How to Manage Playback Test Script

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A playback test script is a feature of software automated testing tools that are available commercially. It is widely used because of the ease in the method of test automation. Check additional information about Playback test script.

Playback test script just requires recording of the input and then playing it back. However, things become difficult when test scripts need to be edited as the process will consume time.

To make maintenance of test scripts easier, testers use the record and playback functionality in correlation with automated test scripts which read data from an external source like a file. This proves much easier than coding the values into the scripts because this way, a multitude of data can be tested using one test script.

The first step for playing back a test script is through test development. Test development entails recording, refining and testing the script. When the user has finished recording, he can modify the script to add comments or use external data source. He can then playback to see if the machine successfully meets his objectives and to establish a foundation for future construction of the tested application. Regression testing discloses whatever differences the last construction had as compared to the latest construction. In this way, it is assessed whether there are defects or changes between the two. Playback the script to spot the defects caused by existing functionality or by the new code of development.

A reminder before playback test script is to make sure that the application that is being tested is in the same condition it was in during the recording of the script. Ensure that all applications or windows that are opened are also open before pressing the playback.

The playback preferences include log which enables users to choose whatever log, text, or html they want to produce after the playback. Other functions include getting a prompt before overwriting existing log, and display log after playback. Monitor allows the tester a scriptname, the status icons, and the description of the action and the progress during playback script. Most delay sets the delay in seconds to occur before every mouse upper down action.

When the playback preferences are set, the script is ready for execution. Open the playback script and click the run functional test script icon. One can also right click the script functional test then click run in the menu.

After finishing playback script, the results display in an html log in a browser window. The log may be found in the log folder under the functional test projects field. The left frame gives navigation to information while the right frame displays which part of the script passed or failed.

Typical errors include object not found and object recognition is weak. One should review error details if an object is missing from the previous version on which the script was recorded. Remove missing objects from the object map and script and update the recognition properties of the object in question.

To playback test scripts successfully, one should be able to:

�play back on all platform scripts.

�Know that the appbar new button will produce an event at current date time

�Be aware that to overwrite existing text, select all should be used before typing new text

�Be aware that date/time fields are not verified because of the difference in timezones.

�Verify a text value through attaching text to it.

�Be aware that clipboard harmonization for win XP should be switched off by right clicking the parallels icon.

If you are interested in Playback test script, check this link to find out more about recording test script. Also, you can check other articles in BSC software category.

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