Integrated "Interaction" module
The problem
One of the most frequent issue in QA world is "how can my test interact dynamically with the test operator?". Indeed, some tests may require from the test operator to execute manual operations. For instance:- have the operator to act on the SUT (i.e. pressing some keys on a keypad/keyboard)
- have the operator change the hardware configuration of the SUT (i.e. inserting a Card in a slot, unplug a cable etc.)
- have the operator observing something (i.e. read something on a screen, observe the fluidity of a video streaming etc.)
- ask something to the operator (i.e. "is the red LED blinking currently ?")
- etc.
There are plenty of exemples of tests requiring such facilities. These tests are called "Interactive" tests.
The fix
XStudio provides an API accessible from the launcher to interact if necessary with the operator through comprehensive popup dialog box while the tests are being performed. In particular, this feature is used by the manual launcher (provided with XStudio t execute 100% manual tests).Indeed, the only job of the manual launcher is to:
- retrieve the tescases's testplan
- format it
- send the results to the integration module
- log the results
Since the API is public, this facility is accessible by any of your own launchers.