Tosca Architecture Explained Simply
🏗️ Tosca Architecture Explained Simply
Tosca (by Tricentis) is a model-based test automation tool used for functional, regression, and end-to-end testing of software applications. It is especially popular in enterprise environments for its ability to support a wide range of technologies and its codeless automation capabilities.
Let’s break down the Tosca architecture in simple terms:
🔧 What Is Tosca?
Tosca is a tool used to automate testing without writing code.
It’s designed around the concept of model-based testing, where tests are built from reusable blocks (modules).
It supports UI, API, mobile, database, and performance testing.
🧱 Key Components of Tosca Architecture
Think of Tosca as a multi-layered system, with each layer handling a specific job.
1. Tosca Commander (UI Layer)
This is the main interface you interact with.
It’s like the “control center” where you create, manage, and execute tests.
Components inside Tosca Commander:
TestCases – Actual test steps.
Modules – Reusable blocks that map to UI or API elements.
TestData – External or internal data for parameterizing tests.
Requirements & ExecutionLists – Connect test cases with business needs and define what to run.
✅ Think of it as a mix of a test designer and test manager.
2. Test Repository (Storage Layer)
Stores all the test artifacts – test cases, modules, data, logs, etc.
Can be:
File-based (local workspace)
Database-based (shared workspace) like MS SQL Server for team collaboration.
✅ Like the database that holds all your test assets safely.
3. TBox (Test Execution Engine)
The core engine that drives test execution.
TBox executes the instructions defined in test steps – like clicking buttons, entering data, validating outputs.
It handles:
UI automation (web, desktop, mobile)
API testing
Business logic
Uses a plugin-based architecture – meaning it can be extended to support different technologies.
✅ TBox is the "robot" that performs the actual testing actions.
4. Engines (Execution Layer)
Tosca can use different engines to run various types of tests:
TBox Engine – Most commonly used, modern, fast, and technology-independent.
Classic Engine – Older, legacy support.
API Engine – For REST/SOAP API testing.
Mobile Engine 3.0 – For testing mobile apps (using Appium underneath).
Steering Engines – Technology-specific engines (e.g., SAP, Java, HTML).
✅ Think of engines as "drivers" for different platforms or technologies.
5. Tosca CI Integration (DevOps Layer)
Supports integration into CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, Azure DevOps).
Uses Tosca Distributed Execution (DEX) or Execution Agents to run tests automatically.
Tosca REST API enables integration with external tools.
✅ This makes Tosca part of the DevOps ecosystem.
6. Test Data Service (TDS) & Test Data Management (TDM)
Provides centralized test data generation, management, and provisioning.
Helps in data-driven testing.
TDS is a RESTful service used to store and retrieve test data.
✅ Solves the problem of test data preparation and reuse.
7. Tosca Distributed Execution (DEX)
Used for parallel test execution across multiple machines/environments.
Runs tests faster and allows scheduling.
Works with Agents, ExecutionLists, and Execution Monitors.
✅ This is how Tosca handles test execution at scale.
8. Reporting and Analytics
Tosca provides detailed execution logs and test reports.
Integrates with qTest and other reporting tools.
Helps track pass/fail rates, defects, and test coverage.
🔁 Summary of Tosca Architecture
Layer Description
Tosca Commander UI to design, manage, and execute test cases
Test Repository Stores all test artifacts (local or shared)
TBox Execution Engine Executes test steps across different platforms
Engines Specialized drivers for UI, API, mobile, SAP
CI/CD Integration Hooks into Jenkins, Azure DevOps, etc.
TDS / TDM Manages test data centrally
DEX (Distributed Exec) Runs tests in parallel across environments
Reporting Provides execution results and analytics
🎯 Key Benefits of Tosca Architecture
Modular and reusable: Build once, reuse across tests.
Technology-agnostic: Test almost anything (web, mobile, API, SAP, etc.).
No-code approach: Great for testers without deep programming skills.
Scalable: From small teams to enterprise-grade test automation.
Integrated: Works within DevOps and CI/CD pipelines.
Learn Tosca Training in Hyderabad
Read More
Installing Tosca: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
What is Tosca? A Beginner's Guide to Tricentis Tosca
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