Test Definition

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Discussion

A Test Definition is a governed specification of the test content, conditions, inputs, expected outcomes, and evaluation information required to conduct and evaluate a test.

A Test Definition can contain or reference:

The test purposeThe subject to be testedApplicable Test ObjectsApplicable Test ItemsApplicable Test SetsApplicable Test CasesApplicable Test StepsApplicable Test ExecutablesApplicable Test SequencesApplicable Test ArgumentsApplicable Test Environment requirementsApplicable preconditionsApplicable Expected ResultsApplicable evaluation criteriaApplicable Validation CriteriaApplicable Acceptance CriteriaRequired EvidenceCompletion conditionsFailure conditionsTermination conditionsA Test Definition can identify:

Its identityIts nameIts descriptionIts VersionIts statusIts ownerIts authorIts approving authorityIts applicable scopeIts applicable BaselineIts applicable dependenciesIts applicable PoliciesIts applicable Governance PoliciesIts ProvenanceIts TraceabilityA Test Definition provides the governed information from which one or more Test Runs can be created.

Definition

governed specification of the test content, conditions, inputs, expected outcomes, and evaluation information required to conduct and evaluate a test

Source

Adapted from:

DIDO Reference Implementation Conceptual ModelDIDO-TE draft Requirements RegisterOMG TestIF defines the Test Objects, sequences, arguments, expected-result information, and related structures needed to represent and exchange test information.

OMG TestIF does not define Test Definition as a separate TestIF model element. This definition introduces Test Definition as the governed aggregation of information required to conduct and evaluate a test.

Note

Use the singular glossary term Test Definition. Link plural usage to the same controlling page:

[[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:test_definition|Test Definitions]]

A Test Definition differs from a Test Object:

A Test Object represents an identifiable item of test informationA Test Definition aggregates or references the Test Objects and other information required to conduct and evaluate a testA Test Definition differs from a Test Case:

A Test Case defines the steps necessary to verify somethingA Test Definition provides the broader governed specification required to conduct and evaluate the testA Test Definition differs from a Test Run:

A Test Definition specifies what is to be performed and evaluatedA Test Run records a particular occurrence of Test ExecutionMultiple Test Runs can use the same Test Definition. Each Test Run must identify the exact Test Definition Version used.

A Test Definition differs from a Test Environment:

A Test Definition specifies the test content and required testing conditionsA Test Environment identifies the actual or planned conditions, configurations, dependencies, and resources used to conduct testingA Test Definition can require a particular Test Environment or specify Test Environment constraints.

A Test Definition is not necessarily executable. Manual, automated, and combined testing can use Test Definitions.

A change to the test purpose, Test Objects, required conditions, inputs, Expected Results, evaluation criteria, or Evidence requirements can create a new Version of the Test Definition.

Example

A Test Definition specifies how to evaluate whether a selected Node Set processes a proposed transaction consistently.

The Test Definition contains or references:

The selected Test ItemsThe applicable Test CaseThe applicable Test StepsThe applicable Test SequenceThe required Test ArgumentsThe required Test Environment characteristicsThe Expected ResultsThe Validation CriteriaThe required EvidenceThe completion and failure conditionsA Test Operator selects the approved Test Definition Version when initiating a Test Run.

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