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TelQA SmartScripts
TelQA SmartScripts provide a powerful and easy to use method for creating the replayable user interactions which form the basis of an automated performance test. These replayable user interactions are typically captured interactions which are then edited to allow any specific user information to be modified during the test run. Within a test, one or more of these scripts are replayed as a Virtual User (VU).

Reduced Script Development Time

The editing, or modelling, of a captured script is typically the most complex, and usually the most expensive, part of performance test develpment. TelQA SmartScripts help you save valuable time by focusing directly on modelling the script rather than trying to model scripts with generic programming languages. Both TelQA Test and TelQA Test Lite include SmartScript facilities.

Easy to Understand Display Format

SmartScripts provide a simple and easy to understand visualisation of captured user interactions. As an example, the SmartScript shown as Figure 1 is a recording of a user visiting nine webpages. Note that each page is presented as an individual "script step" and by expanding one of these script steps, all of the HTTP requests associated with the loading of the specific webpage can be viewed. For each HTTP request the SmartScript Editor displays any graphical, code, or parameter based information relating to that request.

Figure 1
 

Simplified Script Modelling

Modifying the captured user interactions to produce a VU is a key part of the test development. The TelQA SmartScript Editor provides easy to use menu driven functionality which allows complex scripts to be developed without the need for formal programming skills. A range of options are available simply by right clicking on an individual script step or a highlighted group of script steps. The menu options for a individual script step are shown in Figure2. Because each option has been chosen specifically for a performance testing application, the user does not need to waste time selecting the appropriate functions from a generic programming language.


Figure 2
 

Graphical View of Script Flow

A modelled SmartScript which includes a loop and a switch statement is shown as Figure 3. Even after the addition of these steps, the SmartScript still provides a clear and precise graphical representation of the webpages and requests.


Figure 3
 
 

Script Replay and Debugging

Before including a modelled script within a complete test, a modelled script should ideally be replayed against the target website to verify correct operation. The TelQA SmartScript Editor offers a wide range of functionality for replaying and debugging individual scripts. Users can single step through SmartScripts or set breakpoints to check the operation at specific points in the script. The SmartScript Editor displays the returned webpages and associated information during script replay or debugging sessions. For more specific debugging requirements, the editor also provides facilities for user defined message logging.
 
 

Extending SmartScript Functionality

TelQA Test provides facilities for extending SmartScripts. If you need additional SmartScript functionality for your application, contact TelQA and we will be happy to discuss the ways in which SmartScripts can be configured for your specific requirements.

TelQA Test also offers scripting using C# and VB.NET more..