QuickTest Professional (QTP), now known as Unified Functional Testing (UFT), is a popular automation testing tool originally developed by Mercury Interactive and later acquired by Hewlett-Packard (HP). UFT is now part of Micro Focus following their acquisition of the software division from HP.
Key Features of UFT (QTP)
- Automated Functional Testing:
- Automates the functional and regression testing of various software applications and environments.
- Supports a wide range of applications, including web, desktop, mobile, and more.
- Keyword-Driven Testing:
- Uses a keyword-driven approach, making it easier for non-programmers to create test cases.
- Keywords represent actions to be performed on the application under test.
- Scripted Testing:
- Allows testers to write test scripts using VBScript, providing flexibility and control over the test automation process.
- Test Reporting and Analysis:
- Provides detailed test reports and analysis, helping testers understand the results and identify issues quickly.
- Integration with ALM:
- Integrates seamlessly with Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) tools, providing a comprehensive solution for managing the testing lifecycle.
- Object Repository:
- Uses an object repository to manage and store the objects and elements that the test scripts interact with.
- Supports both shared and local object repositories.
- Smart Identification:
- Implements a smart identification mechanism to identify objects even when their properties change dynamically.
- Cross-Browser and Cross-Platform Testing:
- Supports testing across different browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, IE) and platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux).
- Parallel Test Execution:
- Allows parallel execution of test scripts to reduce the overall testing time.
- Built-In Add-Ins:
- Provides built-in add-ins for various technologies like SAP, Oracle, .NET, Java, PeopleSoft, and more, enhancing its versatility.
Advantages of UFT (QTP)
- Ease of Use: User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality and keyword-driven approach.
- Robust Object Recognition: Advanced object recognition capabilities ensure reliable test automation.
- Extensive Support: Supports a wide range of applications and technologies.
- Integration Capabilities: Integrates well with other test management and CI/CD tools.
- Detailed Reporting: Comprehensive reporting features provide clear insights into test results.
Disadvantages of UFT (QTP)
- Cost: UFT is a commercial tool and can be expensive for small teams or startups.
- Resource Intensive: Requires significant system resources, which can be a limitation for large-scale testing.
- Learning Curve: Although it supports keyword-driven testing, advanced scripting in VBScript may have a learning curve for new users.
Getting Started with UFT (QTP)
- Installation: Download and install UFT from the Micro Focus website. Ensure you have the necessary system requirements and licenses.
- Creating Tests:
- Open UFT and create a new test.
- Choose the appropriate add-ins for the application under test.
- Use the recording feature to capture user interactions or manually create test steps using keywords or VBScript.
- Running Tests: Execute the test cases and monitor the results in real-time.
- Analyzing Results: Review the detailed test reports generated by UFT to identify and resolve issues.
Conclusion
UFT (QTP) is a powerful and versatile tool for automated functional and regression testing, offering robust features and extensive support for various applications and environments. Its integration capabilities and detailed reporting make it a valuable asset for any testing team, despite its higher cost and resource requirements.