====== STC-004 — Set the Test Timeline Starting Point ======

[[dido:03-dido-te:99-annexes:annex-c-requirements:03-functional-requirements:03-05-state-and-time-control-requirements:start|Go to C.3.5 State and Time Control Requirements]]

===== Statement =====

The [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:d:dido-te|DIDO-TE]] SHALL set the starting point of the **test timeline** to the value specified by the governing [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_definition|Test Definition]].

===== Source =====

  * [[dido:03-dido-te:99-annexes:annex-b-references:dte-001|[DTE1] U.S. Patent Application US20220237111A1]], configurable starting points for defined and artificial test timelines
  * [[dido:03-dido-te:99-annexes:annex-b-references:dte-003|[DTE3] Broad Agency Announcement White Paper]], State and Time Control
  * [[dido:03-dido-te:99-annexes:annex-b-references:dte-005|[DTE5] DIDO-TE Requirements Register]], State and Time Control source requirements

===== Rationale =====

A **test timeline** provides the temporal context used during [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_execution|Test Execution]].

The **timeline starting point** identifies the test-time value from which that temporal context begins.

The governing [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_definition|Test Definition]] specifies the required starting point. DIDO-TE sets the established test timeline to that value before the timeline is used for Test Execution.

A configurable starting point allows repeated Test Executions to begin from the same temporal reference even when those executions occur at different wall-clock times.

Setting the timeline starting point is distinct from establishing the timeline itself, controlling the rate at which the timeline progresses, or resetting the timeline after it has advanced. STC-003, STC-005, and STC-006 govern those separate obligations.

This requirement does not prescribe the representation used for the starting-point value or the clock, simulation, or time-service mechanism used to establish it.

===== Applies To =====

  * [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:d:dido-te|DIDO-TE]]
  * [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_environment|Test Environment]]
  * [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_definition|Test Definition]]
  * [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_execution|Test Execution]]
  * [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:c:configuration|Configuration]]

===== Verification =====

Verification confirms that:

  - The governing Test Definition specifies a starting-point value for the test timeline.
  - The test timeline is set to the specified starting-point value before it is used during Test Execution.
  - The configured starting-point value can be determined independently of wall-clock time.
  - Repeated Test Executions can use the same specified starting-point value.
  - The configured starting point is traceable to the governing Test Definition.
  - Setting the starting point does not require a particular clock service, simulation engine, time representation, or operating-system mechanism.

Verification includes a Test Definition specifying a test timeline starting point and confirms that the test timeline begins at the specified value.

===== Traceability =====

{{backlinks>.}}

===== ConOps Relationship =====

This requirement sets the **starting point** of the test timeline established under STC-003.

STC-005 separately controls the rate at which the test timeline progresses, and STC-006 separately resets the timeline for repeated execution.

===== Delivery Phase =====

TBD

===== Requirement Status =====

Draft

===== Statement Reference =====

<code dokuwiki>
{{section>dido:03-dido-te:99-annexes:annex-c-requirements:03-functional-requirements:03-05-state-and-time-control-requirements:stc-004-set-the-test-timeline-starting-point#Statement&noheader&nofooter&noeditbtn}}
</code>

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