Functions and actions are two different aspects of quick
test professional. In this article we will talk regarding the two and see what the
differences between them are.
What are functions in QTP?
- In most of the cases you may need to use some
segments of code again and again in your tests.
- In such a case a user defined
function can be created which will not only reduce the length of your tests but
will also make it easier to be designed, read and maintained.
- The created functions can consist of the
following:
- Sub routines,
- Modules
- VBScript functions and so on.
- Three simple tests need to be followed if a function is to be
used in the test from a library:
- For creating a new function you can select new
function library from the file menu. This cause a new tab to open up in
the quick test professional window. You can even opt for multiple tests in
the same file.
- Next you need to save the function with extension
“.qfl” and associate the appropriate library with that particular function.
“Associate function library” option can be accessed from file menu.
- Now
the third step is to invoke the function using the usual simple function
call. Quite advanced or sophisticated functions can be generated using
DCOM and COM.
What are actions in QTP?
- Whenever you have a piece of code at your disposal you get
two options in quick test professional i.e., to either turn it in to a function
or a reusable action.
- When the quick test 9 was introduced by the mercury, an
argument was made in the favor of the functions for making them more compelling
by the means of multi document interface.
- Many function libraries can be used
at once but still mostly one test is used.
- If you want a reusable action to be
edited, the current test has to be shut down.
- Then you need to open the test in
which you want to make the changes, make the changes and then save and close.
- Later, the original test can be re-opened.
Differences between Functions and Actions in QTP
Now we are stating below some very basic
differences between the functions and actions in quick test professional:
1. Passing of Data:
Functions can access a variety of
objects advance as well as primitive like arrays, test objects (such as
frames, pages and so on.) and dictionary objects. But this is not the case
with the actions rather they can accept only primitive kind of data types
such as parameters like integers, strings and so on.
2. Use of Resources:
Each action is provided with the
following basic things:
a) A folder
b) 3 separate VBS files
c) A subfolder for keeping snapshots
d) A certain amount of load time
e) An excel spreadsheet and
f) A local object repository.
On the other hand a function consists of only the code and
nothing else.
3. API:
For functions, the function libraries can be
attached to the test scripts through the API of the quick test
professional. As for the actions the insertion of the calls in the
existing actions is not possible through the API of the quick test
professional rather it can be done only through the interface.
4. Return Values:
Actions return the values which are
quite difficult to be read in syntax as well as understand. On
the other hand the return values of the functions work well and similarly
in all the languages.
With actions your test can be divided in to business
processes or logical units along with the scripts that are more efficient as
well as modular.
