XML Reporter for Real-Time Test Result Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test report files in HTML format are inflexible and difficult to view in multiple formats without significant alteration, and they do not support real-time reporting, which can lead to data loss during system crashes during application testing.
Innovation Solution
An XML reporter generates test results in real-time, using key and value parameters to create well-formed XML test result files that can be viewed in various formats, reducing the impact of system crashes by continuously updating the test results file.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If HTML format is used for test reports, then readability is improved, but flexibility to view in multiple formats deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the test report data from its presentation format by using XML as the underlying data structure. The test results are stored in XML format with clear hierarchical structure, and separate XSLT stylesheets are used to transform the same XML data into different view formats (detailed view, summary view, etc.). This segmentation allows the data to remain flexible while providing formatted presentations for readability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces XML as an intermediary data format between the test execution system and the final report presentation. The XML reporter generates structured XML output that serves as a neutral intermediate representation, which can then be transformed into various HTML views or other formats without altering the original test data, thus maintaining both flexibility and readability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If HTML test report file is altered to create new views, then different data views can be created, but file complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reporting system into separate components: the XML data file containing test results, and separate XSLT transformation files that define different views. Each view is created by applying a specific XSLT stylesheet to the same XML file, avoiding the need to modify or duplicate the underlying data file. This segmentation maintains file simplicity while enabling multiple views.
Solution Approach 2:
The XML test report file serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores the complete test data, acts as a source for multiple different views, and maintains a consistent structure that can be processed by various transformation stylesheets. This multi-functionality allows different data views to be generated without increasing file complexity, as the single XML file supports all view requirements.
3Reliability
If real-time reporting is implemented, then data loss during crashes is reduced, but system resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time reporting by having the XML reporter write test results to the output file immediately as each test case completes, rather than waiting until the end of the entire test suite. This preliminary action ensures that data is persisted to disk in real-time, preventing data loss if a crash occurs, while managing system resources by using efficient XML writing operations and allowing the test suite to continue without significant resource overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
An invention is provided for generating an XML test result file. A key parameter and a value parameter are received, wherein the key parameter relates to a tag. A first string is then generated based on the key parameter and the value parameter. Included in the first string is a first beginning tag and a first ending tag, each based on the key parameter. In addition, the first string includes the value parameter positioned between the first beginning tag and the first ending tag. The first string is then inserted into a test results file that stores a second string that has a second beginning tag and a second ending tag. In particular, the first string is inserted between the second beginning tag and a second ending tag. By continuing in this manner, an XML test results file can be generated using the embodiments of the present invention.