Software Testing Control File Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software testing requires specialized knowledge of scripting languages and significant development effort, making it time-consuming and resource-intensive for organizations to test software applications effectively.
Innovation Solution
A generalized testing system and method that uses control files to identify test cases, compare expected and actual results, and generate pass/fail reports without requiring users to know programming languages, utilizing automated testing software that can execute test cases and generate reports in a simple, generic format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If custom scripting language tests are used, then testing accuracy and customization are improved, but testing time and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses templates as pre-defined copies of test case structures. Instead of creating custom scripts from scratch for each test, users can copy and adapt existing templates, which significantly reduces the time and effort required while maintaining testing accuracy through proven test methodologies embedded in the templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining test case structures, validation rules, and comparison logic in templates before actual testing begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming script development during testing, allowing users to simply configure and execute tests against their software applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom scripting language tests are developed, then testing capability and coverage are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to programming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex, difficult-to-maintain custom scripts with simple, configurable templates that can be easily created, modified, and discarded. These templates serve as disposable test configurations that require no programming knowledge, making the system accessible to non-technical users while maintaining versatile testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal templates that can be applied across multiple software applications and test scenarios. A single template framework serves multiple functions: defining test cases, specifying expected results, configuring comparison logic, and generating reports. This universality provides extensive testing capability without requiring users to learn different scripting languages for different test types.
3Reliability
If specialized testing personnel with scripting knowledge are hired, then testing quality is improved, but resource costs and organizational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service testing by providing templates that allow business users and non-technical personnel to create and execute their own test cases. The template system guides users through the testing process with predefined structures, eliminating the need for specialized testing personnel while maintaining testing quality through the structured approach embedded in the templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces templates as an intermediary between the testing requirements and the execution system. These templates act as a mediator that translates business requirements into structured test cases without requiring users to write scripts. The template framework handles the complexity of test design, configuration, and execution, allowing users to focus on defining test objectives while the system manages the technical implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for testing a software application. An exemplary method includes storing a control file identifying a test case for testing a software application. A first expected result may be extracted from a device storing expected results of the software application, the first expected result being identified by the control file. A first actual result may be extracted from a device storing actual results output by the software application, the first actual result being identified by the control file. The first expected result may be compared with the first actual result to determine whether the first actual result matches the first expected result. A result file indicating whether the test case passed or failed is generated, and the test case has passed when the first actual result matches the first expected result. The result file may be stored in a storage device.