Quick Test Professional (QTP) Scripting Best Practices

Introduction

Quick Test Professional (QTP), now known as Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing (UFT), is a leading tool in the realm of automated functional testing. It leverages VBScript as its scripting language to drive automated tests. To maximize the effectiveness of QTP and ensure the maintainability and reliability of test scripts, it is essential to follow best practices in scripting. This article explores the best practices for scripting in Quick Test Professional (QTP), highlighting techniques and guidelines to enhance your test automation efforts.

Understanding Quick Test Professional (QTP)

Before diving into best practices, it is crucial to understand the core components and functionalities of QTP:

• Object Repository: Central storage for objects used in test scripts.

• Action: Modular unit within a test that can be reused across multiple tests.

• Checkpoint: Verification point to compare the current value with the expected value.

• Parameterization: Technique to run tests with multiple sets of data.

Best Practices in Quick Test Professional (QTP) Scripting

Use Descriptive Programming Wisely

Descriptive programming allows testers to write scripts without relying on the object repository, directly specifying object properties.

• Advantages:

  • Reduces dependency on object repository.

  • Useful for dynamic objects that change frequently.

    Modularize Your Scripts

Breaking down scripts into smaller, reusable modules enhances maintainability and readability.

• Techniques:

  • Reusable Actions: Create modular actions that can be called multiple times within or across tests.

  • Functions: Write common functionalities as functions and call them as needed.

Implement Robust Error Handling

Robust error handling ensures that scripts can gracefully handle unexpected situations.

• Techniques:

  • On Error Resume Next: Allows the script to continue running even if an error occurs.

  • Err Object: Captures and logs error details for debugging.

Use Parameterization for Data-Driven Testing

Parameterization allows you to execute test scripts with different sets of data, enhancing test coverage.

• Sources:

  • Utilize external data sources such as Excel, CSV files, or databases.

Maintain a Clean and Organized Object Repository

A well-organized object repository simplifies script maintenance and enhances readability.

• Best Practices:

  • Use logical names for objects.

  • Group related objects into shared repositories.

  • Regularly clean up unused objects.

Utilize Checkpoints and Output Values Effectively

Checkpoints and output values help validate application behavior and capture runtime data.

• Checkpoints:

  • Verify properties, database values, and images.

Optimize Test Execution

Optimizing test execution can significantly improve the performance and speed of your automated tests.

• Techniques:

  • Efficient Object Identification: Use unique properties for faster recognition.

  • Minimize Synchronization Points: Avoid excessive wait times by using synchronization points judiciously.

  • Close Unnecessary Applications: Ensure that only required applications are open during test execution.

Regular Expressions for Dynamic Object Handling

Regular expressions are powerful for handling objects with dynamic properties.

• Usage:

  • Match patterns in dynamic object properties.

  • Validate strings and extract data.

Documentation and Comments

Well-documented scripts and comments improve readability and ease of maintenance.

• Best Practices:

  • Add meaningful comments to explain complex logic.

  • Use consistent formatting and naming conventions.

Customizing Reports

Custom reports provide better insights into test results and help stakeholders understand the outcomes.

• Techniques:

  • Use QTP’s Reporter object to log custom messages and screenshots.

  • Generate detailed HTML or XML reports.

Conclusion

Adhering to Quick Test Professional (QTP) scripting best practices is essential for creating robust, maintainable, and efficient automated test scripts. By implementing techniques such as descriptive programming, modularization, parameterization, robust error handling, and effective use of checkpoints, testers can enhance their test automation efforts. Additionally, optimizing test execution, utilizing regular expressions, maintaining a clean object repository, and providing detailed documentation and reports are critical to ensuring the success of automated testing with QTP. Following these best practices will help testers achieve higher test coverage, improve script reliability, and deliver better-quality software.