Regression Testing Basic Requirements for Batch Processing |
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This document describes some of the regression testing processes used by SIMOTIME before the release of a new version of the SIMOTIME Technologies. The document will include a discussion of the special requirements for the application migration environment and how to prepare test data, execute a regression test and validate the results. The validation process includes data file compare functions, accumulation of summary totals and hexadecimal dump or hex dump capability.
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The regression testing process is an automated batch job process that may be scheduled or executed on demand. The process uses a suite of Job Scripts. For the Windows environment the job scripts are Wndows Command Files.
In order to provide a single source solution for the data management functions the SIMOTIME utility programs have an option to generate programs that will be used to perform the actual data management task. The generation process is performed on a Windows System. The generated COBOL source code may be transferred, compiled and executed on an IBM Mainframe System or a Linux, UNIX or Windows System.
A suite of test cases that use Job Scripts will be used to perform the Regression Testing.
An overview of the Job Scripts. |
1. | SimoTime Technologies |
1.1. | Data File Conversion |
1.2. | Data Validation |
1.2.1. | Data File Comparison |
1.2.2. | Data File Hexadecimal Dump |
1.2.3. | Accumulate Summary Totals |
1.2.4. | Document Record Structures |
A data conversion solution must includes File Format and Record Content conversion functions. An example of file format conversion would be reading a sequential file and creating an indexed file (or VSAM, KSDS). An example of record content conversion would be reading an EBCDIC encoded record and writing an ASCII encoded record while maintaining numeric integrity.
If the records in a file contain binary strings of data then the record content conversion functionality must have the ability to do the conversion at the string (or field) level.
Explore a variety of Data File Convert techniques that may be created on a Windows System and deployed on an IBM Mainframe System or a Linux, UNIX or Windows System. This document will describe and demonstrate how to Generate, Transfer and Compile COBOL source code that performs various data file convert functions.
Data file validation processes are typically required during the various application testing processes. A simple form of data validation is human observation. This may be acceptable for small amounts of data. For larger amounts of data a programmatic data file compare is usually required. For data that contains currency values or other numeric fields an accumulation and comparison of summary totals and record counts may be required.
The ability to do a data file compare is a primary requirement for a data validation process. The "Data File Compare" approach is very popular when doing regression testing. At the conclusion of a regression test a copy of a file that contains the "expected" results is compared with the file (actual results) created or updated during the regression test.
Explore a variety of Data File Compare techniques that may be created on a Windows System and deployed on an IBM Mainframe System or a Linux, UNIX or Windows System. This document will describe and demonstrate how to Generate, Transfer and Compile COBOL source code that performs various data file compare functions.
One approach to application or data validation is human observation or analysis. Human observation is very useful when evaluating the usability and business flow of an application. A combination of "Human Observation" and a "hexadecimal dump" may be very useful when diagnosing the cause of an unexpected result during testing or in a production environment.
Explore techniques for creating Hexadecimal Dump information of records in a data file. This document will describe and demonstrate how to Generate, Transfer and Compile COBOL source code that creates Hex-Dump information.
This suite of programs and documentation will describe and demonstrate an approach for reading a file, calculating record counts and producing summary totals for a set of pre-defined numeric fields. The approach uses two COBOL programs that are generated using SimoTime technology. The source code for the programs is generated on a Windows System with Micro Focus COBOL and may be compiled and executed on an IBM Mainframe System or a Linux, UNIX or Windows System with Micro Focus COBOL.
Explore How to Accumulate Summary Totals of numeric fields in a data file. This document will describe and demonstrate how to Generate, Transfer and Compile COBOL source code that accumulates summary totals.
This job will read a file containing a list of names of the COBOL Copy Files that define record structures. An HTML document will be generated for each COBOL copy file.
Explore How to Document Record Structures based on the field definitions provided in a COBOL Copy File. This document will describe and demonstrate how to create HTML documentation for record structures.
Individual Job Scripts that do application unit testing will be grouped together and executed to perform the following Regression Testing for the Application Support functions.
An overview of the Job Scripts. |
1. | Application Support Functions |
1.1. | Advanced Functions using COBOL |
1.1.1. | String Processing, Bytes and Bits |
1.1.2. | Boolean Logic |
1.2. | Problem Avoidance and Diagnostic Assistance |
1.2.1. | Numeric Integrity of Packed Decimal Numeric Values |
The following Job Scripts are used to test COBOL programs that are replacements for HLASM programs that were originally used to execute the application on an IBM Mainframe System.
The following link provides detailed information about individual job scripts and programs that do unit testing of various byte and bit manipulation techniques that can be done using the COBOL program language. The techniques include accessing and modifying individual bytes within a text string or individual bits within a byte of data.
Explore callable programs that access individual Bytes or Bits within a data string (or data field). This document will describe and demonstrate actual test cases used by SIMOTIME.
The following link provides detailed information about indiviual job scripts that do unit testing of various Boolean Logic functions.
Explore How to Execute Boolean Logic Functions using COBOL Programs. This document will describe and demonstrate the AND, OR and XOR functions.
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This suite of programs will build test data and discuss techniques for managing packed numeric fields and displaying a field in a hexadecimal dump format. Allowing a space character (or any non-numeric value) to exist in a packed-decimal field should be considered as a bad programming practice. The process that causes this to happen should be identified and corrected.
Explore How to Validate the Numeric Integrity of Packed-Decimal fields. This document will describe and demonstrate actual test cases used by SIMOTIME. The test cases are used to identify possible S0C7 or RTS-173 errors (non-numeric value in a numeric field) that may cause an application program to abnormally terminate.
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The following provides some detailed information about the SimoTime Regression Testing process.
The following provides an in-depth look at the Primary Job Scripts used by the Test Cases.
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List of Primary Job Scripts for Windows |
This section provides additional detail about the CMD files and programs that are used to support this set of sample programs.
Explore How to use Common or Shared Routines that perform repetitive tasks in a consistent manner. This link will provide information about setting common environment variables and many other utilitarian tasks.
A command file (ENV1BASE.cmd) is called from other command files to set commonly used environment variables. This provides a single point of definition. The following is a listing of the contents of the command file.
@echo OFF rem * ******************************************************************* rem * ENV1BASE.cmd - a Windows Command File * rem * This program is provided by SimoTime Technologies * rem * (C) Copyright 1987-2021 All Rights Reserved * rem * Web Site URL: http://www.simotime.com * rem * e-mail: helpdesk@simotime.com * rem * ******************************************************************* rem * rem * Text - Provide a single point to set common environment variables. rem * Author - SimoTime Technologies rem * Date - January 24, 1996 rem * rem * Set the commonly used environment variables. This is used to provide rem * a single point for managing the commonly used environment variables. rem * set SimoLIBR=c:\SimoLIBR set BASELIB1=c:\SIMOSAM1\DEVL set BASELIB8=c:\SimoSAM8 set BaseWIP1=c:\SimoSAM1\WIP1 set DATAZERO=c:\SIMODATA\DEVL\DATA\ZERO set BASEAPP=%BaseLib1% set BASESYS=%BaseLib1%\SYS1 set BASECAT=%BaseLib1%\DATA set UMAPALIB=%BASECAT%\ASC1 set UMAPELIB=%BASECAT%\EBC1 set SYSLOG=%BASESYS%\LOGS\SYSLOG_USER.DAT set SYSOUT=%BASEAPP%\LOGS\SYSOUT_SIMSAM01.txt set SLZMSG=%BASEAPP%\LOGS\SLZMSG_USER.TXT set PostNOTE=%BASEAPP%\LOGS\JOBLOG_SIMONOTE.TXT set SIMONOTE=%BASEAPP%\LOGS\JOBLOG_SIMONOTE.txt set USERPOST=%BASEAPP%\LOGS\ASSIGNED_USER_POST_FILE.txt if [%1]==[] goto NO_POST set SYSOUT=%BaseLib1%\LOGS\SYSOUT_%1.txt call SIMONOTE "+ ENV1BASE *" call SIMONOTE "+ ENV1BASE ********************************************************************%1" call SIMONOTE "+ ENV1BASE is preparing the System Environment..." call SIMONOTE "+ SIMOLIBR is %SIMOLIBR%" call SIMONOTE "+ MIFOSYS1 is %MIFOSYS1%" call SIMONOTE "+ BASELIB1 is %BASELIB1%" :NO_POST call SIMONOTE "+ SIMONOTE Job Log File is %SIMONOTE% " rem * set MQBASE=C:\Program Files\IBM\WebSphere MQ rem * rem * Set the location for the Apache-Tomcat Server... set CATALINA_HOME=C:\APACHETC\apache-tomcat-7.0.52 rem set CATALINA_HOME=C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jdk1.8.0_112 rem * rem * Set the Environment for the Java Environment... rem set JAVABASE=C:\APACHETC\apache-tomcat-7.0.52 set JAVABASE=C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jdk1.8.0_112 set JAVASDK="%JAVABASE%\bin" set JAVA_HOME=%JAVABASE% set JRE_HOME=%JAVABASE% set SIMOTCAT=%CATALINA_HOME%\webapps\simotcat set SIMPACKS=%CATALINA_HOME%\webapps\simotcat\WEB-INF\classes\simpacks rem * rem * Set the environment for the Micro Focus technology... set MIFOEDEV=C:\Program Files (x86)\Micro Focus\Enterprise Developer set MIFOVCBL=C:\Program Files (x86)\Micro Focus\Visual COBOL Build Tools set MIFOESTU=C:\Program Files (x86)\Micro Focus\Studio Enterprise Edition 6.0 set MIFOEMFE="C:\Program Files (x86)\Micro Focus\Mainframe Express" rem * rem * Large file support, performance tuning and record locking of the File Handler set EXTFH=%BASESYS%\CONFIG\EXTFHBIG.CFG rem * rem * For IMS Support set ES_IMSLIB=%BASEAPP%\IMSLIB set ES_ACBLIB=%BASEAPP%\IMSLIB rem * rem * EZASOKETS Check EZASOKETS Enabled box or set ES_EZASOKET_SUPPORT=YES set EZACONFG=BASESYS1\CONFIG\EZACONFG.dat rem * rem * Resource Allocation and Performance for SORT and non-Relational Data rem set MFJSENGINE=SYNCSORT set SORTSCHEME=1 set SORTSPACE=750000000 set TMP=C:\SORTWORK rem * set ES_ALLOC_OVERRIDE=%BASESYS%\CONFIG\CATMAPA1.cfg rem * For CORE_ON_ERROR function, ABEND Dump rem * set COBCONFIG_=%BASESYS%\CONFIG\diagnose.cfg rem * rem * Consolidated Trace Facility (CTF) rem * set MFTRACE_CONFIG=%BASESYS%\CONFIG\ctf.cfg rem * set MFTRACE_LOGS=c:\ctflogs rem * rem * For Job Restart, ABEND Recovery set MF_UCC11=Y set ES_JES_RESTART=Y rem * rem * Set environment for MFBSI (Micro Focus Batch Scheduling Interface) set ES_EMP_EXIT_1=mfbsiemx set MFBSI_DIR=%BASESYS%\LOGS\%JESSERVERNAME% set MFBSIEOP_CMD=ENABLE set MFBSIEOP_CSV=ENABLE set MFBSIEOP_HTM=ENABLE set MFBSIEOP_XML=ENABLE rem * rem * Set Behavior and Trace Flags for GETJOBDD rem * Position=12345678/12345678 set JDDFLAGS=nnnWnnnn/YYnnnnnn rem * rem * If not already set then set the PATH for Micro Focus Directories if "%SIMOPATH%" == "Y" goto JUMPPATH if "%MIFOSYS1%" == "EDEV" goto JUMPEDEV if "%MIFOSYS1%" == "VCBL" goto JUMPVCBL if "%MIFOSYS1%" == "ESTU" goto JUMPESTU if "%MIFOSYS1%" == "EMFE" goto JUMPEMFE :JUMPEDEV set path=%BASESYS%\LOADLIB;%MIFOEDEV%\bin;%JAVASDK%;%BASEAPP%\JAVA;%PATH%; set CobCpy=%BASEAPP%\CobCpy1;%BASEAPP%\CobCpy2;%BASEAPP%\CobCpy6;%SimoLIBR%;%MIFOEDEV%\CPYLIB set MIFOBASE=%MIFOEDEV% goto JUMPPATH :JUMPVCBL set path=%MIFOVCBL%\bin;%MIFOVCBL%;%JAVASDK%;%BASEAPP%\JAVA;%PATH%; set MIFOBASE=%MIFOVCBL% goto JUMPPATH :JUMPESTU set MIFOBASE=%MIFOESTU%\Base set MIFOBIN=%MIFOBASE%\bin set path=%BASESYS%\LOADLIB;%MIFOBASE%;%MIFOBIN%;%JAVASDK%;%BASEAPP%\JAVA;%PATH%; set CobCpy=%BASEAPP%\CobCpy1;%BASEAPP%\CobCpy2;%BASEAPP%\CobCpy6;%SimoLIBR%;%MIFOBASE%\SOURCE goto JUMPPATH :JUMPEMFE set MIFOBASE=%MIFOEMFE%\Base set MIFOBIN=%MIFOBASE%\bin set path=%BASESYS%\LOADLIB;%MIFOBASE%;%MIFOBIN%;%JAVASDK%;%BASEAPP%\JAVA;%PATH%; set CobCpy=%BASEAPP%\CobCpy1;%BASEAPP%\CobCpy2;%BASEAPP%\CobCpy6;%SimoLIBR%;%MIFOBASE%\SOURCE goto JUMPPATH rem * :JUMPPATH set SIMOPATH=Y rem * set MAINFRAME_FLOATING_POINT=true set COBIDY=%BASEAPP%\COBIDY set COBPATH=.;%BASEAPP%\LOADLIB;%BASEAPP%\LOADLIB\GNTS;%BASESYS%\LOADLIB;%SimoLIBR% set LIBPATH=.;%BASEAPP%\LOADLIB;%BASEAPP%\LOADLIB\GNTS;%BASESYS%\LOADLIB;%SimoLIBR% set TXDIR=%BASESYS%\LOADLIB;%MIFOBASE% set CobCpy=%BASEAPP%\CobCpy1;%BASEAPP%\CobCpy2;%BASEAPP%\CobCpy6;%SimoLIBR% rem * set USERCLASS=%BASELIB1%\LOADLIB set CLASSPATH=. set CLASSPATH=%CLASSPATH%;%JAVABASE% set CLASSPATH=%CLASSPATH%;%JAVABASE%\lib set CLASSPATH=%CLASSPATH%;\%USERCLASS%\simpacks set CLASSPATH=%CLASSPATH%;C:\APACHETC\apache-tomcat-7.0.52\webapps\simotcat\WEB-INF\classes set CLASSPATH=%CLASSPATH%;C:\APACHETC\apache-tomcat-7.0.52\webapps\simotcat\WEB-INF\classes\simpacks rem * if "%MIFOSYS1%" == "ESTU" set CLASSPATH=%CLASSPATH%;%MIFOBIN% if "%MIFOSYS1%" == "EDEV" set CLASSPATH=%CLASSPATH%;%MIFOEDEV% if "%MIFOSYS1%" == "VCBL" set CLASSPATH=%CLASSPATH%;%MIFOVCBL% if "%MIFOSYS1%" == "VCBL" set CLASSPATH=%CLASSPATH%;%MIFOVCBL%\bin\mfcobol.jar rem * set JobStatus=0000 call SIMONOTE "+ ENV1BASE is returning to caller"
A command file (SIMONOTE.cmd) is called from other command files to display and write messages to a log file. The following is a listing of the contents of the command file.
@echo OFF rem * ******************************************************************* rem * SIMONOTE.cmd - a Windows Command File * rem * This program is provided by SimoTime Technologies * rem * (C) Copyright 1987-2019 All Rights Reserved * rem * Web Site URL: http://www.simotime.com * rem * e-mail: helpdesk@simotime.com * rem * ******************************************************************* rem * rem * Text - Display message on screen and write to a log file. rem * Author - SimoTime Technologies rem * rem * This script may be called from other scripts and expects a single rem * parameter enclosed in double quotes. The double quotes will be rem * removed. Before writing to the log file a date and time stamp rem * will be inserted in front of the message text. rem * rem * Note: The tilde (~) removes leading/trailing double-quotes. rem * if "%SimoNOTE%" == "" set SimoNOTE=c:\SimoLIBR\LOGS\SimoTime.LOG echo %date% %time% %~1>> %SimoNOTE% echo %~1
The purpose of this document is to assist as a tutorial for new programmers or as a quick reference for experienced programmers. In the world of programming there are many ways to solve a problem. This document and the links to other documents are intended to provide a choice of alternatives.
Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software, documentation or training material for any purpose requires a fee to be paid to SimoTime Technologies. Once the fee is received by SimoTime the latest version of the software, documentation or training material will be delivered and a license will be granted for use within an enterprise, provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the software without the written permission of SimoTime Technologies.
SimoTime Technologies makes no warranty or representations about the suitability of the software, documentation or learning material for any purpose. It is provided "AS IS" without any expressed or implied warranty, including the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. SimoTime Technologies shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the loss of use, data or projects, whether in an action of contract or tort, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this software, documentation or training material.
This section includes links to documents with additional information that are beyond the scope and purpose of this document. The first group of documents may be available from a local system or via an internet connection, the second group of documents will require an internet connection.
Note: A SimoTime License is required for the items to be made available on a local system or server.
This section includes links to documents with additional information that are beyond the scope and purpose of this document. The first group of documents may be available from a local system or via an internet connection, the second group of documents will require an internet connection.
Explore the COBOL Connection for more examples of COBOL programming techniques and sample code.
Explore an Extended List of Software Technologies that are available for review and evaluation. The software technologies (or Z-Packs) provide individual programming examples, documentation and test data files in a single package. The Z-Packs are usually in zip format to reduce the amount of time to download.
Explore The ASCII and EBCDIC Translation Tables. These tables are provided for individuals that need to better understand the bit structures and differences of the encoding formats.
Explore The File Status Return Codes that are used to interpret the results of accessing VSAM data sets and/or QSAM files.
The following links will require an internet connection.
A good place to start is The SimoTime Home Page for access to white papers, program examples and product information. This link requires an Internet Connection
Explore The Micro Focus Web Site for more information about products (including Micro Focus COBOL) and services available from Micro Focus. This link requires an Internet Connection.
Explore the Glossary of Terms for a list of terms and definitions used in this suite of documents and white papers.
This document was created and is maintained by SimoTime Technologies. If you have any questions, suggestions, comments or feedback please use the following contact information.
1. | Send an e-mail to our helpdesk. |
1.1. | helpdesk@simotime.com. |
2. | Our telephone numbers are as follows. |
2.1. | 1 415 763-9430 office-helpdesk |
2.2. | 1 415 827-7045 mobile |
We appreciate hearing from you.
SimoTime Technologies was founded in 1987 and is a privately owned company. We specialize in the creation and deployment of business applications using new or existing technologies and services. We have a team of individuals that understand the broad range of technologies being used in today's environments. Our customers include small businesses using Internet technologies to corporations using very large mainframe systems.
Quite often, to reach larger markets or provide a higher level of service to existing customers it requires the newer Internet technologies to work in a complementary manner with existing corporate mainframe systems. We specialize in preparing applications and the associated data that are currently residing on a single platform to be distributed across a variety of platforms.
Preparing the application programs will require the transfer of source members that will be compiled and deployed on the target platform. The data will need to be transferred between the systems and may need to be converted and validated at various stages within the process. SimoTime has the technology, services and experience to assist in the application and data management tasks involved with doing business in a multi-system environment.
Whether you want to use the Internet to expand into new market segments or as a delivery vehicle for existing business functions simply give us a call or check the web site at http://www.simotime.com
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