Testing Applications on the Web: Test Planning for Mobile and Internet-Based Systems, Second Edition

Chapter 13. Using Scripts to Test

Why Read This Chapter?

Using scripts to test Web applications gives us much flexibility in when and how we test. Scripts let us bypass the UI, giving us the ability to begin testing even before a UI is complete, or simply to access the server-side of the application under test directly. Scripts can also be used to automate routine system administration tasks, like copying or deleting files, as well as requesting, or checking on, system services. In addition, repetitive use or execution of the scripts can greatly increase testing productivity; and scripts enable us to accomplish testing tasks that cannot normally be done through the UI.

This chapter starts by discussing scripting in general, and what scripting can do for you. Then it describes a few useful ways you can use scripting as a solution to testing issues. The chapter describes several useful testing practices for scripting, and lists resources for learning a scripting language, places on the Web to download prewritten scripts, and general scripting resource Web sites.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS CHAPTER

• Introduction

• Batch or Shell Commands

• Scripting Languages

• Application of Scripting to Testing Tasks

• Scripting Project Good Practice

• Scripting Good Practice

• Resources Lists

• Bibliography and Useful Reading

Introduction

Chapter 5, "Web Application Components," discussed the use of scripts to build Web applications. Scripts can handle input forms, text validation, and many requests for Web services. Scripting ...