Create logical data sub-sets while maintaining referential integrity
Protect sensitive data and retain its usability
An easy 'undo' avoiding painful Save/Restore
Track every database activity with issues flagged automatically
Most testing is about trying to prove things work the way they should, and that needs good test data. For that, you, in turn, need good test data management.
This guide explores the key principles and techniques as they relate to the creation, maintenance, validation, use, and re-use of test data environments on the IBM i.
Reduce the data burden
Take a smaller cross-section that has a sample of all the different transaction types and combinations, enough to test everything but not blow your DASD budget.
A perfect working subset
Define the data you need and how it is related, so when you extract and sample it (directly from your production system or LPAR), you will get a perfect working subset complete with re-constructed triggers and constraints.
Multiple copies and environments
A small, focused sub-set of production data means you can find what you are looking for, testing is accelerated, and, consequently, you now have space for more environments.
Enhanced vertical scrambling
No reason to be caught out by data legislation but still have consistent, understandable test data you can work with.
Template options
For constructed or 'made up' data there are templates for common scenarios and consistency wherever the data appears.
A Complete tool kit
TestBench provides a unique complete tool kit to safely obfuscate test data in your IBM i test environments.
A re-usable asset
TestBench’s Data Reset capabilities gives you the power of an almost instant undo button to rewind data to a previous state (or states), ready to retest the whole thing or part of a process.
No need for database administrators or operators
Control for yourself, when you reset a database and undo recent changes so that you can repeat part of your testing with the same data
Multiple Checkpoints
Set as many checkpoints as you require with the option of partial rollbacks to interim points.
Checking the data at every level
If the data is incorrect in the database, then it will never be right anywhere. So, while it is easy to check things on the screen, and to automate that testing with TestDrive, the most important area is the database.
Track every insert, update and delete operation
Understand when errors are introduced and by what process.
Checking rules
Create rules so that data changes are flagged automatically.
Vermont Information Processing (VIP) has been providing business solutions to beverage wholesalers since 1972. Their key requirement was to reduce the level of risk by increasing the scope and quality of test coverage. They needed a solution that would run on the IBM i, to test screens, database, and spool files.
VIP has turned around its quality control and reassured VIP’s customers. TestBench has allowed repeatability and also comparability of tests. Now with the database effects, you can tell exactly what happened, at what time in the test. It’s given VIP many more complete tests. Programmers are receiving a lot more detail and as a result, are solving issues faster. Full regression testing is picking up 10-12 bugs each time – which could take support up to 80 hours each to resolve if they had got through to production
...developers would have to go and get new databases which could be a week-long process at least. With TestBench’s environment protection functionality, we can just roll back and reset the data instantly.
Development methods have evolved in line with the IBM i and a modular approach has replaced monolithic programming.
That puts the focus on the the program linkages and the parameter values must be verified or populated.
That's just the start. Why not track program calls through submitted jobs, even submitted jobs which submit other jobs? And for every call see the vital performance data so you can identify potential improvements.
A comprehensive, proven test data management, verification and unit testing solution that integrates with other solutions for total application quality.
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