What is TOSCA Test suite? Explain the architecture of TOSCA?

TOSCA test suite is another software tool in the line of tools for automated execution of the regression and functional testing. But what makes it different from the other tools in the same category is the TOSCA’s following features:

1. Integrated test management
2. Graphical user interface (GUI)
3. A command line interface (CLI)
4. Application programming interface (API)

History and Evolution of TOSCA

- The developer of TOSCA is TRICENTIS technology and consulting GmbH which is an Austrian company based in Vienna. 

- The year of 2011 saw the inclusion of TOSCA in magic quadrant’s report (developed by Gartner Inc.’s) as a visionary. 

- In year 2011 the TOSCA test suite were recognized as the second most widely used test automation tool by Ross report in New Zealand and Australia. 

- The tool was further recognized by the scientific community when it was presented at two important international conferences namely:

1. Euromicro SEAA and
2. IEEE ICST

- Since then TOSCA has been awarded a number of awards for its web and customer support. 

- TOSCA is software testing tool that serves purposes of numerous other tools such as:

1. Test management tool
2. Test design tool
3. Test execution tool
4. Data generation tool for regression and functional testing

Architecture of TOSCA

The architecture of TOSCA is composed of the following:

1. TOSCA commander: This is the test execution tool of TOSCA which can be used for the creation, administration, execution and analyzation of the test cases.
2. TOSCA wizard: This is the model building tool of TOSCA which can be used for building application model and storing related info in to modules that are essentially XML – GUI maps.
3. TOSCA executor: This TOSCA tool is responsible for the execution of the test cases and displaying the results obtained in the TOSCA commander.
4. TOSCA exchange portal: This TOSCA portal is the place where the exchange and use of the special modules, TOSCA commander components that have already been built and extensions by the customers takes place.
5. TOSCA test repository: This has been made integrated by the TOSCA is responsible for holding the assets. A number of users can access the repository at the same time.

Functionality of TOSCA

Business Dynamic Steering

- The model–driven approach is the concept behind the TOSCA commander.

- This approach focuses in making the whole test dynamic in nature rather than just making the input data dynamic. 

- You can drag and drop the modules and enter the actions and values for validation in order to create the test cases. 

- Making the whole test dynamic is of great advantage for enabling the business – based description of both the automated and manual test cases. 

- This lets the non – technical users (SMEs) to design, automate, maintain and specify the test cases.

- TOSCA supports the following technologies for automation of software tests:

1. Application development environments such as  powerbuilder and gupta.
2. Programming frameworks and languages such as .net, Delphi, WPF, visual basic and java swing/ AWT/ SWT.
3. Host applications (5250, 3270)
4. Web browsers including Mozilla firefox, opera and internet explorer
5. Single – position application programs such as MS excel and outlook
6. Key application programs including Siebel and SAP
7. Protocols and hardwares including Flash, SOAP, USB execution and ODBC

- TOSCA is supported on the following platforms:

Ø  Windows vista Service pack 2

Ø  Windows 7 (both 32 and 64 bit)

Ø  Windows XP service pack 2 and plus.

- The data bases supported are:

Ø  DB v 9.1

Ø  Oracle 10g

Ø  Microsoft SQL server 2005

- TOSCA is being used by 300 customers all over world.