Choosing an Automated Testing Tool (Continued)

Functional-Testing Tools
Tools in this class help verify that applications will work as expected. At a functional level, they provide capture/replay capabilities, which allow developers to record an existing application and modify scripts to meet changes in an upcoming release. They also provide for regression testing on the new release using the test scripts developers have captured up until that point. In addition, these tools enable developers to capture scripts at the network protocol level so they can formulate load and performance tests on large user bases. Tools in this category include:

• WinRunner (Mercury Interactive Corp.) provides a relatively simple way to design tests and build reusable scripts without extensive programming knowledge. In addition, WinRunner allows testers to compare outcome and identify potential problems in a variety of functions. According to Mercury Interactive, WinRunner supports more than 30 environments, including Web, Java, and Visual Basic. It also provides solutions for leading ERP and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications.
• Astra QuickTest (Mercury Interactive). This functional-testing tool is built specifically to test Web-based applications. It helps ensure that objects, images, and text on Web pages function properly and can test multiple browsers. Astra QuickText provides record and playback support for every ActiveX control in a Web browser and uses checkpoints to verify specific information during a test run.
• SilkTest (Segue Software Inc.) tests both mainframe and client/server applications. The tool includes single-test scripts that can run unmodified across multiple browser and single-recording testing for cross-platform Java testing. It also provides facilities for rapid test customization and automated infrastructure development. SilkTest works seamlessly with other Segue testing products to produce lifecycle testing capabilities.
• Rational Suite TestStudio (IBM Rational). Rational Suite TestStudio is a full suite of testing tools. Its functional-testing component, called Rational Robot, uses automated regression as the first step in the functional testing process. The tool records and replays test scripts that recognize objects through point-and-click processes. The tool also tracks, reports, and charts information about the developer's quality assurance testing process and can view and edit test scripts during the recording process. It also enables the developer to use the same script to test an application in multiple platforms without modifications.
• QACenter (Compuware) is a full suite of testing tools. One functional tool considered part of QACenter is QARun, which automates the creation and execution of test scripts, verifies tests, and analyzes test results. Advanced data functions allow developers to abstract input data into an external file, allowing one script to work with various testing scenarios. A second functional tool under the QACenter umbrella is TestPartner, which uses visual scripting and automatic wizards to help test applications based on Microsoft, Java, and Web-based technologies. TestPartner offers fast record and playback of application test scripts, and provides facilities for testers without much programming experience to create and execute tests.
• e-Tester (Empirix Inc.) . Part of the e-TEST suite, e-Tester was built solely to test Web-based applications. The tool helps create test scripts without programming and integrates with e-TEST's test management and defect tracking to create an end-to-end testing process.