Sequence Step

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Discussion

A Sequence Step is an element of a Test Sequence that references a Sequenced Test Object and defines occurrence-specific information and permitted progression.

A Test Sequence is a specialization of Sequence. Each Sequence Step identifies one position within the ordering or directed progression established by the Test Sequence.

A Sequence Step references one Sequenced Test Object, such as a:

A Sequence Step can identify:

Its identityIts nameIts descriptionIts position within the Test SequenceIts referenced Sequenced Test ObjectIts applicable Test Argument ValuesIts applicable Expected ResultsIts applicable Test ItemsIts applicable Starting ConditionsIts applicable Timing ConditionsIts required prior conditionsIts completion conditionIts failure conditionIts TimeoutIts permitted following Sequence StepsIts progression conditionsIts alternative progressionIts error-handling progressionIts applicable Governance PoliciesIts ProvenanceIts TraceabilityA Sequence Step can supply occurrence-specific Test Argument Values to the referenced Sequenced Test Object.

A Sequence Step can also identify one or more permitted following Sequence Steps. Progression can depend on:

Completion of the current Sequence StepA Test ResultA VerdictA measured valueAn observed eventA stateA TimeoutAn errorAnother defined progression conditionThe Sequence Step defines permitted progression. The applicable Execution Path identifies the progression that actually occurs during Test Execution.

Definition

element of a Test Sequence that references a Sequenced Test Object and defines occurrence-specific information and permitted progression

Source

Adapted from:

DIDO Reference Implementation Conceptual ModelDIDO-TE draft Requirements RegisterOMG TestIF defines SequenceStep as a directed-graph node contained within a TestSequence. The SequenceStep references the SequencedTestObject represented at that position and identifies the SequenceSteps that can follow it.

OMG TestIF also permits a SequenceStep to provide ArgumentValues for the input variables of its referenced SequencedTestObject.

This definition preserves those characteristics while:

Defining Sequence Step as an element of a Test SequenceRelating Test Sequence to the general concept of SequenceSeparating permitted progression from the Execution Path that actually occursRemaining independent of a particular graph-storage or implementation technology

Note

A Sequence Step differs from a Sequence:

A Sequence defines an ordered or directed arrangement of elements and the progression relationships among themA Sequence Step is one element within a Test SequenceA Sequence Step differs from a Test Sequence:

A Test Sequence defines the overall ordering and permitted progressionA Sequence Step identifies one position and defined occurrence within that progressionA Sequence Step differs from a Test Step:

A Test Step specifies a reusable test action or ValidationA Sequence Step identifies an occurrence of a Sequenced Test Object within a Test SequenceA Sequence Step can reference a Test Step, but the Sequence Step and Test Step remain separate TestIF objects.

The same Test Step can occur at multiple positions within one Test Sequence. Each occurrence uses a separate Sequence Step.

A Sequence Step differs from a Sequenced Test Object:

A Sequenced Test Object defines reusable test contentA Sequence Step identifies how that content participates at one position within a Test SequenceThe same Sequenced Test Object can participate in:

Multiple Test SequencesMultiple positions within one Test SequenceMultiple branches within one Test SequenceMultiple Test RunsEach Sequence Step can provide different:

Test Argument ValuesExpected ResultsStarting ConditionsTiming ConditionsProgression conditionsError-handling progressionOther occurrence-specific informationA Sequence Step does not copy or redefine the referenced Sequenced Test Object. It supplies or references the information needed to use that object at a particular position.

A Sequence Step differs from an Execution Path:

A Sequence Step defines a potential occurrence and permitted progression within a Test SequenceAn Execution Path identifies which Sequence Steps occurred and how progression actually proceeded during Test ExecutionA Sequence Step can remain unperformed when:

follows another conditional branchA preceding Sequence Step failsA Timeout causes error-handling progressionTest Execution terminates before reaching the Sequence StepAn authorized Actor cancels the Test RunMultiple initial Sequence Steps can define parallel starting paths.

Multiple following Sequence Steps can define:

Parallel progressionConditional progressionAlternative progressionError-handling progressionThe Test Sequence provides sufficient progression information to distinguish parallel progression from conditional or alternative progression.

A Test Result can reference both:

The Sequenced Test Object whose performance produced the outcomeThe Sequence Step that identifies the particular occurrence of that Sequenced Test ObjectThis dual reference distinguishes Test Results produced by separate occurrences of the same Sequenced Test Object.

Example

A reusable Test Step submits a proposed transaction to a Node.

A Test Sequence contains three Sequence Steps that reference the same Test Step:

Sequence Step SS-01 supplies the Endpoint and identity of Node ASequence Step SS-02 supplies the Endpoint and identity of Node BSequence Step SS-03 supplies the Endpoint and identity of Node CEach Sequence Step supplies occurrence-specific Test Argument Values while reusing the same Test Step.

During Test Execution, the Test Run records:

Whether each Sequence Step occurredThe Test Argument Values used for each occurrenceThe Starting Conditions applicable to each occurrenceThe Timing Conditions applicable to each occurrenceThe start time and completion time of each occurrenceThe Test Result produced by each occurrenceThe Verdict assigned to each Test ResultThe Execution Path followedThe supporting EvidenceAlthough all three Sequence Steps reference the same Test Step, each Test Result remains traceable to the particular Node and Sequence Step that produced it.

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