====== Test Argument Value ======

[[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:start|Go up to Terms and Definitions]]

===== Discussion =====

A Test Argument Value is a value assigned to a [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_argument|Test Argument]] for an occurrence of a [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:s:sequenced_test_object|Sequenced Test Object]] within a [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_sequence|Test Sequence]].

The Test Argument defines the variable, direction, type, multiplicity, and applicable constraints. The Test Argument Value supplies the value associated with a particular occurrence.

A Test Argument Value can identify:

  * The applicable Test Argument
  * The assigned value
  * The value type
  * The source of the value
  * The time at which the value was assigned
  * The [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:s:sequence_step|Sequence Step]] to which the value applies
  * Whether the value was explicitly supplied
  * Whether the value came from the Test Argument default
  * Whether the value was produced during [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_execution|Test Execution]]
  * Its [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:p:provenance|Provenance]]
  * Its [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:traceability|Traceability]]

A Test Argument Value can represent:

  * An input supplied before Test Execution
  * An input produced by an earlier Sequence Step
  * An output produced during Test Execution
  * A default value defined by the Test Argument
  * A reference to an externally maintained value
  * A collection of values when the Test Argument permits multiple values

The Test Argument Value must conform to the type, direction, multiplicity, and constraints established by the applicable Test Argument.

===== Definition =====

//value assigned to a [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_argument|Test Argument]] for an occurrence of a [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:s:sequenced_test_object|Sequenced Test Object]] within a [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_sequence|Test Sequence]]//

===== Source =====

Adapted from:

  * [[https://www.omg.org/spec/TestIF/1.0/Beta3/PDF|OMG Test Information Interchange Format (TestIF), Version 1.0 Beta 3, Section 7.2.2, ArgumentValue]]
  * [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_argument|Test Argument]]
  * [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:s:sequenced_test_object|Sequenced Test Object]]
  * [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_sequence|Test Sequence]]
  * [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:s:sequence_step|Sequence Step]]
  * DIDO Reference Implementation Conceptual Model
  * DIDO-TE draft Requirements Register

OMG TestIF uses ArgumentValue to assign a value to an Argument. The assigned value must conform to the type of the associated Argument.

The DIDO Solutions glossary uses **Test Argument Value** to distinguish the TestIF concept from general attribute values and other values used by a system.

===== Note =====

A Test Argument Value cannot exist independently of a [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_argument|Test Argument]].

A Test Argument differs from a Test Argument Value:

  * A Test Argument defines the variable and its constraints
  * A Test Argument Value supplies a value conforming to those constraints

The same Test Argument can have different Test Argument Values in different [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:s:sequence_step|Sequence Steps]], [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_case|Test Cases]], or [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_run|Test Runs]].

An input Test Argument Value exists before or at the start of the applicable action.

An output Test Argument Value results from performing the applicable action or validation.

A Test Argument Value can reference external data when the value cannot or should not be embedded in the Test Definition or Test Run. The reference must preserve the identity, integrity, availability, Provenance, and Traceability required by the applicable Governance Policies.

A sensitive Test Argument Value can require access control, encryption, redaction, or omission from user-visible outputs. Such protection does not remove the requirement to preserve authorized Traceability.

===== Example =====

A [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_step|Test Step]] defines a Test Argument named ''targetNode''.

The Test Argument:

  * Has [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:n:node|Node]] identifier as its type
  * Has input as its direction
  * Requires exactly one value

A [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:s:sequence_step|Sequence Step]] assigns ''NODE-005'' as the Test Argument Value.

During Test Execution, the [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_run|Test Run]] records:

  * The Test Argument identity
  * ''NODE-005'' as the Test Argument Value
  * The Sequence Step using the value
  * The applicable [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_executable|Test Executable]]
  * The resulting [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_result|Test Result]]
  * The supporting [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:e:evidence|Evidence]]

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