====== Test Purpose ======

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

===== Discussion =====

A **Test Purpose** identifies why a [[public:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test|Test]] or related testing construct is performed.

The concept is aligned with the Test Information Interchange Format (TestIF), where Test Purpose provides a textual description of the reason for a test.

Within DIDO-TE, Test Purpose provides the semantic rationale for conducting testing and may be used to organize, select, govern, or interpret related Test Objects.

A Test Purpose is distinct from:

  * a test objective, which may state a specific measurable outcome
  * a [[public:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:r:requirement|Requirement]], which establishes a normative obligation
  * [[public:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:v:validation|Validation]] criteria, which determine how results are evaluated
  * a [[public:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_set|Test Set]], which groups related Test Objects for the defined Test Purpose

===== Definition =====

//The reason for performing a Test or grouping related Test Objects.//

===== Source =====

  * Object Management Group, Test Information Interchange Format (TestIF) 1.0, ''TestSet.testPurpose''
  * [[private:07-dido-te:99-annexes:annex-b-references:dte-004|[DTE4] DIDO Reference Data Model]]

===== Note =====

A Test Purpose describes the intended reason or motivation for testing rather than the procedure used to perform the Test.

Examples of Test Purposes may include:

  * demonstrating conformance with a specified requirement
  * evaluating interoperability between implementations
  * determining whether a Node behaves correctly under a defined network condition
  * evaluating performance under a specified workload
  * verifying behavior following a state transition
  * comparing two candidate implementations

A single Test Purpose may be associated with multiple Test Objects.

A [[public:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_set|Test Set]] may group related Test Objects that contribute to the same Test Purpose.

===== Example =====

For a Test Set containing Test Cases that evaluate Node behavior following loss and restoration of network connectivity, the Test Purpose may be:

>Determine whether a Node maintains and restores the required operational behavior when network connectivity is interrupted and subsequently restored.

The individual Test Cases define specific conditions and actions used to evaluate that purpose.

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