Test Item

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Discussion

A Test Item is a Test Object that identifies an entity within the scope of a Test.

A Test Item can identify:

The complete System Under TestA component of the System Under TestA Distributed SystemA NodeA Node SetA serviceAn interfaceA Communication EndpointA Data ObjectAn Immutable Data ObjectA Distributed Immutable Data Object (DIDO)A configurationA communication pathA supporting test componentAn external systemAnother entity relevant to the TestA Test Item identifies what participates in or affects the Test. The applicable Test Definition determines whether the Test Item constitutes the subject being evaluated, a supporting participant, a test instrument, or another relevant entity.

A Test Item can contain or reference other Test Items. This permits a Test Item to represent a composite entity such as a Distributed System, Node Set, application, subsystem, or multi-component service.

A Test Item can identify:

Its identityIts typeIts versionIts configurationIts role in the TestIts relationship to other Test ItemsIts relationship to the System Under TestIts applicable constraintsIts applicable Governance PoliciesIts ProvenanceIts TraceabilityA Test Item can participate in a Test Environment associated with a Sequenced Test Object.

The Sequenced Test Object can identify the Test Items relevant to a:

A Test Run records the execution context associated with the Test Items used during Test Execution.

A Test Result can reference the Test Item whose behavior, state, value, or outcome contributed to the recorded result.

Definition

Test Object that identifies an entity within the scope of a Test

Source

Adapted from:

DIDO Reference Implementation Conceptual ModelDIDO-TE draft Requirements RegisterOMG TestIF defines TestItem as an entity within the scope of a Test and permits Test Items to describe the System Under Test and related objects. This definition preserves that scope while distinguishing a Test Item from the Test Objects that specify execution or record results.

Note

A Test Item is not necessarily the System Under Test.

The System Under Test is the Test Item, or collection of Test Items, whose behavior, properties, state, or outcomes the Test evaluates.

Supporting Test Items can include:

Test driversTest harnessesSimulatorsEmulatorsMonitoring componentsExternal servicesData sourcesTime sourcesCommunication componentsEvidence-collection componentsA Test Item differs from a Test Environment:

A Test Item identifies an entity within the scope of the TestA Test Environment identifies the configured combination of Test Items, resources, conditions, and controls within which the Test is executedA Test Item differs from a Sequenced Test Object:

A Test Item identifies an entity within the scope of the TestA Sequenced Test Object identifies test information that can participate in a Test SequenceA Test Item differs from a Test Set:

A Test Item identifies an entity within the scope of the TestA Test Set groups Test Sets, Test Cases, and related Test Objects for a defined testing purposeA Test Item differs from a Test Case:

A Test Item identifies an entity within the scope of the TestA Test Case identifies the steps and Expected Results used to verify somethingA Test Item differs from a Test Step:

A Test Item identifies an entity within the scope of the TestA Test Step identifies an action or validation performed as part of a Test SequenceA Test Item differs from a Test Executable:

A Test Item identifies an entity within the scope of the TestA Test Executable identifies low-level procedural or executable information used for automated Test ExecutionA Test Item differs from a Test Result:

A Test Item identifies an entity participating in or relevant to the TestA Test Result records an outcome produced during Test ExecutionA Test Item differs from a Test Run:

A Test Item identifies an entity participating in or relevant to the TestA Test Run records an identified Test Execution, its execution context, and its Test ResultsThe same entity can participate as a Test Item in multiple Tests. Each Test Definition identifies the role and applicable configuration of the Test Item for that Test.

Example

A DIDO-TE Test evaluates a changed DIDO Node within a five-Node Distributed System.

The Test Items include:

The changed Node as part of the System Under TestFour validated reference Nodes as other parts of the System Under TestThe DIDO whose state transitions the Test evaluatesA transaction generator as a supporting Test ItemA network-condition controller as a supporting Test ItemAn Evidence collector as a supporting Test ItemThe Test Definition identifies each Test Item and its role.

The applicable Test Case, Test Sequence, Test Steps, and Expected Results specify how DIDO-TE evaluates the Test Items.

The resulting Test Run and Test Results preserve the Test Item identities, versions, configurations, and roles applicable to the execution.

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