Using TEST or TESTAUTH

Test a program by issuing either the TEST or TESTAUTH command. The TEST command issues the TEST mode message to let you know that the system is waiting for you to enter a subcommand. Similarly, the TESTAUTH command issues the TESTAUTH mode message. Then use the various subcommands to perform the following basic functions:
  • Supply test data that you want to pass to the program.
  • Execute the program from its starting address or from any address within the program.
  • Step though sections of the program, checking each instruction for proper execution.
  • Display selected areas of the program as they currently appear in virtual storage, or display the contents of any of the registers.
  • Interrupt the program at specified locations. After you have interrupted the program, you can display areas of the program or any of the registers, or you can issue other subcommands to be executed before returning control to the program being tested. A location in a program where you interrupt execution is called a breakpoint. Breakpoints that are specified for programs that are not yet in virtual storage are called deferred breakpoints. You can establish deferred breakpoints for programs that will be brought into virtual storage during execution of the program being tested.
    The following restrictions apply when specifying breakpoints:
    • Do not insert breakpoints into the TSO/E service routines or into any of the TEST or TESTAUTH load modules.
    • The TESTAUTH command does not support breakpoints in storage that has a protection key other than 8.
    • When running in supervisor state or in a PSW protection key other than 8, the TEST command does not honor breakpoints in any section of your program.
  • Change the contents of specified program locations in virtual storage or the contents of specific registers. You do this with the assignment function.
    Note: The TESTAUTH command does not allow you to modify the contents of storage that has a protection key other than 8.

In addition to these basic debugging functions, the TEST and TESTAUTH command processors provide other functions, such as listing data extent blocks (DEBs), data control blocks (DCBs), task control blocks (TCBs), program status words (PSWs), and providing a virtual storage map of the program being tested.

The discussion of the TEST and TESTAUTH commands in this book shows you how to use these basic functions. For a complete description of the syntax and functions of the subcommands, see z/OS TSO/E Command Reference. For more information on the TESTAUTH command, see z/OS TSO/E System Programming Command Reference.