fcc349@tijc02.UUCP (Fariba Cavitt ) (05/05/88)
I am interested in anyone who knows of a commercial software or anyone
who is developing or researching a software capable of doing the
following:
* A software tool running on a PC machine or mainframe that will
allow developers to enter test cases into a database as they are
designing and developing their product. This will allow test
procedures being developed at the same time the design and coding
is taking place. The major benefits of this product would be
online access to the test cases and online update of the test
cases.
* It is preferable that this software run on a mainframe and allow
multiple users access the database. Here some security checking
must take place. Also locking to avoid two people updating the
same test cases must be provide.
* As an example lets say 7 system engineers are developing a
factory automation software. As the interfaces between different
processes and different pieces of hardware are defined the test
cases for them must be written. These test cases will go under
headings such as man/machine interface, controller/measuring
device interface, ... and data gathering/database interface.
* So the software must allow a user to enter the test cases under
different headings. A heading covers a package that performs a
task. Examples of headings for the factory automation software
would be man/machine interface or data gathering/database
interface. Also it must allow headings that test the
interactions of two or more operations that may appear under
different headings. In the above example if part of the factory
automation is to save the operator's inputs in the database then
a heading to test the arrival and consistency of data entered by
the operator must be created.
* When software is ready to be turned to the system test the test
cases will go along with it. This will give the system test a
starting point and make sure that they do test the decisions made
at design.
* During the testing of the product system engineers or developers
who are maintaining the software now can look at the history of
test cases. If for example the man/machine interface changes
completely new test cases must be entered and perhaps some of the
old tests repeated.
* At the same time during system test the testers must update the
test cases. The information they put in is to the problems they
encountered during tests and whether or not the test was
successful. Also if they see a need for more and different test
cases under a subject they must have the freedom to enter their
cases.
I personally believe a system like this makes the testing cycle a lot
less painful. It also keeps a history of the tests performed on the
different parts of the product. This will assures that testers don't
repeat tests unless the code in that section has changed. Also
managers and engineers can check the hardiness and quality of the
product by looking at number of tests and types of tests performed.
Please let me know if you know of a product or of any development that
will perform some or all of the above.
My email address is
... mcnc!rti!tijc02!fcc349
My mail address is:
FARIBA CAVITT
M/S 3520
P.O. DRAWER1255
ERWIN H.W.
JOHNSON CITY TN 37605-1255
Thank you for your time.
Fariba Cavitt