Test Object

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Discussion

A Test Object is an identifiable Data Object representing information used or produced in the specification, preparation, execution, or evaluation of Testing.

Test Object provides the common conceptual parent for the principal test-information objects used by OMG TestIF and DIDO-TE.

Test Objects include:

A Test Object can have:

A unique identifierA nameA descriptionA typeA versionAttributesRelationships to other Test ObjectsProvenanceTraceabilityApplicable Governance PoliciesA Test Object can reference other Test Objects without containing or owning them. This permits reusable Test Items, Test Environments, Test Steps, Test Executables, and other Test Objects to participate in multiple Test Definitions.

A Test Object can represent information defined before Test Execution or information produced during or after Test Execution.

Examples of Test Objects defined before Test Execution include:

Examples of Test Objects produced during or after Test Execution include:

Definition

identifiable Data Object representing information used or produced in the specification, preparation, execution, or evaluation of Testing

Source

Adapted from:

DIDO Reference Implementation Conceptual ModelDIDO-TE draft Requirements RegisterOMG TestIF defines TestObject as the abstract base class for its defined test classes. This definition preserves that common-parent role while expressing the distinguishing characteristic of a Test Object independently of the TestIF metamodel implementation.

Note

Test Object is an abstract concept.. An instance is classified using an applicable concrete Test Object type.

A Test Object is not necessarily the subject being tested. A Test Item identifies an entity within the scope of a test, including the System Under Test.

A Test Object is distinct from a general Data Object. A Data Object becomes a Test Object when it represents information used or produced in the specification, preparation, execution, or evaluation of Testing.

A Test Object does not need to contain executable instructions. Test Steps and Test Executables can contain or reference execution information. Other Test Objects can describe Test Items, Test Environments, Expected Results, or recorded Test Results.

A Test Object does not prescribe a particular:

Serialization formatStorage mechanismDatabaseProgramming languageTest toolTest frameworkTest execution technologyCommunication protocolA Test Object can conform to the OMG TestIF information model without requiring DIDO-TE to use the TestIF XML representation internally.

Example

A DIDO-TE Test Definition references:

A Test Item identifying a DIDO Node implementationA Test Environment identifying the required configurationA Test Case identifying the behavior to verifyTest Steps identifying the required actions and validationsA Test Executable containing or referencing automation instructionsTest Execution produces a Test Run containing Test Results.

Each identified item constitutes a Test Object because it represents information used or produced in the specification, preparation, execution, or evaluation of Testing.

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