaults. Note again that if you intend to use Visual Basic.NET as a scripting language, Visual Studio.NET must be installed on your system prior to installing Functional Tester.

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Install and/or configure the Java Runtime Environment

Functional Tester creates logs to inform you of what has transpired during test execution. By default, these logs are HTML documents. However, to provide additional information, Functional Tester launches an application called the comparator to highlight any differences between expected and actual results. For Functional Tester to run the comparator, the Java Runtime Environment must be installed and configured.

Is the Java Runtime Environment already installed on my machine?

It's quite possible that you already have a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) on your machine. If you do, you'll find a Java configuration icon in your control panel. Select Start > Settings > Control Panel. If you see a Java Plug-in option in the list of applications, then the JRE is installed on your machine. You do not need to install a second JRE.

Installing the Java Runtime Environment

The Java Runtime Environment is available for download from Sun (see Resources for a link). Select the appropriate link for your environment. Most users select the Windows (US English Only) JRE link.

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Create a test project

A test project is the location where Functional Tester keeps all of your scripts, along with expected and actual results. The format of the project is dictated by the environment you are using -- either Eclipse for Java scripting or Visual Studio.NET for Visual Basic.NET scripting. This is the only step in this document that is different for the two environments. If you're using the Java language, proceed to Create a Java test project. If you're using Visual Basic.NET, proceed to Create a .NET test project.

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Create a Java test project

Complete these steps only if you are going to use the Java scripting environment.

1. Start Functional Tester by selecting Start > Program > IBM Rational > IBM Rational Functional Tester v6.1 > Java Scripting.
2. When the Workspace Launcher window opens, accept or change the default location for your workspace. This location is where Functional Tester will store all of your assets. Click OK to confirm your choice.
3. When the Rational Software Development Platform opens, close the "Welcome" tab by clicking on the X.
4. You are now in the main editing environment for Functional Tester.
5. Select File > New > Functional Test Project to create a new project.
6. Name the project RFT Tutorial and click Finish to create your project.
7. If you are using the evaluation version of Functional Tester, a window appears telling you how many days remain on your trial license. Click OK to acknowledge the message.

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Create a .NET test project

Complete these steps only if you are going to use the VB.NET scripting environment for this tutorial.

1. Start Functional Tester by selecting Start > Program > IBM Rational > IBM Rational Functional Tester v6.1 > VB.NET Scripting
2. If this is your first time opening Visual Studio, a start page appears. Close this page by clicking the X icon in the top right corner.
3. In the Visual Studio.NET environment, select File > New > Functional Test Project to create a new project.
4. Name the project RFT Tutorial and click OK to create your project.
5. If you are using the evaluation version of Functional Tester, a window appears indicating how many days remain on your trial license. Click OK to acknowledge the message.
6. A Source Control window appears with the message, "To ensure optimal source control integration with Visual Studio .NET, check with your source control provider for compatibility and update information." Select the Don't show this window again check box and then click OK to close this window.

You are now in the main Functional Tester with VB.NET scripting environment.

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Table of contents

• Introduction
• About regression testing
• Get started
• Create your test
• Review the script
• Run your test
• Wrap up
• Resources
• About the author

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