Visual Test
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (August 2010) |
| Developer(s) | Microsoft, Rational Software |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 1992 |
| Written in | ? |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Available in | English |
| License | Proprietary |
Visual Test, originally known as MS-Test, was an automated testing tool for Windows applications developed by Microsoft and later sold to Rational Software.
Overview
MS-Test was developed for internal use in Microsoft but became a commercial product at the beginning of 1992. MS-Test automated the process of testing Windows applications. It combined a Windows development language Basic with a testing oriented API.
Tests known as scripts were written in Test Basic, a form of the BASIC programming language. The API was predominantly wrapped around Windows API functions. Test scripts could be created with capture/replay, in particular by the Windows Recorder tool. However its dominant strength was that scripts could be coded and compiled. Either an individual script could be run, or a group of them run in sequence by a test driver. Among the innovations for the test driver was the ability to customize the batch execution with the inclusion of custom designed dialog boxes and menus. These were built with the User Interface Editor.
Customers had to purchase Visual Test to develop scripts, but it offered free and unlimited redistribution of compiled scripts. The ability to use OLE Automation allowed enterprising individuals to expand beyond basic functional testing into load testing. A script could create 10's of browsers, drive them, feed them with data, collect statistics and monitor the state of the test.
Capabilities
As with any tool new capabilities were added over time. In 1992 new DLLs were added to provide support for testing
- DOS VM
- DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange)
- The ability to run scripts remotely on other PCs of a local LAN.
- An enhanced test driver
Included with Visual Test were a suite of samples that demonstrated the range of capabilities of the product.
- Play the minesweeper game on its own.
- Play solitaire
- Sample screensaver and others.
Notes
References
- Visual Test 6.0 Bible, Thomas Arnold II of ST Labs and Microsoft ([1])
- Executing visual test scripts with IBM Rational TestManager ([2])
- Automating Windows Forms ([3])
- MSDN Blogs : Brian McMaster's Blog on QA, .NET, and VS - January 2006([4])
- MSDN Blogs : Steve Rowe's Blog - Hiring Great Testers - Tester Roles - January 2007([5])
- The value of Manual testing (or…The value of Automated testing) - September 2008 ([6])
- Richard Wartner Visual Test programming section ([7])
- Visual Test P-code and usage ([8])