Automated tests play back a recorded (or programmed) sequence of user actions that cover a certain area of the tested application. To get larger coverage, you need to perform tests with different input data. This is also called Data Driven Testing. Suppose, for example, you recorded actions that input data into an application’s form. The recorded test contains only those values that you entered during the recording and, most likely, these values do not cause errors in the application, but other data may cause them. So, you have to run your test with different set of input data to ensure that the application works as expected for various input values. This testing approach is called data-driven testing.
Of course, you can record many tests with various input data, but the best solution is to separate data from test actions. Data-driven tests will read data from data storages, for example, from a file or database, rather than use hard-coded values. Such a separation makes tests logically simpler. A test containing several sets of hard-coded values can be rather difficult to modify and maintain. For instance, if you need more input data, you will have to modify the test commands.
BQ gives you multiple ways to decouple your test data from test actions:
- Data Grid
- Excel sheet
Using Data-Grid for Data Driven Testing #
BQ comes with a built in grid like interface where you can store your test data. This data grid is very powerful concept that allows you to use different sets of data for your test. Key benefits of using the built-in data grid are:
- Test Data is visible with-in the same screen as the test. Makes it easier to maintain and debug test.
- The concept of data tag allows you to add multiple sets of data for the test and still use them selectively. For example, you can tag one row of data for the QA Environmentand another row for Staging Environment. During execution you can select either of the environments by selecting appropriate tags.
Watch a video
Using Excel Sheet for Data Driven Testing #
BQ supports loading test data from external Excel sheets. This data can be with or without headers.
Watch a video
