Testing Concepts

Logical Name Mapping
This is the conception of describing the objects in the application into a relevant source file and assigning this object a logical name. The logical name is an alias you will use in your script to refer to this object during test execution. It is best when logical names and short, simple and descriptive of the objects they represent. The process with which logical names are captured vary by the automated tool in use.


Data Parameterization
parameterization is used in testing to make test scripts easily configurable. When tests are recorded, the values entered into the test are literal values. Often times, to provide some variance of execution for the test it is necessary to modify the values used in the test.

Checkpoints
Checkpoints are used to ensure that when execution gets to a specific point during the execution of an application. The value found in the application, (or related resource eg database, XML etc) is the value expected at that point. As an example, if you log into your Yahoo account, you will expect to find mail address to you.

Output values
These provide a way for a testing tool to retrieve values from within an application being executed. Output values return specific information from the AUT or related resource such as a database to the application.

Synchronization
This is used whenever events take an indefinite period of time to complete. Synchronization is simply a mechanism used to tell the testing tool to wait for a signal before continuing its operation. Alternately you can specify a maximum amount of time you are willing to wait for the previous operation to complete before you mark the test as failed.


Scripting
All automated testing tools support the use of a script language. In fact,when you record the steps you perform, they simply translate this into the script language that is supported by the tool. Luckily, it is easy to pick up script languages and we can use the logic within these powerful tools to increase the power of our testing tool.