What is the difference between check point and output value in QTP?

Check point value and output value are two very familiar terms in the field of quick test professional. In this article we will be discussing about output value and check point value and also about the differences between them. But before we discuss the differences let us know about what the check points and output values really mean. 

What is a Check Point?

- Whether a web site or web application that is currently under test is working as expected or not, is known with the help of a check point.

- This is done so by making comparison between the expected values of the properties and current values for the same properties.  

- Whenever a check point is added by the user, a similar check point is added by the quick test professional to the current row displayed in the key word view.

- In the expert view, an equivalent check checkpoint statement is added. 

- All this is default process and the name of the test object on which the check point is added is supplied as a name to that particular check point also by default. 

- The name of the check point can be changed as per the needs. 

- Below mentioned are the types of check points:

1. Image check point
2. Standard check point
3. Table check point
4. Bit map check point
5. Text check point
6. Accessibility check point
7. Data base check point
8. Page check point
9. Xml check point

- Return value of a check point in quick test professional is always of Boolean type i.e., it is either true or false. 

- If the return value of the check point is found to be zero then the statement following it, is executed otherwise the further execution is cancelled. 

- The check points of the quick test professional have a very limited scope therefore the best option is to use self created check points wherever possible. 

- Check point is one of the key functional testing features among others provided by the quick test professional. 

- “Check” method is used by quick test professional for working up on the check points.

- If the return value of a check point has to be retrieved than it is compulsory that you add parenthesis around the name of the check point present in the check point.

What is a Output Value?

- Output value step captures a value of a property of an object which is then termed as an output value. 

- This value is captured at a specific point and can be stored at any desired location. 

- These output values then can be used to serve as inputs at several different points of the test script.

- As required the user can select and output multiple properties of an object. 

- There are 4 typical types of output values:

1. Text output value: Text content present in the bitmap can be retrieved.
2. Text area output value: It is used for outputting text strings with a defined area of the screen.
3. Standard output value: Number of properties pertaining to an object can be retrieved.
4. Xml output value: It is obtained from resources and applications containing xml content stored in some specific column although the run session.
5. Data base out put value: This output value facilitates the checking of the content present in the data table and has been stored in a particular column during the run session.

- The output values are stored only till the duration of the run session ends and are obtained from AUT.

- Output values are suppose to have a dynamic nature.