TESTING

java interview questions for testers.

2017-01-23T04:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.javatpoint.com/selenium-interview-questions

selenium easy learning

2016-08-23T06:42:00.001-07:00

https://www.seleniumeasy.com/selenium-tutorials

java interview questions for testers.

2016-08-23T06:39:00.004-07:00

http://www.javatpoint.com/selenium-interview-questions

http://www.gcreddy.com/2013/01/core-java-interview-questions.html

load runner interview questions.

2016-08-23T06:37:00.002-07:00

http://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/loadrunner-interview-questions-and-best-answers/

upcoming trends on software testing.

2016-08-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

http://blog.smartbear.com/test-automation/software-testing-2016/

Appsc Group 1 exam key 2012

2012-05-28T03:40:00.006-07:00

Hi here with i have added the Group 1 exam key 2012 which is held on 27/05/2012

Check your website speed

2012-05-27T22:58:00.002-07:00

Website speed is not something that should be taken lightly, especially since it has such a big impact on SEO. To help you out, today we gathered 8 free tools for testing your website speed. Some of the tools will generate suggestions to make things faster on your site, while others will give you detailed info about load speed and other things. So make sure to check out each of them.

PageSpeed Insights

PageSpeed Online analyzes the content of a web page, then generates suggestions to make that page faster.

Load Impact

Load test your website online, we offer load testing and reporting as an online service to e-commerce & B2B sites all over the world.

Neustar Web Performance

A quick and easy way to get performance data on any website without having to create a test script.

WebPagetest

Run a free website speed test from multiple locations around the globe using real browsers (IE and Chrome) and at real consumer connection speeds. You can run simple tests or perform advanced testing including multi-step transactions, video capture, content blocking and much more.

OctaGate SiteTimer

pingdom

Which Loads Faster

Pages compete head-to-head in your browser to see who’s fastest!

Show Slow

Show Slow is an open source tool that helps monitor various website performance metrics over time. It captures the results of YSlow, Page Speed, WebPageTest and dynaTrace AJAX Edition rankings and graphs them, to help you understand how various changes to your site affect its performance.

Computer Tutorials, Tips and Tricks: How to Transfer Files and Settings From a Windows ...

2012-05-27T22:33:00.001-07:00

Computer Tutorials, Tips and Tricks: How to Transfer Files and Settings From a Windows ...: How to Transfer Files and Settings Between two Windows PCs? This article is to demonstrate a way to transfer data from a Windows XP or Vist...

Computer Tutorials, Tips and Tricks: Eight Steps to Make Your PC Desktop Faster

2012-05-27T22:32:00.001-07:00

Computer Tutorials, Tips and Tricks: Eight Steps to Make Your PC Desktop Faster: 1. Freeing up your PC Desktop disk space: The disk clean up tool that comes with windows helps to free up space on your hard disk and helps ...

Computer Tutorials, Tips and Tricks: Web Based Testing Tools: Choosing the Best Tool fo...

2012-05-27T22:31:00.001-07:00

Computer Tutorials, Tips and Tricks: Web Based Testing Tools: Choosing the Best Tool fo...: Two qualities determine excellent software applications-quality of design and quality of testing. Even when software is well designed, it o...

Jmeter add on from modallogicsys

2012-05-27T22:06:00.005-07:00

MeterPlus works on the principle of accepting JMX file as input, allows users to perform
operation like configure test plan properties, execute test plan and analyze the results along
with generation of customizable reports. The reports are linked between different sections
for easy of navigation and understanding. The reports are created using style sheet
templates for custom look and feel. The generated reports also have customizable layouts
using its built-in drag and move features which are often handy for the consumers of the
report.

Morusupalli Subrahmanya Parimala Pradeep: AVIT - Class of 2K4!

2012-05-27T21:34:00.001-07:00

Morusupalli Subrahmanya Parimala Pradeep: AVIT - Class of 2K4!: It has been a while and my sullenness kept visitors at the bay! not anymore after the trumpeting reunion with a league of 2K4 class of ...

SQL faqs for testers

2012-03-13T21:39:00.002-07:00

1. Q. What does SQL stand for?
   A. Structured Query Language

2. Q. How do you select all records from the table?
   A. Select * from table_name;

3. Q. What is a join?
   A. Join is a process of retrieve pieces of data from different sets (tables) and returns them to the user or program as one â€œjoinedâ€ collection of data.

4. Q. What kinds of joins do you know? Give examples.
   A. We have self join, outer joint (LEFT, RIGHT), cross-join (Cartesian product n*m rows returned)
Exp:
Outer joint
SELECT Employee.Name, Department. DeptName
FROM Employee, Department
WHERE Employee.Employee_ID = Department.Employee_ID;

Cross-join
SELECT * FROM table1, table2;

Self join
SELECT e1.name | |â€™    â€˜ | | e2.ename FROM emp e1, emp e2 WHERE e1. emp_no = e2.emp_no;

The following summarizes the result of the join operations:

• The result of T1 INNER JOIN T2 consists of their paired rows where the join-condition is true.
•   The result of T1 LEFT OUTER JOIN T2 consists of their paired rows where the join-condition is true and, for each unpaired row of T1, the concatenation of that row with the null row of T2. All columns derived from T2 allow null values.
•   The result of T1 RIGHT OUTER JOIN T2 consists of their paired rows where the join-condition is true and, for each unpaired row of T2, the concatenation of that row with the null row of T1. All columns derived from T1 allow null values.
• The result of T1 FULL OUTER JOIN T2 consists of their paired rows and, for each unpaired row of T2, the concatenation of that row with the null row of T1 and, for each unpaired row of T1, the concatenation of that row with the null row of T2. All columns derived from T1 and T2 allow null values.

5. Q. How do you add record to a table?
   A. INSERT into table_name VALUES (â€˜ALEXâ€™ , 33 , â€˜Mâ€™);

6. Q. How do you add a column to a table?
    A. ALTER TABLE Department
      ADD (AGE, NUMBER);

7. Q. How do you change value of the field?
    A. UPDATE EMP_table
       set number = 200 where item_munber = â€˜CDâ€™;

Update name_table set status = 'enable' where phone = '4161112222';

Update SERVICE_table set REQUEST_DATE = to_date ('2006-03-04 09:29', 'yyyy-mm-dd hh24:MI') where phone = '4161112222';

8. Q. What does COMMIT do?
    A. Saving all changes made by DML statements

9. Q. What is a primary key?
    A. The column (columns) that has completely unique data throughout the table is known as the primary key field.

10. Q. What are foreign keys?
    A. Foreign key field â€“ is a field that links one table to another tableâ€™s primary or foreign key.

11. Q. What is the main role of a primary key in a table?
    A. The main role of a primary key in a data table is to maintain the internal integrity of a data table.

12. Q. Can a table have more than one foreign key defined?
    A. A table can have any number of foreign keys defined. It can have only one primary key defined.

13. Q. List all the possible values that can be stored in a BOOLEAN data field.
     A. There are only two values that can be stored in a BOOLEAN data field:
         -1(true) and 0(false).

14. Q. What is the highest value that can be stored in a BYTE data field?
    A. The highest value that can be stored in a BYTE field is 255. or from -128 to 127. Byte is a set of Bits that represent a single character.
        Usually there are 8 Bits in a Byte, sometimes more, depending on how the measurement is being made. Each Char requires one byte of memory and can have a value from 0 to 255 (or 0 to 11111111 in binary).

15. Q. How many places to the right of the decimal can be stored in a CURRENCY data field?
     A. The CURRENCY data type can store up to four places to the right of the decimal. Any data beyond the fourth place will be truncated by Visual Basic without reporting an error.

16. Q. What is a stored procedure?
     A. A procedure is a group of PL/SQL statements that can be called by a name. Procedures do not return values they perform tasks.

17. Q. Describe how NULLs work in SQL?
     A. The NULL is how SQL handles missing values. Arifthmetic operation with NULL in SQL will return a NULL.

18. Q. What is Normalization?
     A. The process of table design is called normalization.

19.   Q. What is referential integrity constraints?
      A. Referential integrity constraints are rules
       that are partnof the table in a database schema.

20.    Q. What is Trigger?
       A. Trigger will execute a block of procedural code
       against the database when a table event occurs.
       A2. A trigger defines a set of actions that are performed in response
       to an insert, update, or delete operation on a specified table. When
       such an SQL operation is executed, in this case the trigger has been
       activated.

21.    Q. Which of the following WHERE clauses will return only rows
that have a NULL in the PerDiemExpenses column?
A.   WHERE PerDiemExpenses <>
B.   WHERE PerDiemExpenses IS NULL
C.   WHERE PerDiemExpenses = NULL
D.   WHERE PerDiemExpenses NOT IN (*)

      A. B is correct ï¿½ When searching for a NULL value in a column, you must
use the keyword IS. No quotes are required around the keyword NULL.

22.   Q. You issue the following query:SELECT FirstName FROM
StaffListWHERE FirstName LIKE'_A%'Which names would be
returned by this query? Choose all that apply.
A.   Allen
B.   CLARK
C.   JACKSON
D.   David

      A. C is correct ï¿½ Two wildcards are used with the LIKE operator.
The underscore (_) stands for any one character of any
case, and the percent sign (%) stands for any number of
characters of any case including none. Because this string
starts with an underscore rather than a percent sign, it won't
return Allen or Clark because they represent zero and two
characters before the "A". If the LIKE string had been "%A%",
both of these values would have been returned.
David was not returned because all non-wild card characters
are case sensitive. Therefore, only strings
with an uppercase "A" as their second letter are returned

23.   Q. Write a SQL SELECT query that only returns each city only once from Students table?
Do you need to order this list with an ORDER BY clause?

      A. SELECT DISTINCT City
FROM Students;

The Distinct keyword automatically sorts all data
in ascending order. However, if you want the data
sorted in descending order, you have to use an ORDER BY clause

24.    Q. Write a SQL SELECT sample of the concatenation operator.

       A. SELECT LastName ||',' || FirstName, City FROM Students;

25.    Q. How to rename column in the SQL SELECT query?

       A. SELECT LastName ||',' || FirstName
          AS "Student Name", City AS "Home City"
           "FROM StudentsORDER BY "Student Name"

26.   Q. Write SQL SELECT example how you limiting the rows returned with a WHERE clause.

      A. SELECT InstructorID, Salary FROM Instructors
WHERE Salary > 5400 AND Salary < 6600;

27.   Q. Write SQL SELECT query that returns the first and
last name of each instructor, the Salary,
and gives each of them a number.

       A. SELECT FirstName, LastName, Salary,
ROWNUM FROM Instructors;

28.    Q. Which of the following functions can be used only with numeric values?
(Choose all that apply.)
A.   AVG
B.   MIN
C.   LENGTH
D.   SUM
E.   ROUND

       A. A and D ï¿½ Only A and D are correct. The MIN function
works with any character, numeric, or date datatype.
The LENGTH function is a character function that returns
the number of letters in a character value. The ROUND
function works with both numeric and date values.

29. Q. Which function do you use to remove all padded characters
to the right of a character value in a column with a char datatype?
A.   RTRIM
B.   RPAD
C.   TRIM

     A. C ï¿½ The TRIM function is used to remove padded spaces.
LTRIM and RTRIM functions were included in earlier versions
of Oracle, but Oracle 8i has replaced them with a single
TRIM function

30. Q. Which statement do you use to eliminate padded spaces
between the month and day values in a function TO_CHAR(SYSDATE,'Month, DD, YYYY') ?

     A. To remove padded spaces, you use the "fm"
prefix before the date element that contains the spaces.
     TO_CHAR(SYSDATE,'fmMonth DD, YYYY')

31. Q. Is the WHERE clause must appear always before the GROUP BY clause in SQL SELECT ?

    A. Yes.
The proper order for SQL SELECT
clauses is: SELECT, FROM, WHERE, GROUP BY, HAVING, ORDER BY.
Only the SELECT and FROM clause are mandatory.

32. Q. How Oracle executes a statement with nested subqueries?

    A. When Oracle executes a statement with nested subqueries,
it always executes the innermost query first. This query passes its
results to the next query and so on until it reaches the outermost query.
It is the outermost query that returns a result set.

33. Q. Which operator do you use to return all of the rows
from one query except rows are returned in a second query?

    A. You use the MINUS operator to return all rows from one query except
where duplicate rows are found in a second query. The UNION operator
returns all rows from both queries minus duplicates. The UNION ALL operator
returns all rows from both queries including duplicates.
The INTERSECT operator returns only those rows that exist in both queries.

34. Q. How you will create a column alias? (Oracle 8i)

    A. The AS keyword is optional when specifying a column alias.
You must enclose the column alias in double quotes when the alias
contains a space or lowercase letters. If you specify an alias in l
owercase letters without double quotes, the alias will appear in uppercase.

35 Q. Which of the following statements are Data Manipulation Language commands?
A.   INSERT
B.   UPDATE
C.   GRANT
D.   TRUNCATE
E.   CREATE

    A. A and B ï¿½ The INSERT and UPDATE statements are
Data Manipulation Language (DML) commands.
GRANT is a Data Control Language (DCL) command.
TRUNCATE and CREATE are Data Definition Language (DDL) commands

36. Question. What is Oracle locking?
    A. Oracle uses locking mechanisms to protect data from
being destroyed by concurrent transactions.

37. Question. What Oracle lock modes do you know?
     A. Oracle has two lock modes: shared or exclusive.
Shared locks are set on database resources so that many transactions
can access the resource.
Exclusive locks are set on resources that ensure
one transaction has exclusive access to the database resource

38. Question. What is query optimization?
     A. Query optimization is the part of the query
process in which the database system compares
different query strategies and chooses the one with
the least expected cost

39. Question. What are the main components of Database management systems software.
     A. The database management system software includes
components for storage management, concurrency control, transaction
processing, database manipulation interface, database definition interface,
and database control interface.

40. Question. What are the main attributes of database management system?
     A. A database management system is composed of five elements: computer hardware, software, data, people (users), and operations procedures.

41. Question. What is transaction?
      A. A transaction is a collection of applications
code and database manipulation code bound into an indivisible unit of execution.
it consists from:
BEGIN-TRANSACTION Name
Code
END TRANSACTION Name

42. Question. What databases do you know?
Informix
DB2
SQL
Oracle

43. Question. Explain SQL SELECT example:
     select j.FILE_NUM
from DB_name.job j, DB_name.address a
where j.JOB_TYPE ='C'
AND j.COMPANY_NAME = 'TEST6'
AND j.OFFICE_ID = '101'
AND j.ACTIVE_IND = 'Y'
AND a.ADDRESS_STATUS_ID = 'H'
AND a.OFFICE_ID = '101'
AND a.FILE_NUM = j.FILE_NUM order by j.FILE_NUM;

    Answer: j and a aliases for table names. this is outer joint select statament from two tables.

44. Q. Describe some Conversion Functions that you know

      A. TO_CHAR converts a number / date to a string.
         TO_DATE converts a string (representing a date) to a date.

         TO_NUMBER converts a character string containing digits to a numeric data type, it accepts one parameter which is a column value or a string literal

45.   Q. Describe some Group Functions that you know

A. 1) The COUNT function tells you how many rows were in the result set.
      SELECT COUNT(*) FROM TESTING.QA

    2) The AVG function tells you the average value of a numeric column.
       SELECT MAX(SALARY) FROM TESTING.QA

    3) The MAX and MIN functions tell you the maximum and minimum value of a numeric column.
       SELECT MIN(SALARY) FROM TESTING.QA

     4) The SUM function tells you the sum value of a numeric column.
        SELECT SUM(SALARY) FROM TESTING.QA

46. Question. What does DML stand for?
     A. DML is Data Manipulation Language statements. (SELECT)

47. Question. What does DDL stand for?
    A. DDL is Data Definition Language statements. (CREATE)

48. Question. What does DCL stand for?

     A. DCL is Data Control Language statements. (COMMIT)

49. Question: Describe SQL comments.

     A. SQL comments are introduced by two consecutive hyphens
     (--) and ended by the end of the line.

50.   Q. In what sequence SQL statement are processed?

      A. The clauses of the subselect are processed in the following sequence (DB2):
1. FROM clause
2. WHERE clause
3. GROUP BY clause
4. HAVING clause
5. SELECT clause
6. ORDER BY clause
7. FETCH FIRST clause

51.    Q. Describe TO_DATE function.

       A. The TO_DATE function returns a timestamp from a character string
that has been interpreted using a character template.
TO_DATE is a synonym for TIMESTAMP_FORMAT.

On this page I put some SQL interview questions. These SQL interview questions are very simple and mainly were used for interviewing software testers who is involved in database SQL testing or grey box testing. The interview questions found above are listed in order of complexity. However all new interview questions (regardless of there difficulty) will be added to the bottom of the list. You can find more SQL interview questions searching the WEB.
END Basic SQL interview questions.

get more from the below link.
http://www.vietnamesetestingboard.org/zbxe/?mid=download&category=21456&document_srl=&page=2&division=&last_division=&entry=

Testing real time interview questions

2012-03-13T21:37:00.001-07:00

1.Differentiate between QA and QC?

QA: It is process oriented

It involve in entire process of software development.

Prevention oriented.

QC:

It is product oriented.

work to examine the quality of product.

Deduction oriented.

2.what is a bug?

A computer bug is an error, flaw, mistake, failure, or fault in a computer program that prevents it from working correctly or produces an incorrect result.

3.what is a test case?

Test case is set of input values, execution preconditions, expected results and execution

post conditions, developed for a particular objective or test conditions, such as to exercise a particular program path or to verify compliance with a specific requirement.

4. What is the purpose of test plan in your project?

test plan document is prepared by the test lead, it contains the contents like introduction, objectives, test strategy, scope, test items, program modules user

procedures, features to be tested features not to tested approach, pass or fail criteria, testing process, test deliverables, testing, tasks, responsibilities, resources, schedule

, environmental requirements, risks & contingencies, change management procedures, plan approvals etc all these things help a test manager understand the testing he should do &

what he should follow for testing that particular project.

5. When the relationships occur between tester and developer?

Developer is the one who sends the application to the tester by doing all the necessary code in the application and sends the marshal id to the tester. The tester is the one who gives all the input/output and checks whether he is getting regarding output or not. A developer is the one who works on inside interfacing where as the tester is the one who works on outside interfacing

6.when testing will starts in a project?

the testing is not getting started after the coding. after release the build the testers perform the smoke test. Smoke test is the first test which is done by the testing team. this is according to the testing team. but before the releasing of a build the developers will perform the unit testing.

Interview Tips

2012-03-13T21:34:00.002-07:00

1. Tell me about yourself: This is often the opening question in an interview. It's also one of the most difficult if you're not prepared. Remember, the interviewer does not want to hear about your hometown or your scrapbooking hobby.
This question calls for your one-minute commercial that summarizes your years of experience and skills and your personality in the context of the job for which you are interviewing. Get to the point and sell your professional self. Develop a few brief sentences that demonstrate you have what it takes to do the job -- experience, proven results and desire to contribute.

2. Why should we hire you?: The key to answering any question about you versus your competition is using specifics.
"Everybody is going to speak in generalities, so you need something that will make you stand out a bit," said Linda, a teacher in Springfield, Ohio. Give real examples that show them you are best-suited for the job. Linda says she would point out her achievements and accomplishments throughout her career that are relevant to the open position, as well as her experiences in dealing with different types of students and teaching situations.
Pinpoint the qualities you have that are truly valuable to the company.

3. Why do you want to work here? What do you know about our company?: Peter, a physician in Indianapolis, said that research is important in answering these questions.
"I would use this opportunity to show off what I know about the company and, more importantly, how I would fit in."
Susan, a vice president of benefits in Chicago, said that she would address issues and challenges in the company to demonstrate the depth of her knowledge.
"I usually talk about revenue, numbers of employees, and also challenges in their type of business and how my experience relates to that," she said. "I would point out things I have done in similar companies that could address their problems."

4. What are your weaknesses?: The secret to answering this question is using your weaknesses to your advantage.
"I would turn my weaknesses into strengths," said Tara, an attorney. "For example, if my weaknesses include my lack of patience I would then state that because of this, I have learned to take special measures to ensure that I remain calm and attentive."
Just make sure that you do give a real answer to this question. None of us is without faults, so don't pretend that you do not have weaknesses.

5. What did you dislike about your last job? Why did you leave your last job?: You need to be cautious about these kinds of questions and make sure you do not end up sounding bitter.
"I would never talk down about my former company, the boss, or my former co-workers," Tara said.
You need to have a good understanding about the job for which you're applying to turn this question into a positive one. It may be best to say that you really enjoyed many aspects of your job, then focus on how this new job will give you the opportunity to contribute more in a particular area that is key to the position.

6. Where do you see yourself in five years?: An interviewer does not want to hear that your five-year aspiration is to be sailing in the Caribbean or working in a different industry. You need to talk about goals you have that relate to the job. This will demonstrate that you understand the industry, the company and are motivated to succeed there.
Susan, the director of public relations at a major car rental company, said she would keep her answer specific to her field, such as stating that she sees herself as a vice president of corporate communications.
Preparation is the key to answering any question with poise and confidence. Always keep in mind -- whatever the question is -- that the interviewer is trying to uncover if you are a good fit and can make a positive contribution in the job.

Useful Tips for QTP

2012-03-12T23:29:00.002-07:00

Sharing some of the useful tips on QTP I used while working and found from sqaforums.I urge the readers to share their experiences/tips they have used while working on QTP. You can use the comments section to do the same.

1) How to add a constant number in a datatable?
This is more to do with MS excel then QTP!! but useful to know because at times it becomes frustrating to the novices.
Just append ' to the number
Ex: if you wish to enter 1234567 in datatable then write it as '1234567

2) How can i check if a parameter exists in DataTable or not?
The best way would be to use the below code:
on error resume next
val=DataTable("ParamName",dtGlobalSheet)
if err.number<> 0 then
'Parameter does not exist
else
'Parameter exists
end if

3) How can i check if a checkpoint passes or not?
chk_PassFail = Browser(...).Page(...).WebEdit(...).Check (Checkpoint("Check1"))
if chk_PassFail then
MsgBox "Check Point passed"
else MsgBox "Check Point failed"
end if

4) My test fails due to checkpoint failing, Can i validate a checkpoint without my test failing due to checpoint failure?
Reporter.Filter = rfDisableAll 'Disables all the reporting stuff
chk_PassFail = Browser(...).Page(...).WebEdit(...).Check (Checkpoint("Check1"))
Reporter.Filter = rfEnableAll 'Enable all the reporting stuff
if chk_PassFail then
MsgBox "Check Point passed"
else
MsgBox "Check Point failed"
end if

5) What is the difference between an Action and a function?
Action is a thing specific to QTP while functions are a generic thing which is a feature of VB Scripting. Action can have a object repository associated with it while a function can't. A function is just lines of code with some/none parameters and a single return value while an action can have more than one output parameters.

6) Where to use function or action?
Well answer depends on the scenario. If you want to use the OR feature then you have to go for Action only. If the functionality is not about any automation script i.e. a function like getting a string between to specific characters, now this is something not specific to QTP and can be done on pure VB Script, so this should be done in a function and not an action. Code specific to QTP can also be put into an function using DP. Decision of using function/action depends on what any one would be comfortable using in a given situation.

7) When to use a Recovery Scenario and when to us on error resume next?
Recovery scenarios are used when you cannot predict at what step the error can occur or when you know that error won't occur in your QTP script but could occur in the world outside QTP, again the example would be "out of paper", as this error is caused by printer device driver. "On error resume next" should be used when you know if an error is expected and dont want to raise it, you may want to have different actions depending upon the error that occurred. Use err.number & err.description to get more details about the error.

8) How to use environment variable?
A simple defintion could be... it is a variable which can be used across the reusable actions and is not limited to one reusable action.
There are two types of environment variables:
1. User-defined
2. Built-in
We can retrieve the value of any environment variable. But we can set the value of only user-defined environment variables.

To set the value of a user-defined environment variable:
Environment (VariableName) = NewValue

To retrieve the value of a loaded environment variable:
CurrValue = Environment (VariableName)

Example
The following example creates a new internal user-defined variable named MyVariable with a value of 10, and then retrieves the variable value and stores it in the MyValue variable.

Environment.Value("MyVariable")=10
MyValue=Environment.Value("MyVariable")

9) What are the files and subfolders of a QuickTest Professional test?
The files and folders hold binary and text data that are required for the test to run successfully.
The following table provides a description, the type, and comments regarding the files that make up a QuickTest Professional test.

File Name	Description	Type	Comments Regarding File
Test.tsp	Test settings	Binary	Do not edit
Default.xls	Data table parameters	Excel similar	Can be edited using Excel
Parameters.mtr	Parameterization information	Binary	Do not edit
Action	Action folder (See other table)
Default.cfg	Load test configuration file	Text	Do not edit
Default.prm	Load test configuration file	Text	Do not edit
Default.usp	Load test configuration file	Text	Do not edit
.usr	Load test configuration file	Text	Do not edit
Thick_usr.dat	Load test configuration file	Text	Do not edit
Thin_usr.dat	Load test configuration file	Text	Do not edit

Files within Action folder:

File Name	Description	Type	Comments Regarding File
Script.mts	Action script	Text	Edit text preceding the @@ sign only
Resource.mtr	Object Repository	Binary	Do not edit
Snapshots	Active screen files	Folder	Do not edit

There are few more files extensions like

.MTB Batch File
.LCK Locked

10) How to rename a checkpoint (QTP 9.0)?
Example:
Window("Notepad").WinEditor("Edit").Check CheckPoint("Edit")
In the above example, the user would like to change the name of the CheckPoint object from "Edit" to something more meaningful.
Note:
This functionality is new to QuickTest Professional 9.0.This is not available for QTP 8.2 and below.
1. Right-click on the Checkpoint step in the Keyword View or on the Checkpoint object in Expert View.
2. Select "Checkpoint Properties" from the pop-up menu.
3. In the Name field, enter the new checkpoint name.
4. Click . The name of the checkpoint object will be updated within the script.
Example:
Window("Notepad").WinEditor("Edit").Check CheckPoint("NewCheckPointName")
Note:
You must use the QuickTest Professional user interface to change the name of the checkpoint. If you manually change the name of the checkpoint in the script, QuickTest Professional will generate an error during replay. The error message will be similar to the following:

"The "" CheckPoint object was not found in the Object Repository. Check the Object Repository to confirm that the object exists or to find the correct name for the object."

The CheckPoint object is not a visible object within the object repository, so if you manually modify the name, you may need to recreate the checkpoint to resolve the error.

11) Does QuickTest Professional support Internet Explorer 7.0?
QuickTest Professional 9.1
QuickTest Professional 9.1 supports Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 Beta 3. Internet Explorer version 7.0 is now certified to work and to be tested with QuickTest Professional version 9.1.
QuickTest Professional 9.0
QuickTest Professional 9.0 supports Internet Explorer 7.0 Beta 2.
QuickTest Professional 8.2 and below
QuickTest Professional 8.2 and below do not include support for Internet Explorer 7.0.

Does QuickTest Professional support Firefox?
QuickTest Professional 9.1 and 9.2
QuickTest Professional 9.1 provides replay support for Mozilla Firefox 1.5 and Mozilla Firefox 2.0 Alpha 3 (Alpha-level support for Bon Echo 2.0a3).
Notes:

QuickTest Professional 9.1 will not record on FireFox. You can record a test on Microsoft Internet Explorer and run it on any other supported browser, such as FireFox.

The .Object property for web objects is not supported in FireFox.

QuickTest Professional 9.0
QuickTest Professional 9.0 provides replay support for Mozilla FireFox 1.5.
Notes:

QuickTest Professional 9.0 will not record on FireFox. You can record a test on Microsoft Internet Explorer and run it on any other supported browser, such as FireFox.

The .Object property for web objects is not supported in FireFox.

QuickTest Professional 8.2 and below

QuickTest Professional 8.2 and below do not have support for Firefox.

Silk Test Vs Quick Test Professional

2012-03-12T23:27:00.001-07:00

Features	SilkTest	QuickTest Professional
Recording Script	Recorder available with different set of features.	Recorder available with different set of features.
OS	Windows upto Vista, Unix (SilkBean)	Windows upto Vista, Unix (Xrunner)
Browsers support	Internet Explorer, Netscape, FireFox, AOL	Internet Explorer, Netscape, FireFox, AOL
Database tests	With the help of DSN (ODBC32 Interface)	With the help of DSN (ODBC32 Interface) plus VB Scripting
Data functions	Good	Good. Having extensive support for SpreadSheet (Excel).
Tests	Termed as Testcase. Each Testcase has block of coding statements.	Termed as Actions. Each Action has block of coding statements.
Test Script	Script is a single file.	Actually Script is a folder and have set of supporting files.
Code View	Classic 4Test, Visual 4Test	Keyword View, Expert View
Objects Repository	Official term is Window declarations. They can be edited directly from the Editor.	Maintained as separate file. With the help of utility, objects are modified. Two types as per QTP setting. They are 'Per Action Repository' and 'Shared Repository'. File extensions will be varied for each type.
Dynamic objects	Object properties can be passed dynamically. Variety of methods available to handle them.	Object properties can be passed dynamically. Another term is known as Descriptive Programming.
Class Mapping	Class Mapping is available.	Class Mapping is available.
Custom Classes	RecorderClass and Extension Kit are available.	Virutal Object Wizards available.
Image testing	Bitmap Capture and Verification functions.	Bitmap Capture and Verification functions.
Test/Error Recovery	Powerful Recovery system available.	Recovery Manager
Verification	Provided Verify and Verify Properties functions.	Provided check points for different purposes.
Results Reporting	Results are stored into *.res binary files. It can be converted into different formats. Multiple versions can be stored into single file.	QTP results are stored as XML files and can be converted to HTML files. Result folder contain many files. One result folder can store results for only one run.
Test Management Tool Integration	Integrated with SilkCentral Test Manager.	Integrated with Quality Center.
Distributed Testing	Remote Agent.	Having Remote COM Agent.
DLL support	Only Standard DLLs. It does not support the COM/ActiveX DLLs, which are created by VB/.NET.	Both COM and Standard DLLs are supported.
Java Support	Yes	Yes
Flex Support	Available to certain extent.	Available to certain extent.
DotNet Support	Yes	Yes
Internatioalization (i18N) Support	Yes	Yes
Timer functions	Having rich set of functions to calculate time taken for block of statements or testcases. Help: Timers	Having limited functions to calculate time taken for block of statements or actions. Help: Measuring Transactions
Environment support	Can access OS level variables.	Can access OS level variables.
Batch Run	Suite (.s) and Test plan (.pln) are available.	Test Batch Runner utility.
Coding	4Test Language.	Similar to Visual Basic
Ability to run multiple scripts consistently and continuously.	Yes	Should run from Quality Center.
Coding Style	4Test Language. Similar to C++	Visual Basic Script
Integration with External libraries	NO	VB Script libraries.
Code Samples	Few samples from vendor.	Few samples from vendor. But many VB Script samples available on Internet.
OOPs Support	Yes. Oops concepts are supported for certain extent. User can extend standard classes.	NO
Data types	Set of data types are available. User can create their own data types also.	Set of data types are available. User cannot create their own data types
Interactive Debugging	Debugging features available.	Debugging steps available.
Ease of use	Just record and playback, won't help. Medium.	Record and playback used to help. Very Simple. Easy to learn.
Documentation	HLP file available. PDF docs are only for beginners.	Both CHM and PDF files are available. Enough info.
Tool Updates	Continuing process.	Continuing process.
Cost	~$9K	More than $10K
Script Templates	Manual. No Ways to create automatic templates.	Manual. No Ways to create automatic templates.
Editor	Good. Simple one. Having Project explorer similar to MS Visual Studio.	Better one with nice look. But using tabs to show more than one script.
Tool Support	Tool support is available for only latest versions (from silktest 8.0 )	Tool support is available for only latest versions.
Latest Version	Silktest 2008	QuickTest Professional 9.5
Strengths	Good Development language, good online community, recovery system, Good cross browser support, Code Maintenance	The most popular test tool by great user base, plenty of jobs, good online community, Good cross browser support.
Weaknesses	Helpdesk, Slightly expensive, Skilled resources	Helpdesk (Getting bad now), Expensive tool.
Vendor	Borland. Initially developed by Segue. Borland acquired Segue on 2006.	HP (Hewlett-Packard). Initially developed by Mercury Interactive. HP acquired Mercury on 2006.
Product Name Changes	Initially QA Partner. Later changed to SilkTest.	Initially Astra QuickTest. Later changed to QuickTest Professional.

CMD Commands

2012-03-12T23:25:00.003-07:00

For more information on a specific command, type HELP command-name
ASSOC Displays or modifies file extension associations.
AT Schedules commands and programs to run on a computer.
ATTRIB Displays or changes file attributes.
BREAK Sets or clears extended CTRL+C checking.
CACLS Displays or modifies access control lists (ACLs) of files.
CALL Calls one batch program from another.
CD Displays the name of or changes the current directory.
CHCP Displays or sets the active code page number.
CHDIR Displays the name of or changes the current directory.
CHKDSK Checks a disk and displays a status report.
CHKNTFS Displays or modifies the checking of disk at boot time.
CLS Clears the screen.
CMD Starts a new instance of the Windows command interpreter.
COLOR Sets the default console foreground and background colors.
COMP Compares the contents of two files or sets of files.
COMPACT Displays or alters the compression of files on NTFS partitions.
CONVERT Converts FAT volumes to NTFS. You cannot convert the
current drive.
COPY Copies one or more files to another location.
DATE Displays or sets the date.
DEL Deletes one or more files.
DIR Displays a list of files and subdirectories in a directory.
DISKCOMP Compares the contents of two floppy disks.
DISKCOPY Copies the contents of one floppy disk to another.
DOSKEY Edits command lines, recalls Windows commands, and creates macros.
ECHO Displays messages, or turns command echoing on or off.
ENDLOCAL Ends localization of environment changes in a batch file.
ERASE Deletes one or more files.
EXIT Quits the CMD.EXE program (command interpreter).
FC Compares two files or sets of files, and displays the differences
between them.
FIND Searches for a text string in a file or files.
FINDSTR Searches for strings in files.
FOR Runs a specified command for each file in a set of files.
FORMAT Formats a disk for use with Windows.
FTYPE Displays or modifies file types used in file extension associations.
GOTO Directs the Windows command interpreter to a labeled line in a
batch program.
GRAFTABL Enables Windows to display an extended character set in graphics
mode.
HELP Provides Help information for Windows commands.
IF Performs conditional processing in batch programs.
LABEL Creates, changes, or deletes the volume label of a disk.
MD Creates a directory.
MKDIR Creates a directory.
MODE Configures a system device.
MORE Displays output one screen at a time.
MOVE Moves one or more files from one directory to another directory.
PATH Displays or sets a search path for executable files.
PAUSE Suspends processing of a batch file and displays a message.
POPD Restores the previous value of the current directory saved by PUSHD.
PRINT Prints a text file.
PROMPT Changes the Windows command prompt.
PUSHD Saves the current directory then changes it.
RD Removes a directory.
RECOVER Recovers readable information from a bad or defective disk.
REM Records comments (remarks) in batch files or CONFIG.SYS.
REN Renames a file or files.
RENAME Renames a file or files.
REPLACE Replaces files.
RMDIR Removes a directory.
SET Displays, sets, or removes Windows environment variables.
SETLOCAL Begins localization of environment changes in a batch file.
SHIFT Shifts the position of replaceable parameters in batch files.
SORT Sorts input.
START Starts a separate window to run a specified program or command.
SUBST Associates a path with a drive letter.
TIME Displays or sets the system time.
TITLE Sets the window title for a CMD.EXE session.
TREE Graphically displays the directory structure of a drive or path.
TYPE Displays the contents of a text file.
VER Displays the Windows version.
VERIFY Tells Windows whether to verify that your files are written
correctly to a disk.
VOL Displays a disk volume label and serial number.
XCOPY Copies files and directory trees.

5 easy ways to speed up your computer

2012-03-12T23:24:00.002-07:00

One of the most common complaints heard by IT helpdesks is: “My computer is running too slowly – what can I do?” There are actually a number of reasons why this could be happening, and luckily, a number of ways to solve the problem. Here are our top five recommendations to help boost your desktop or notebook PC’s speed and performance.

1. Clean up your hard drive
A typical hard drive is crammed full of files you really don’t need. The less stuff that’s on your hard drive, the faster your computer will be.

The best way to free up space on your PC is with the Windows® Disk Cleanup utility. To access it, go to Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. You might need to specify which drive you want to clean.

In the Disk Cleanup box, scroll through the content of the Files to delete list and check the items you want to remove. If you’re not sure what to get rid of, the safest bets are temporary Internet files and programmes you’ve installed that you no longer use. When you’re done, click OK.

If you don’t want to delete files altogether, such as things like photos and music or video files, consider moving them to an external hard drive.

2. Get rid of visual effects
Windows Vista® comes with some cool visual effects, but they can drain system resources. Disabling some will speed your system. To do this, click on the Start button, and then Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Performance Information and Tools.

Click on Adjust Visual Effects. You may be asked to enter an administrator password. Then click on the Visual Effects tab, and select Adjust for Best Performance. Then click OK.

3. Scan for viruses and spyware
One of the main culprits of sluggish PC performance is malware: viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, worms, and other kinds of malicious unwanted software. If you don’t already have some kind of antivirus protection installed, you should do so right away! Consider using Microsoft Windows Defender, which is included in Windows Vista, and is available as a free download for Microsoft XP SP2. Make sure to schedule an automatic virus scan at least once a month. You should also always keep a firewall running to help block malware from getting to your PC in the first place.

4. Add more RAM (the easy way)
Adding system memory (also known as RAM, or random access memory) can be a good way to improve a PC's performance. However, upgrading memory can sometimes be difficult and costly. Windows Vista now offers Windows ReadyBoost, which allows you to add memory without having to install anything. It allows you to use a flash memory device, such as a USB flash drive or a secure digital (SD) memory card, as an additional memory cache.

5. Run a defragmentation utility
Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that consolidates files and folders on your computer's hard disk so that each occupies a single space, which in turn speeds up reading and writing to the disk.

To defragment your hard drive, go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter, then select the drive you want to defragment. Then go to Settings and make sure there's a tick beside the two options in the section When defragmenting my hard drive, then click OK twice to begin. When the defragmentation is done, you’ll probably have to reboot your computer.

After following these tips, you should notice an improvement in your computer’s performance.

Load runner functions

2012-03-12T23:17:00.000-07:00

C functions used in Vuser generator:

-----------------------------------------

You can add C Vuser functions to any Vuser script in order to enhance the

script. VuGen generates only a few of the general Vuser functions while you

record. If required, the remaining functions can be manually programmed

into a script.”

The following list shows the general LoadRunner functions for ANSI C

scripts. This includes all protocols except for Java and GUI.

Transaction Functions:

lr_end_transaction Marks the end of a LoadRunner transaction.

lr_resume_transaction Resumes the collection of transaction data.

lr_start_transaction Marks the beginning of a transaction.

lr_start_sub_transaction Marks the beginning of a subtransaction.

lr_stop_transaction Stops the collection of transaction data.

lr_start_transaction_instance Starts a nested transaction specified by its parent’s handle.

lr_end_sub_transaction Marks the end of a sub-transaction for performance analysis.

lr_end_transaction_instance Marks the end of a transaction instance for performance analysis.

lr_stop_transaction_instance Stops collecting data for a transaction specified by its handle.

lr_resume_transaction Resumes collecting transaction data for performance analysis.

lr_resume_transaction_instance Resumes collecting transaction instance data for performance analysis.

lr_wasted_time Removes wasted time from all open transactions.

lr_get_transaction_duration Gets the duration of a transaction by its name.

lr_get_trans_instance_duration Gets the duration of a transaction instance specified by its handle.

lr_get_transaction_think_time Gets the think time of a transaction by its name.

lr_get_transaction_wasted_time Gets the wasted time of a transaction by its name.

lr_get_trans_instance_wasted_time Gets the wasted time of a transaction instance by its handle.

lr_set_transaction_status Sets the status of open transactions.

lr_set_transaction_instance_status Sets the status of a transaction instance.

Command Line Parsing Functions

String Functions

lr_set_transaction_status_by_name Sets the status of a transaction.

lr_fail_trans_with_error Sets the status of open transactions to

LR_FAIL and sends an error message.

lr_get_attrib_double Retrieves a double type variable used on the script command line.

lr_get_attrib_long Retrieves a long type variable used on the script command line.

lr_get_attrib_string Retrieves a string used on the script command line.

lr_user_data_point Records a user-defined data sample.

lr_whoami Returns information about a Vuser script to the Vuser script.

lr_get_host_name Returns the name of the host executing the Vuser script.

lr_get_master_host_name Returns the name of the machine running the LoadRunner Controller.

lr_eval_string Replaces a parameter with its current value.

lr_save_string Saves a null-terminated string to a parameter.

lr_save_var Saves a variable length string to a parameter.

lr_save_datetime Saves the current date and time to a parameter.

lr _advance_param Advances to the next available parameter.

lr _decrypt Decrypts an encoded string.

lr_eval_string_ext Retrieves a pointer to a buffer containing parameter data.

Message Functions

Run-Time Functions

lr_eval_string_ext_free Frees the pointer allocated by lr_eval_string_ext.

lr_save_searched_string Searches for an occurrence of string in a buffer and saves a portion of the buffer,

relative to the string occurrence, to a parameter.

lr_debug_message Sends a debug message to the Output window.

lr_error_message Sends an error message to the Output window.

lr_get_debug_message Retrieves the current message class.

lr_log_message Sends a message to a log file.

lr_output_message Sends a message to the Output window.

lr_set_debug_message Sets a debug message class.

lr_vuser_status_message Generates and prints formatted output to the Controller Vuser status area.

lr_message Sends a message to the Vuser log and Output window.

lr_load_dll Loads an external DLL.

lr_peek_events Indicates where a Vuser script can be paused.

lr_think_time Pauses script execution to emulate think time—the time a real user pauses to think between actions.

lr_continue_on_error Specifies an error handling method.

lr_rendezvous Sets a rendezvous point in a Vuser script.

Sample Performance Test plan

2012-03-12T23:07:00.000-07:00

1 Overview

1.1 Objective

It is a simple Windows based system that enables the Buying Departments to maintain cost and selling prices of products for multiple countries. E-Test scope of work would be focused on performance evaluation of the application and database servers executed through 10 business critical transactions for the Application. The objective of the Performance & Scalability effort is to analyze the reasons for the slow performance of during execution of the critical business transactions and to find out the scalability of the application in terms of number of concurrent users.

Scope

Features/Attributes with in the scope of testing

· The scope of testing is based on onsite/offshore process model. According to this model the analysis, design of performance test, the script development and data requirement will be performed at offshore. Performance test execution will be carried out at CATE environment at onsite.

· Performance tests are based on the assumption that the entire Post-GUI application will be treated as a black box

· The scope of testing only includes the Post-GU application and database server. Load Test with maximum of 50 concurrent users will be performed to identify the cause of degradation in performance of the Post-GU application.

· Stress test will be carried out once the system is scalable for 50 concurrent users, to determine the breaking point of the Post-GU application.

· Endurance test to evaluate the stability, reliability and availability of the application will be conducted on the system once scalability is confirmed.

Features/Attributes not with in the scope of testing

· Testing of client emulation through Citrix server and its scalability and performance is out of scope with Post-GU application.

· The performance evaluation of the client is not in scope, only the performance of application and database server is within the scope of P&S activity.

References

ü M&S Performance Test requirement collection doc

ü Performance testing proposal- doc

ü High-level test plan- doc

2 Requirements

2.1 Hardware

SNO	Type	Hardware Details
1.	Application Server	ü Intel Pentium III - 1400 MHz ü 1 GB RAM ü 66 GB Hard Disk
2.	Database Server

*The Server setup and the load generation will be at CATE environment (M&S).

SNO	Type	Configuration	Quantity
1.	Load Generator	Pentium4 256MB RAM, 20GB HDD	2No(depending on the Virtual users supported)
2.	Controller	Pentium4 512MB RAM, 20GB HDD	1No

*The configuration can vary based on the availability at the CATE environment for generating load.

2.2 Software

SNO	Type	Software Details
1.	App server	COM +
2.	Database server	SQL 2000
3.	Operating System	Microsoft Windows 2000 server, Microsoft Windows 2000 professional

2.3 Automation Tools

LoadRunner is an industry leading performance-testing tool from Mercury Interactive. This tool will be used for testing the Post-GU application of M&S and will be used to simulate the communication between the client and the COM + server for multiple users to find the performance problems.

Load Runner V 7.51 will be used for this test. To know more about the Load Runner 7.51, please refer Appendix A.

2.4 Environment Setup

The hardware infrastructure for the test environment will be provided by M&S as mentioned in the section 2.1.

Application Overview

The application is a perfect two-tier architecture with COM+ application server in the business logic layer and SQL 2000 database server in the persistent layer. The clients access the system via client (a thick client) from various geographical locations. The Post-GU system comprises of an online sub-system and a batch sub-system. The online subsystem is accessed by the category - merchandisers, buyers and suppliers using a client. The batch system manages downloads from mainframe, uploads back into the mainframe, production of CPP reports and backups.

Test Environment

The application under test will be deployed in the CATE environment (M&S) and load will be generated within the same network. Since the application and database are deployed on two different machines that communicate through a common network link monitoring the network component between them is out of the scope of performance evaluation.

For test design and execution more input will be required from CATE environment for instrumentation strategy.

Production Infrastructure

3 Approach

To perform base line tests on the Post-GU system for finding out the scalability, identifying the cause of performance degradation making a comparative study with Post-GU system

a) A list of transactions, which are business critical in the Post-GU system, is to be identified.

b) The workload pattern (Percentage of transaction Mix) will be defined as a scenario, which needs to be executed in the Post-GU system to collect baseline statistics.

c) A goal in terms of number of concurrent connections to the application server is set to 50 users to study the scalability of the system.

d) Scripts will be generated to simulate the communication between the COM client and the Application server for the identified transactions using Load Runner 7.51 and parameterized for multiple users. These scripts will be used to generate load for performance evaluation of the application and database servers.

e) Environment and data setup for the performance test execution will be validated in the CATE environment.

f) Monitoring tools will be deployed in the CATE environment to collect statistics on the performance of COM+ and SQL 2000.

g) A preliminary report based on analysis consisting of the scalability point and threshold level of the Post-GU system will be prepared.

h) An executive summary will be prepared with findings and recommendations if any, for the improvement of Post-GU application.

3.1 Script Development

Create Automated Scripts

Automated scripts will be designed for each transaction mentioned in the requirement collection document using the Mercury interactive Load runner tool 7.51 simulating the client’s communication with the COM+ server. Single user scripts will be recorded with the tool and will be parameterized for load generation to simulate the same transaction for multiple simultaneous traffic. Transaction dependencies would be identified and would be incorporated in the scripts. Error handling routines will be added to validate the server responses for the client’s request from the tool. The scripts will be mapped to the various scenarios to be tested. Navigation of the transaction would be as specified in the transaction traversal document.

Script Validation

Scripts will be tested on the environment where it was generated with multiple users and in the CATE environment for validating the scripts before actual execution of the test. The data setup required for load generation is also verified along with the scripts. The server monitoring scripts would be verified for their output accuracy.

Create LoadRunner Scenarios

I. Load Testing Scenario

The Post-GU application is to be tested for performance and scalability for a load 50 concurrent users performing the business critical transaction. Load will be created on the COM+ application server gradually with 5 users every 2 minute. Each user once loaded in the system will perform the transaction mentioned in the scenario continuously with a transaction think time as specified in the transaction traversal document. Once 50 users are loaded in to the system the load will be maintained for 10 minutes to study the performance of the Post-GU system at 50 users load.

II. Stress Testing Scenario

This scenario will be executed once the Post-GU system is scalable. The Post-GU application will be stressed with a load of 50 concurrent users performing the business critical transaction. Load will be created on the server gradually with 5 users every 2 minutes. Each user once loaded in the system will perform the transaction mentioned in the scenario continuously. The think times between transactions will be eliminated to create a congestion of requests at the server end. Once 50 users are loaded in to the system the load will be maintained for 5 minutes to study the performance of the system under stress from 50 users load.

III. Endurance Testing Scenario

This scenario will be executed once the Post-GU system is scalable. The Post-GU application will be loaded with 25 user and maintained for 8 hrs to study the reliability and availability of the system under 50 users constant load maintained for a long duration.

3.2 Workload Criteria

Business Function Overview

The following table lists the priority of the business functions being tested. A high rank implies that the business function must be tested and is part of the critical path.

Rank	Business Function/Operation
High	Open Product
High	PSL
High	Buy
High	Sell
High	Authorization
High	Reconciliation
High	Price Suggestion
High	Margin Charges
High	Generate PSLs
High	VAT

Pre-Production Workload Scenarios

The table below shows the high-level test scenarios that will be executed in CATE envrionment

Scenario #	Scenario Name	Number of Concurrent Users	Workload Distribution	Duration
1.	50 User Load Test	50 users	8% PSL 15% Buy 15% Sell 25% Authorization 25% Reconciliation 4% Price Suggestion 2% Margin Charges 2% Generate PSLs 4% VAT	30 minutes
2.	50 User Stress Test	50 users	8% PSL 15% Buy 15% Sell 25% Authorization 25% Reconciliation 4% Price Suggestion 2% Margin Charges 2% Generate PSLs 4% VAT	30 minutes
3.	20 User Endurance Test	20 users	8% PSL 15% Buy 15% Sell 25% Authorization 25% Reconciliation 4% Price Suggestion 2% Margin Charges 2% Generate PSLs 4% VAT	8 hours

NOTE: The duration implies the length of the test after the goal number of users is reached.

3.3 Test Execution

Execute Pre-Test Checklist

Execute Scenario

Base Line tests to validate scripts will be conducted before actual execution of the scenario. Scripts will be executed based on the scenarios identified in the workload criteria. Data collected from various monitors will be validated and correlated. According to the effort estimates a maximum of 3 iterations of test executions will be performed. After an iteration of execution the results will be analyzed and changes will be derived to implement for the next iteration.

Capture and deliver test results

For each test execution, the following LoadRunner summary reports will be delivered to the Client:

1. Scalability metrics

· Transaction Average Response Time Summary vs Load

· Throughput vs Load

· Transactions per Second

2. Error Statistics

· System or client side errors vs first time load when the first error was reported in the tool

3. Server Statistics

· Resource utilization (CPU, memory and Disk)

· Component monitors

4. Network Statistics

· Network bandwidth utilization

3.4 Status Reporting

During the script development and verification, E-Test team will deliver a daily status report via e-mail. The status report will be delivered by the close of business each day. The status report will document the progress of the script development. All issues and their resolutions will be included in the status report.

During script execution, E-Test Center will continue to deliver daily status reports via e-mail. The status reports will include a list of the scenarios executed during the day as well as any observations from the test. The transaction summary reports and other performance reports will be delivered at the completion of each scenario.

3.5 Issue Reporting

All issues will be entered into spreadsheet tracking tool. The issue form will contain the following information:

¨ Date the Issue was Reported

¨ Name of Tester Reporting the Issue

¨ Status of the Issue

¨ Application Associated with the Issue

¨ Detailed Description of the Issue

¨ Detailed Description of the Issue Resolution

E-Test Center will provide M&S with the same information on the status reports. If a critical issue arises, E-Test Center will notify M&S development team offshore as soon as possible rather than waiting to include it on the status report. A critical issue is defined as an issue that stops progress and no workaround can be identified.

4 Test Deliverables

E-Test team will provide the following deliverables:

4.1 Test Plan (this document)

This document will contain plan of action for the test detailing the approach, hardware and software requirements, environment details, resource details and schedules etc.

4.2 Preliminary Test Report

A report containing details of the scalability, transaction(s) performance summaries and list of findings will be given at the end of every iteration. This report gives detailed information on whether the system was able to scale up. It also lists performance bottlenecks if any in the various tiers (application or database) of the architecture.

Sample Performance Report

4.3 Periodic Status Updates through Mails

Updates on the status of the tests will be sent through mails weekly.

4.4 Final Test Report

Executive summary of the entire testing process that was carried on Post-GU application at the CATE environment indicating the scalability and performance bottlenecks identified.

5 Resources and Schedules

5.1 Personnel

Phases	Required	Available	Duration
Requirement Understanding	2	2	2 days
Selection of Tool	2	2	4 days
Analysis	2	2	6 days
Test Design	2	2	6 days
Test Development	2	2	6 days
Test Execution	2	2	15 days
Test Results	2	2	4 days

5.2 Equipment

Type and Attributes	Quantity Required	Quantity Available	Duration	Deadline / Schedule
Load Runner 7.51	50 VU with Controller	50 VU with Controller	2 weeks
Load Generator machines	2	2	2 weeks

*The above equipment is the minimal expected in the CATE environment

5.3 Accessories

Type and Attributes	Quantity Required	Quantity Available	Duration	Deadline / Schedule
Desktop Machines that can access the CATE environment for installing server monitoring tools and for test data analysis.	2	2	2 weeks

5.4 Schedules

Task Name	Duration	Start Date	Finish Date	Resource Allocated
Requirement Understanding	1.9 days?
Requirement Understanding	4 hrs?
Prepare High level project plan	8 hrs?
Review and acceptance of project plan	3.2 hrs?
Deliver High level project plan	0 days?
Selection Of Tool	3.2 days?
Evaluation of Load Runner Tool for automation	16 hrs?
prepare evaluation document	6.4 hrs?
Review and accept tool selection	3.2 hrs?
Deliver tool evaluation document	0 days?
Analysis	6 days?
Business Transaction Review	12.8 hrs?
"Determine Critical transactions, metrics, workloads"	12.8 hrs?
"Determine high level data requirements, environment setup and deployment considerations"	12.8 hrs?
Prepare Test Plan document	6.4 hrs?
Review and acceptance of Test Plan document	3.2 hrs?
Deliver Test Plan Doc	0 days?
Test Design	6 days?
"Determine high risk architecture areas, instrumentation strategy "	12.8 hrs?
"Decompose critical business transactions, Identify data creation process, define repeatable test strategy, define testing entry/exit criteria, risks and mitigation strategies, limitations and assumptions"	12.8 hrs?
Identification and preparation of Load test scenarios (Scenarios will be prepared by M&S. Those scenarios will be grouped together for Test execution by)	12.8 hrs?
Prepare Test design document	6.4 hrs?
Review and acceptance of Test Design document	3.2 hrs?
Deliver Test Design Doc	0 days?
Test Development	5.63 days?
Build scripts and validate	40 hrs?
Review and accept scripts	5 hrs?
Deliver Scripts for execution	0 days?
Travel	1 day?
Travel to UK	1d?
Test Execution	14.63 days?
Test Environment set-up and validation	16 hrs?
Build data and validate	16 hrs?
Update scripts and test drivers	5 hrs?
"Create baseline test to validate environment, monitors and scripts"	8 hrs?
Execute tests and collate test data	12 hrs?
Analyze data and list suggestions	20 hrs?
Review suggestions and apply changes	40 hrs?
Travel	0.38 days?
Travel To India	3 hrs?
Test Results	4 days?
Correlate results summary	12.8 hrs?
Prepare Results summary document	12.8hrs?
Review and acceptance of Result summary document	6.4hrs?
Deliver Result Summary	0days?

6 Entry, Exit Criteria and Test Stop Criteria

6.1 Entry Criteria

Entrance Criteria:

Functionally stable application.
CATE environment availability.
Post-GU system deployment with application and database server.
Data setup for the Business transaction

Exit Criteria:

All the Performance objectives are met
Performance and scalability effort verified.
Performance and scalability counters have been collected.
All test results are documented.
Submit the test results summary document and recommendation document for Performance and Scalability of the Post-GU application.

6.2 Test Stop Criteria

· Schedule for using CATE environment exhausted.

· Test objectives were met

· Performance bottleneck identified for the cause of degradation in system scalability.

· Test results have been analyzed and documented. All issues have been documented and discussed with M&S

7 Suspension Criteria and Resumption Requirements

Suspension Criteria	Resumption Requirements
Unstable system	Functionally Stable system
Test Environment setup delay or issues for testing Post-GU application and database server in CATE environment	Once Test environment is ready perform baseline tests and actual scenario executions.
Delay in providing testing tool license and load generators as per requirement.	Perform tool evaluation, test developed scripts and continue Test execution once tool is made available and change in schedule
Test Data setup invalid	Resume the test on valid data.
Bottlenecks identified for degrading application scalability	Repeat the test after the defects are fixed or communicated to the onsite coordinator.
Delay in providing the accessories for deploying the monitors and test data extraction tools.	Resume monitoring and test data extraction once the necessaries are made available

8 Risk Assessment

8.1 Schedule Risk:

Ø The Test Schedule is subject to delivery of the Software & support to the E-Test Team on time.

Mitigation Plan – The Test team will closely monitor the progress of the onsite and offshore development teams and escalate anticipated delays to the Project Manager in advance. In case of delays, the team shall spare no effort at completing tasks in time.

Ø Change in Application might require work of test scripts, which requires additional efforts.

Mitigation Plan – The effort involved in the rework of scripts will be intimated to the onsite coordinator and the test team shall spare no effort at completing tasks in time.

Ø Incase of server failure during the course of load testing, the testing will come to an abrupt halt. Additional efforts are required to bring the environment back up and running.

Mitigation Plan – The effort involved in restoring the environment will be intimated to the development team after consultation with support services and the test team shall spare no effort at completing tasks in time.

8.2 Technology Risk:

Ø Testing is subject to the availability of the intranet network connection for the Load test machines

Mitigation Plan – The E-Test Team will co-ordinate with the concerned Project manager and conduct formal meetings with the concerned teams.

Ø Testing is subject to the availability of the same application to be deployed on which test scripts were generated.

Mitigation Plan – The Test Team will contact the onsite coordinator and sort out the issue.

Ø Load runner 7.51 does not completely support Application Server Monitoring

Mitigation Plan – The monitoring feature provided inbuilt in the application server or in-house built monitoring scripts will be used.

8.3 Resource Risk:

Ø The E-Test team will require clarifications from the Project Managers and the Development team during the process of Test case preparation and execution. The availability of the above people at the right time is subject to risk.

Mitigation Plan – The Test Team will co-ordinate with the concerned Project manager and will ensure their availability for discussions and clarifications.

9 Limitations and Assumptions

· Support from the developers/business analysts for business transaction review for the list of transactions identified.

· Performance test is to be conducted in the CATE test environment.

· A functionally stable Post-GU application (equivalent to the one used for scripting at offshore on which test scripts were created) should be deployed in the CATE environment.

· Environment and Data setup as per the Test Plan for the transactions to be tested will be done with the support of a coordinator at onsite/offshore.

· All tests will be conducted with a volume base as equivalent as that of the production database set up.

· Testing tool Load Runner 7.51 will be made available for the E-Test lab team at onsite for execution.

· Machines for the E-Test team to deploy in built Data extraction tools for data correlation and analysis will be provided.

· Access to the servers will be provided to E-Test team to monitor various layers of the application test environment.

· During Test execution, services that are not related to the Post-GU should be stopped to isolate the test environment for Post-GU application.

· onsite support for Data collection from various layers.

· onsite support for analysis if any bottleneck identified at the application level.

· Batch Jobs scheduled when is online in the Production environment can be simulated in CATE-environment.

· Hardware bottlenecks if any will be identified and reported. Tests should be performed only on vertical/horizontal scalable hardware to confirm the resolution of the same and no recommendations on extrapolation of results will be provided.

· SQL statement will be reviewed and tuned if there is degradation in response time.

· If the response times of any component method call within the scope of the identified transactions are unacceptable then they will be analyzed and suggestions to improve the same will be given as part of the Executive summary report.

10 Change Log

Some useful Commands Windows

2012-03-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

Run command is very useful, but sometimes it is forgotten. Use it sometimes and you will find how powerful is run command.

1. Accessibility Controls - access.cpl
2. Accessibility Wizard - accwiz
3. Add Hardware Wizard - hdwwiz.cpl
4. Add/Remove Programs - appwiz.cpl
5. Administrative Tools - control admintools
6. Automatic Updates - wuaucpl.cpl
7. Bluetooth Transfer Wizard - fsquirt
8. Calculator - calc
9. Certificate Manager - certmgr.msc
10. Character Map - charmap
11. Check Disk Utility - chkdsk
12. Clipboard Viewer - clipbrd
13. Command Prompt - cmd
14. Component Services - dcomcnfg
15. Computer Management - compmgmt.msc
16. Control Panel - control
17. Date and Time Properties - timedate.cpl
18. DDE Shares - ddeshare
19. Device Manager - devmgmt.msc
20. Direct X Troubleshooter - dxdiag
21. Disk Cleanup Utility - cleanmgr
22. Disk Defragment - dfrg.msc
23. Disk Management - diskmgmt.msc
24. Disk Partition Manager - diskpart
25. Display Properties - control desktop
26. Display Properties - desk.cpl
27. Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility - drwtsn32
28. Driver Verifier Utility - verifier
29. Event Viewer - eventvwr.msc
30. Files and Settings Transfer Tool - migwiz
31. File Signature Verification Tool - sigverif
32. Findfast - findfast..cpl
33. Firefox - firefox
34. Folders Properties - control folders
35. Fonts - control fonts
36. Fonts Folder - fonts
37. Free Cell Card Game - freecell
38. Game Controllers - joy.cpl
39. Group Policy Editor (for xp professional) - gpedit.msc
40. Hearts Card Game - mshearts
41. Help and Support - helpctr
42. HyperTerminal - hypertrm
43. Iexpress Wizard - iexpress
44. Indexing Service - ciadv.msc
45. Internet Connection Wizard - icwconn1
46. Internet Explorer - iexplore
47. Internet Properties - inetcpl.cpl
48. Keyboard Properties - control keyboard
49. Local Security Settings - secpol.msc
50. Local Users and Groups - lusrmgr.msc
51. Logs You Out Of Windows - logoff
52. Malicious Software Removal Tool - mrt
53. Microsoft Chat - winchat
54. Microsoft Movie Maker - moviemk
55. Microsoft Paint - mspaint
56. Microsoft Syncronization Tool - mobsync
57. Minesweeper Game - winmine
58. Mouse Properties - control mouse
59. Mouse Properties - main.cpl
60. Netmeeting - conf
61. Network Connections - control netconnections
62. Network Connections - ncpa.cpl
63. Network Setup Wizard - netsetup.cpl
64. Notepad notepad
65. Object Packager - packager
66. ODBC Data Source Administrator - odbccp32.cpl
67. On Screen Keyboard - osk
68. Outlook Express - msimn
69. Paint - pbrush
70. Password Properties - password.cpl
71. Performance Monitor - perfmon.msc
72. Performance Monitor - perfmon
73. Phone and Modem Options - telephon.cpl
74. Phone Dialer - dialer
75. Pinball Game - pinball
76. Power Configuration - powercfg.cpl
77. Printers and Faxes - control printers
78. Printers Folder - printers
79. Regional Settings - intl.cpl
80. Registry Editor - regedit
81. Registry Editor - regedit32
82. Remote Access Phonebook - rasphone
83. Remote Desktop - mstsc
84. Removable Storage - ntmsmgr.msc
85. Removable Storage Operator Requests - ntmsoprq.msc
86. Resultant Set of Policy (for xp professional) - rsop.msc
87. Scanners and Cameras - sticpl.cpl
88. Scheduled Tasks - control schedtasks
89. Security Center - wscui.cpl
90. Services - services..msc
91. Shared Folders - fsmgmt.msc
92. Shuts Down Windows - shutdown
93. Sounds and Audio - mmsys.cpl
94. Spider Solitare Card Game - spider
95. SQL Client Configuration - cliconfg
96. System Configuration Editor - sysedit
97. System Configuration Utility - msconfig
98. System Information - msinfo32
99. System Properties - sysdm.cpl
100. Task Manager - taskmgr
101. TCP Tester - tcptest
102. Telnet Client - telnet
103. User Account Management - nusrmgr.cpl
104. Utility Manager - utilman
105. Windows Address Book - wab
106. Windows Address Book Import Utility - wabmig
107. Windows Explorer - explorer
108. Windows Firewall - firewall.cpl
109. Windows Magnifier - magnify
110. Windows Management Infrastructure - wmimgmt.msc
111. Windows Media Player - wmplayer
112. Windows Messenger - msmsgs
113. Windows System Security Tool - syskey
114. Windows Update Launches - wupdmgr
115. Windows Version - winver
116. Windows XP Tour Wizard - tourstart
117. Wordpad - write

Localization Functionality Testing Checklist

2012-03-12T22:21:00.002-07:00

Localization Functionality Testing Checklist:-
Cosmetic:

	Text is translated.
	Translations meet the standards of native speakers with respect to grammar and accuracy of terminology.
	Dialog boxes are properly resized and dialog text is hyphenated according to the rules of the user interface language.
	Translated dialog boxes, status bars, toolbars, and menus fit on the screen at different resolutions. They do not wrap and are not cut off.
	Menu and dialog accelerators are unique.
	Visual layout is consistent with the native edition's layout. For example, dialog elements are in the proper tab order.

Functional:

	User can type accented characters and long strings in documents and dialog boxes.
	User can enter text, accelerators, and shortcut-key combinations using international keyboard layouts.
	Documents created in this language edition can be opened successfully in other language editions, and vice versa.
	User can enter dates, times, currencies, and numbers using international formats.
	Sorting and case conversion are culturally accurate.
	Paper size, envelope size, and other defaults are culturally accurate.
	User can save files using filenames that contain accented characters.
	User can successfully print documents that contain accented characters.
	User can successfully cut and paste text that contains accented characters to other applications.
	Application responds to changes in Control Panel's international/locale settings.
	Application works correctly on different types of hardware, particularly on hardware that is sold in the target market.
	Application works correctly on localized editions of Windows, especially on the language edition of Windows that corresponds to the language edition of the application. English language applications work properly on all localized editions of Windows.

The following troubleshooting guide track down cosmetic bugs in localized editions:

*Basic Symptom in the Localized Edition*	*Suggestion*
A feature does not work properly.	Check to see whether the feature is also broken in the native-language edition.
Text is cut off.	The string buffer containing the text might need to be larger. If the text is cut off after a single character, the code might be improperly displaying a Unicode string.
Program crashes when, for example, a dialog box is displayed.	A buffer might have overflowed when text was translated. Check the size of the buffers. For Unicode-based programs, make sure that buffers are allocated according to the number of characters as opposed to the number of bytes.
The user cannot enter certain characters using a foreign keyboard layout.	Shortcut-key combinations conflict with combinations used to create characters on the keyboard layout.
Shortcut keys or search keywords features do not function.	Check for hard-coded strings, strings that should be translated but are not, and strings that should not be translated but are. Also check for two strings that should be translated the same way but are not or two strings that must be translated differently but are translated the same way.
Trying to invoke a command via an accelerator or a shortcut-key combination does nothing or invokes the wrong command.	There might be duplicate accelerator or shortcut key combinations.
The user tries to save a file using a filename that contains accented characters but cannot reopen the file with the same name or cannot find the filename in the list of files on the disk.	The file system's character set might be incompatible with the character set the application is using. The application might need to translate filenames to the file system's character set before saving. For filenames, the application should allow the user to type in only characters that are part of the file-system character set. Check to make sure that the code is not stripping the high bit from each letter.
The program cannot find a particular file whose filename contains ideographic characters.	The code might not be properly DBCS enabled. If the trail byte of one of the characters equals a backslash character (\), the code might be misinterpreting the filename as a pathname.
While the program is running on Far East editions of Windows, editing or deleting text causes the program to crash or to display "junk text."	The program is not properly enabled for double-byte character sets.
The space between two words in a message is missing, as in"Error! Cannotprint."	The code is probably concatenating two strings and the translator omitted a trailing or leading space.
A document created in a different language edition of the application does not load correctly.	The two language editions have different file formats or the document was created on an edition of Windows that uses a different default code page and different fonts. Add code to compare the language of the document with available fonts before attempting to display text.

Test Automation Framework

2012-03-12T22:11:00.000-07:00

Why Automation?
In order to keep up with the pace of product development and delivery it is essential to implement an effective, reusable test automation framework.

What is Test Automation Framework? The test automation framework is an execution environment for automated tests. It is the overall system in which our tests will be automated & executed. The development of this framework requires completely different technical skills than those needed for test design.

The essential guiding principles we should follow when developing our overall test strategy (or evaluating the test strategy of a tool we wish to consider):
• The test design and the test framework are totally separate entities.
• The test framework should be application-independent.
• The test framework must be easy to expand, maintain, and perpetuate.
• The test strategy/design vocabulary should be framework independent.
• The test strategy/design should isolate testers from the complexities of the test framework.

"We should focus our automation framework to deal with the common components that make up our unique applications." Keyword or Table Driven Test Automation:
Once they learn or can reference this simple vocabulary, testers can start designing tests without knowing anything about the automation tool used to execute them. Another advantage of the keyword driven approach is that testers can develop tests without a functioning application as long as preliminary requirements or designs can be determined. All the tester needs is a fairly reliable definition of what the interface and functional flow is expected to be like. From this they can write most, if not all, of the data table test records. We do not need the application to construct any login tests. All we have to know is that we will have a login form of some kind that will accept a user ID, a password, and contain a button or two to submit or cancel the request. A quick discussion with development can confirm or modify our determinations. We can then complete the test table and move on to another.

To accomplish this, we are essentially writing enhancements to many of the component functions already provided by the automation tool:
such as error correction, prevention, and enhanced synchronization. Fortunately, this heavy, initial investment is mostly a one-shot deal. Once in place, keyword driven automation is arguably the easiest of the data driven frameworks to maintain and perpetuate providing the greatest potential for long-term success.
 Keyword-Driven framework was implemented using the QTP, VB6, MS-Excel and OLE Automation Techniques. Automation Framework Highlights:
 Key-word Driven Framework approach, independent of Test Case & Test data resulting in higher scalability and lower maintenance i.e. execution of the script is controlled by the key-word & respective data configured in the data table
 No data hard coded in the script
 No piece of code replicated in the framework thus giving high reusability and reduced maintenance time & effort
 Usage of Shared object repository reduces the script maintenance whenever the UI changes. Each script has its own shared object repository.
 Use of Descriptive Programming techniques to mitigate the issue of changing object properties & object type thus optimizing the usage of object repository and reducing the chance of script failures during execution.
 Add\update test cases with zero scripting efforts. Hence automated test coverage can be increased with minimal efforts
 Reporting of Automated results in a customized excel file, with screenshots for the failed test cases
 QTP application set up & machine set up by executing only one vbs file (EnvironmentSetup.vbs). Hence different scripts can be executed simultaneously on different machines reducing the execution time & effort ITP_Counsellink Script
 This script performs the integration of all the previously mentioned scripts.
 It has no piece of code of its own
 This script creates a master data table based on the integration of all the above mentioned scripts.
 Multiple copies of master data table can be created, each having its own set of data configured in their respective tabs
 The integration of scripts enables automation of end-to-end scenario as given below Start à Create Fee Structure (Any Fee Structure) à Offer fees (Law Firm\Corporate User) à Create Matter à Assign Matter à Budgeting (Any user) à Staffing (Any user) à Sub-K Assignment à Create invoice (Sub-k\ Portfolio firm) à Verify numbers showing up on the invoice (Any user) à Report Results in Excel file à Stop
 End-to-end automation of the above mentioned scenario is already accomplished and executed in QAO environment

 Any valid combination of above features can be automated using the ITP script

Interesting predictions

2012-03-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to 2012! The web has reached its third decade and it’s changing more rapidly than ever. I’m no Nostradamus but, unlike him, I’m prepared to make ten prophecies without resorting to ambiguous language or tenuous explanations. I do not claim to have mystical predictive powers but you’re welcome to gaze at my crystal ball … the mists are clearing …
1. Chrome Will Overtake Internet Explorer
If current growth rates continue, Chrome will become the world’s most popular browser by the middle of 2012 and end IE’s 13-year reign. There will be much rejoicing followed by a sickly hangover when everyone realizes just how powerful Google has become.
2. But IE10 Will be Better Than You Expect
In response to Google’s dominance, Microsoft will release IE10 during the spring. It’ll be a wonderful browser with a slick interface, amazing speed and excellent W3C standards support. It’ll receive glowing reviews and everyone will humbly acknowledge the fine job Microsoft is doing.
We’ll subsequently return to our default browsers once we realize two-thirds of the world can’t install IE10.
3. Windows 8 and Windows Phone May Surprise You Too
Painful experiences of Windows Vista will be a distant memory by the time Windows 8 appears in the fall. It’ll be applauded by businesses, home users, gamers and developers alike. It’ll sell well even though the western economies are in meltdown. Web developers will also be able to leverage their skills and write native Windows applications using HTML5, CSS and JavaScript.
Similarly, devices running Windows Phone will become a viable alternative. Not everyone wants the geek of Android, the Apple-knows-what’s-best-for-you chic of the iPhone, or the best-for-business BS of Blackberry.
4. Tablets and Mobiles Will Begin to Influence Web Design
Everyone will be taking tablets in 2012. The Apple iPad and Kindle Fire are increasingly popular and, within a few months, tablets will be de rigueur for anyone attending a high-powered business meeting. They won’t be used or required, but they’ll make you look cool and important. Thousands of CEOs will consider tablets to be the future of IT and insist that all company web sites and applications are compatible. On their device. In portrait mode. At 480×800.
Perhaps that’s a slight exaggeration, but web designers will almost certainly need to consider small screen devices. Mobiles currently account for 8% of all web access and it’s rising rapidly.
5. Responsive Design Will Go Mainstream
With the exception of a few major companies, media queries have mostly been used for technical websites and demonstrations. That will change in 2012 and everyone will want their site to work on desktops, tablets and smartphones.
My only reservation: is the industry ready for responsive layouts? I’ve worked with many graphic artists over the years but very few could make the psychological leap beyond fixed-width design. Fluid layouts have been with us since day one but the majority of the web remains steadfastly rigid. If you only have time to learn one skill in 2012, make sure it’s CSS3 media queries.
6. Many Mobile App Developers Will Switch to HTML5
The mobile market has become increasingly fragmented with differing versions of iOS, Android, Symbian, Blackberry OS, webOS, bada, Windows Phone, etc. Many companies make a good living producing apps for a single platform but it’s increasingly difficult to support multiple devices.
The sophistication of mobile browsers and APIs make HTML5 web apps an attractive cross-device proposition. It’s still possible to take advantage of app store advertising, distribution and monetization by creating small native wrappers which link to your online application.
7. Advertisers Will Discover HTML5
If you consider web advertising to be ugly and intrusive now, think how bad it’ll be when advertisers adopt HTML5! The advantages (for them) include:
• Adverts can adapt to different devices and screen sizes using media queries and similar technologies.
• File sizes can be reduced so advertisements appear faster.
• An advert can interact with any part of the page — not just its own box.
• HTML5 adverts will be more difficult to block.
HTML5 development tools may not be as sophisticated, but the supremacy of Flash advertising is beginning to wane.
8. But Flash Will Survive. Just.
Despite a rapidly-expanding market, Adobe has abandoned Flash on mobile devices. But the technology is far from dead. The main reason: HTML5 and its development tools are relatively new whereas designers have been using Flash for more than 15 years.
I won’t pretend that the future is rosy for Flash, Silverlight or any other plugin technology. They evolved to overcome the inherent omissions and slow progress of web standards, but HTML5 is catching up and legacy browsers will become less of an issue…
9. IE6 and IE7 Will Finally Die
In January 2012, the worldwide market share for IE6 was 1.8% and IE7 was 4.0% — and they’re dropping fast. In many cases, the development cost for supporting those browsers cannot be justified.
However, 5.8% of the market is a lot of people and they remain the default browsers for many large organizations and government departments. The web is device agnostic; there may be few economic reasons to test legacy browsers, but active prejudice against specific sectors of the community is a different matter.
Ideally, websites should remain operational in IE6, IE7 or any other web browser. The design need not be pixel-perfect — it can be downright ugly. It does not necessarily require all the graphics, effects, animation or media. You may even choose to disable all CSS and JavaScript. But there’s no reason why your content should not be available to all.
10. Average Page Sizes Will Reach 1MB
I hope this doesn’t come true but, if current trends continue, the average total weight for a single web page — including all CSS, JavaScript and media files — will be 1MB by the end of 2012. It’s ridiculous since HTML5 and CSS3 reduce the need for images and JavaScript. That won’t stop it happening, though.
If your pages are becoming bloated, do everyone a favor with a 2012 detox. Make it your New Year resolution. Who am I trying to fool? We’ll be stuffing our pages with tasty treats by February.
Do you agree with my mystic predictions? Have you experienced premonitions of what’s to come in 2012? Happy New Year!