COURSE 3225 | 2-DAY SESSION
The Test Automation Workshop
Course Outline:
I. Introduction
Establishing a basis of understanding about the tool universe, the real-world
pursuits that companies are engage with and the framework
within which these endeavors are engaged. One should view this as
the contextual foundation upon which the program will be built.
• Objectives and What to Expect
• Historical Perspective
• Automation Support Universe
II. Master Strategy
Even for simple enterprises, a point of reference is needed in order to
add perspective to what you are doing and the value contribution that
an investment is taking. Tools, in and of themselves, are devices to
enable efficient testing (and V&V) behavior. Without perspective and
a fundamental framework for use automation will not reach optimal
levels of effectiveness.
• Recognizing Fundamental Mistakes for Tool Pursuits
• Test Automation Strategic & Tactical Framework
• Synchronizing Technologies with Processes
• Scope Limitation & Baseline Requirements (eg.
Commercial/Open-Source)
• Broad yet Focused Behavior
• Connection and Dependencies
III. Criteria
Planned, focused attention given to evaluation and implementation
elements helps to facilitate successful test automation engagement.
In this chapter participants will be oriented in automation requirement
definition, lay the groundwork for broad-based participant
support and how to effectively work within the corporate procurement
framework.
• Determining Need
• ROI Goal Setting
• Stumping for Stakeholders
• Building Environmental, Functional and
Operational Requirements
• Working with Contract, Procurement and Legal Functions
• Presenting a Plan
• Approval and Funding
IV. Evaluation
Scrutiny of companies, candidate solutions, and specific attributes is
presented in a pragmatic organized fashion. The value of breaking
past practices (demo & selection) are explored and a new paradigm
put forth where blind definition unfolds to form solid highly effective
solution selection.
• Candidate Sources
• Pre-Evaluation Criteria
• Scoring
• Illustration and Illumination (demo & test)
• Courtship Period
V. Selection
"If it's not in the contract then it doesn't exist" is a phrase that has been
a resounding theme behind failures arising out of expectations not
becoming reality. Selection is more that a 'liking' — it's the embodiment
of full and complete connection of the test enterprise to the technology
and the culture from which it comes.
• Prenuptial
• Negotiation
• Solidify/Formalize
VI. Implementation
Just when you thought the hard work was over, you now face the
reality of making the choice(s) institutional. Participants will be led
through the key factors of successful implementation and common
pitfalls to be avoided.
• Preparation
— Processes
— Environment
— Culture
• Vendor's Role in implementation (and beyond)
• Timing
• Initiative Selection
• 'High Touch' Attention & Oversight
• Tweaking or Accepting the Differences
• In-Depth Examination of the Tenants of Good Practice for…
— Data Acquisition Tools
• Generators
• Extractors
• Manipulators
• Profilers
• Comparators
• Regression Devices
— Static Analyzer Tools
• Code Metrics & Characteristics
• Design Extractors
• Documentors
— Dynamic Analyzer Tools
• Code & Design Coverage
• Performance Analyzers
— Simulators
• Hardware
• Software (Stub/Driver Generators)
• Network
• Neuro Simulators
— Test Management Tools
• Repositories
• Documentation Facilities
• Project, Change & Configuration Management
• Incident Tracking
• Defect Profilers
— Multi-Dimensional Tools
— Other (occasionally) Tools
• Disconnection and Connectivity Between Tool
`Solutions (Black/White/Grey/Clear-Box Support)
• A Detailed Look at Regression Test Tools
— 10 Deadly Sins
— Script Acquisition
— Script Manipulation
— Core Base/Reusable Base Scripts
— Clear Scripting
— Connection & Decoupling
— Maintenance
VII. Utilization
Alarge majority of tools are severely under-utilized. Under-utilization
not only puts at risk overall test process effectiveness but significantly
jeopardizes future acquisitions. How can we make tools a part
of the culture, and how do we control over use? Does overuse lead to
erroneous assumptions being made or — more fundamentally — do
we even know how much utilization is occurring?
• Metrics
• Stay-alive Measures
• Misuse Indicators (over use, the 'wandering' syndrome)
VIII. Continuance
Tools are not self-perpetuating — they require feeding and care.
Participants will explore not only base care activities but also the
value in staying attuned to present-day use opportunities. Also presented
are ways to step beyond the tried and true methods of product
life support in the 'Let's Get Excited' segment.
• Proactive Attention
• Product vs. Environment Care
• Framework for "Excitement"
IX. Replacement
All good things must come to an end. Sometimes this occurs naturally
through a series of unavoidable support suspensions or changes
in technology. On other occasions it may be precipitated by wrong
tool selection, limited use scenarios, or alternative support
approaches. Order transitioning provides continued high level test
service support which paves the way for replacement success.
• Removal from Life Support
• Recognizing the Mourning Period
• Passing the Torch
• Always Remembered
X. Conclusion
• What have we learned?
• Where is more work required?
• How can we advance our efforts?
• Working with limited or no tooling specialists
• Can non-technicians enjoy tool services?
|
