How can iterate through a test case where some and not all steps have variable inputs?

Question

When I have a test case in which some steps need to be iterated through a data set but some do not, how can I structure the test so I don't have to repeat the steps that are static? In the example below, steps 1 and 6 don't need to be repeated every iteration but steps 2-5 do. Example:

Step 1: Load the app

Steps 2 - 5: Loop through a data set to evaluate the effect of different inputs to the application

Step 6: Unload the app

Is there a way I can iterate only the steps of this test case that are parameterized (steps 2-5)? I assume I could make three separate test cases that would be part of an order test set like this: step 1 would be Test Case 1; steps 2-5 would be Test Case 2 that iterates through the data set and step 6 would be Test Case 3.  Is that my only option?

-Jeff

Answer 1

Hi Jeff,

Thank you for your post.

Are you using MTM manual test? I am trying to involve someone familiar with this topic to further look at this issue.

Best regards,

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Lily Wu [MSFT]
MSDN Community Support | Feedback to us

Answer 2

you could make steps 2-5 into shared steps, with parameters, and create an action recording for the shared step only. After that you can insert the shared step into your test case and add the 1st and last step.

When you launch this test case in test runner, you can do the first and last step manually, as per need. You can playback the shared step each time.

Thanks

Answer 3

Lily,

I am using MTM manual test. In this scenario I am not using a Coded UI test.

Jeff

Answer 4

niveditabawa,

Thank you for your reply. I will try your suggestion and see if it works for me.

Jeff

Answer 5

Why would you use Coded UI Test?

• To have assertions validate certain states or object contents.

It is my understanding that unless one creates a CUIT the only way to validate 'things' is by visual inspection...Am I wrong?

If it true then how does one create multiple asserts in the repeated sections of the CUIT? 

Thanks much

sssesq

Answer 6

It seems to me that the question about why one would use a CUIT is no applicable to my original post about manual testing.

Jeff

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Jeff Smathers

Answer 7

Hi Jeff,

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Seems you find the solution, would you please mark useful posts as answer, they will be very beneficial for other community members having the similar questions.

Welcome you back whenever you need help.

Best Regards,

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Lily Wu [MSFT]
MSDN Community Support | Feedback to us