System and method for software product test modularization

• US 20060048100A1
• Filed: 12/30/2004
• Published: 03/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Walton, Steven Wesley, Levy, Robert Bruce, Victory, Mark Frederick, McGrath, Frank Joseph
• Granted Patent: US 8,615,738 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 717/124
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/3672 Test management

Abstract

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for modularizing testing of a software product. The method comprises receiving user input indicating a source and a destination of test content; and linking modification of the test content at the destination to modification of the test content at the source. In further related embodiments, receiving the user input may comprise receiving input of a copy/paste gesture for the test content, or a drag/drop gesture for the test content. The linking may comprise using a globally unique identifier to identify each test step of a test document; and using the globally unique identifier as a pointer from the destination to the source of the test content. The method may also comprise rendering the test content to the user as if the test content was in-line at the destination.

Claims

1. A method for modularizing testing of a software product, the method comprising:

receiving user input indicating a source and a destination of test content; and

linking modification of the test content at the destination to modification of the test content at the source.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the user input comprises receiving input of a copy/paste gesture for the test content.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the user input comprises receiving input of a drag/drop gesture for the test content.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the linking comprises:

using a globally unique identifier to identify each test step of a test document; and

using the globally unique identifier as a pointer from the destination to the source of the test content.

5. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

rendering the test content to the user as if the test content was in-line at the destination.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the test content is selected from one or more of a current test document, an alternate test document, a project of tests, and a list of favorites.

7. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

causing a user interface to be displayed, the user interface comprising an outline sub-window, an editor sub-window, and a favorites sub-window;

wherein at least the outline sub-window and the editor sub-window display a representation of the test content.

8. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

causing a user interface to display an outline sub-window allowing alternate expanded and contracted representations of the test content.

9. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

causing a user interface to display a favorites sub-window allowing user-selected test content to persist in a linkable fashion between openings of different test documents.

10. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

causing a user interface to display a properties sub-window allowing user prescription of fields for input during execution of the test content.

11. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

causing a user interface to display an outline sub-window for the test content, allowing user creation of one or more of;

test steps, verification points, test cases, or folders.

12. A system for modularizing testing of a software product, the system comprising:

interface means for receiving user input indicating a source and a destination of test content; and

link means for linking modification of the test content at the destination to modification of the test content at the source.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the interface means comprises means for receiving input of a copy/paste gesture for the test content.

14. A system according to claim 12, wherein the interface means comprises means for receiving input of a drag/drop gesture for the test content.

15. A system according to claim 12, wherein the link means comprises a globally unique identifier used as a pointer from the destination to the source of the test content.

16. A system according to claim 12, wherein the interface means comprises means for rendering the test content to the user as if the test content was in-line at the destination.

17. A system according to claim 12, wherein the interface means comprises an outline sub-window, an editor sub-window, and a favorites sub-window;

wherein at least the outline sub-window and the editor sub-window display a representation of the test content.

18. A system according to claim 12, wherein the interface means comprises an outline sub-window allowing alternate expanded and contracted representations of the test content.

19. A system according to claim 12, wherein the interface means comprises a favorites sub-window allowing user-selected test content to persist in a linkable fashion between openings of different test documents.

20. A system according to claim 12, wherein the interface means comprises a properties sub-window allowing user prescription of fields for input during execution of the test content.

21. A system according to claim 12, wherein the interface means comprises an outline sub-window for the test content, allowing user creation of one or more of:

test steps, verification points, test cases, or folders.

22. A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of instructions for modularizing testing of a software product, wherein execution of the one or more sequences of instructions by one or more processors causes the one or more processors to perform the steps of:

receiving user input indicating a source and a destination of test content; and

linking modification of the test content at the destination to modification of the test content at the source.

23. A computer program propagated signal product embodied on a propagated signal on a propagation medium, such propagated signal carrying one or more sequences of instructions for modularizing testing of a software product, wherein execution of the one or more sequences of instructions by one or more processors causes the one or more processors to perform the steps of:

receiving user input indicating a source and a destination of test content; and

linking modification of the test content at the destination to modification of the test content at the source.

24. A software test apparatus comprising:

a user interface enabling (i) user selection of test content and (ii) user indication of a source and destination of the selected test content; and

a reference link between the destination and source of the selected test content,

the user interface enabling re-use of test content by user selection of the test content for plural destinations, for each destination there being a respective reference link, such that testing of a software design is modularized.