QTP as a Versatile Functional Testing Tool

Introduction:
QTP is an automated functional Graphical User Interface testing tool created by the HP, with which we can do the automation of user actions on a web or client based computer applications. QTP provides an highly interactive & visual environment for the test development.

It is generally used for functional regression test automation. Since WinRunner has become obsolete now, hence QTP takes its place due to many advanced features & updates.

Key Features of QTP at a Glance:

# Ease of use: QTP allows even novice testers to become productive in minutes. You can create a test script by simply pressing a Record button and using an application to perform a typical business process. Each step in the business process is automated documented with a plain-English sentence and screen shot. Users can easily modify, remove, or rearrange test steps in the Keyword View.

# Simple interface: QTP is much simpler to understand. It presents a test case as a simple business workflow to the tester.

# Simple Language: QTP uses Microsoft’s VBScript for its test procedures, and to manipulate the objects and controls of the application under test. VBScript is a real programming language where several existing functions & resources are easily available for implementation these days.

# Use of zero-configuration Technology: QTP uses next-generation "zero-configuration" Keyword Driven testing technology. This helps in faster test creation, easier maintenance, and provides more powerful data-driving capability.

# Automatic insertion of checkpoints: QTP enables thorough validation of applications through a full complement of checkpoints. QTP can automatically introduce checkpoints to verify application properties and functionality, for example to validate output or check link validity.

# Marvelous interface with Data-tables: QTP allows entry of test data into the Data Table, an integrated spreadsheet with the full functionality of Excel, to manipulate data sets and create multiple test iterations, without programming, to expand test case coverage. Data can be typed in or imported from databases, spreadsheets, or text files. QTP has better and easier to use Data table integration compared to WinRunner.

# Better object identification mechanism: QTP Identifies objects with Unique Smart Object Recognition, even if objects change from build to build, thereby enabling reliable unattended script execution.

# Support of variety of environment: QTP supports functional testing of all popular environments, like Windows, Web, .Net, Visual Basic, ActiveX, Java, SAP, Siebel, Oracle, PeopleSoft, terminal emulators, and Web services.

# Easy adaptability of Microsoft Object Models: QTP can easily create and implement Microsoft Object Model like: Outlook objects, ADO objects, FileSystem objects, supports DOM, WSH, etc.

# Auto-documentation technology: QTP renders test documentation and test creation to a single step with the help of its auto-documentation technology

# Better functionality compared to WinRunner: QTP is significantly easier & better compared to WinRunner in following aspects.

a) Adaptation and creation of working test cases.
b) Implementation of Test Run Iterations / Data driving of test
c) Parameterization
d) More robust test report

# Other marvelous features of QTP:
a) Key word driven testing
b) Better error handling mechanism
c) Excellent data driven testing features
d) XML support
e) By using ActiveScreen, QTP can enhance existing QuickTest scripts without the "Application Under Test" being available.
f) Easy execution of WinRunner scripts from QTP.
g) Operates stand-alone, or integrated into HP Quality Center.

Key Word: QTP, Quicktest, Functional Testing Tool, Features QTP