Just Enough Software Test Automation

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Data Input

You need to test multiple data combinations to verify the business rules, edit rules, etc. If you have to type in all of these combinations while recording with Rational Robot, you had better be a perfect typist and have the patience of a saint. In addition, all data that have been typed and recorded are now hard-coded data. To alter or repair this data, the scripts must be edited or rerecorded.

Solution: Utilize Input Data Text Files

1. The immediate benefit is that, if you need additional data, you can simply add more records; there is no need to modify the test script.

2. If you need to modify the data records, simply do it in your original Excel spreadsheet or modify the text file with a text editor ...