Data Pool Feature in IBM Rational Quality Manager for Test Data Management

In this tutorial, you will learn how manual testing features can be extended to use the Test Data feature using data pools. 

Test data is all about using multiple values which will act as input to the test script during its execution.

Usage of Data pool in IBM Rational Quality Manager offers certain specific features for test data, which in turn helps to manage data in a much more effective way.

In my previous IBM Rational Quality Manager tutorial, we came to know how the tool can be used for day to day test management activities including manual testing.

Test Data Management Using Data Pool Features

For this tutorial, I have used IBM Rational Quality Manager version 6.0.2 which is a part of IBM Rational CLM (Collaborative Life Cycle Management).

For example, let us consider the test case which was created already Test Case for Purchase of Music CD Online.

(Note: Click on any image for an enlarged view)

Let us take a look at the test script created for the above test case. Click on the Test Scripts section on the left side to view the test scripts. Then click on it to open the same.

Consider the manual test script as shown here.

Take a look at steps 4 and 5. Your name and credit card number are hardcoded. If we need to run the above script for multiple customer names and credit card numbers then we need to use test data management using data pools which is clearly described in this tutorial.

Creating Test Data for IBM Rational Quality Manager

In order to create Test Data, we need to create a CSV file containing multiple Customer names and Credit card numbers as shown below. The CSV file contains 2 columns.

So in the CSV file, we have to create 2 fields to hold the Customer Name and Credit Card Number as String and Number types.

Now, we need to import the Test Data created above into IBM Rational Quality Manager and link it to the manual script which is shown above.  Since there are 2 entries in the CSV file for test data, it will run as 2 iterations when the manual test script runs.

Further reading =>> How to open a CSV file

Import Test Data into IBM Rational Quality Manager

To import the above test data in RQM, go to Construction => Create => Test Data

Enter your name, browse under the Data File section and select the CSV file created. Save the changes accordingly.

The Data Records section shows the content of the CSV file after it is imported. The CSV file clearly shows the value of the 2 records.

Associate Test Data with IBM Rational Quality Manager Test Script

In order to associate the test data with the IBM Rational Quality Manager test script, open the manual test script and click on the Edit button for Test Data as shown below.

I see that the Test Data import is showing. Select the same, click OK and then Save the changes.

As in step 4, we have the Customer Name hardcoded, hence we will replace it with the Customer Name column from the CSV file. In step 5 we have the Credit Card number hardcoded, hence we will replace it with the Credit Card number from the CSV file.

In step4 highlight the Name (Niranjan V) and select the option “Insert Test Data Column”.

On the resulting screen, select the column Customer Name and click on Insert Test Data Column.

The Name (Niranjan V) is now replaced with the column name from the test data which is the Customer’s Name

Similarly, highlight the Credit Card number and the Insert Test Data Column for the value highlighted.

On the resulting screen, select the column “Credit Card Number” and click on the Insert Test Data Column.

The credit card value is now replaced with the column name from the test data which is the Credit Card Number.

Remember to Save the changes accordingly. The final screen now looks as shown below.

Execute IBM Rational Quality Manager Test Script with Test Data

#1) To execute the Manual script with test data, go to Construction => Browse => Test Cases

#2) Go to the Test Scripts section

#3) Select the Test Script and click on Run as shown below

#4) In the Run Test Case screen which comes up, ensure that the Test Script selected has the test data associated with it, and then click on Finish to begin the execution.
#5) The execution screen now shows the first set of data for the Customer’s Name and Credit Card number. The screen also shows it is executing for Iteration 1.

#6) Click on the Start link to begin the execution

#7) Click on Pass for every step. Meanwhile, you can record the Actual Results of the execution. Remember that you can also associate the steps to an existing defect or create a new defect.

#8) Once all the steps have finished their execution, you can see that the screen now moves to Iteration 2 and has loaded the second data.

#9) Complete the execution. Click on Pass for every step and select Show Results.

#10) The Summary report will show you the results separately for iterations 1 and 2.

View Execution Results for IBM Rational Quality Manager

To view the execution results at a later time, go to Execution => Test Case Results

Click on the first result which is the latest and you can see the execution results of the Test Script.

The above screen shows execution results for both iterations.

Conclusion

Now with the help of this tutorial, you must have understood the use of data pools from the point of view of using multiple values as input to one single script.

To summarize we know the following:

• Test scripts can be reused to test data containing multiple values. You do not need to create multiple test scripts for every value.
• Create test data using CSV files and import test data into RQM
• Associate test data values within the test script
• Execute test scripts containing test data
• View execution results for all the values in the test data

Enjoy the testing!

Let us know your thoughts/suggestions in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.