Tosca Recorder is part of Tricentis Tosca, a popular test automation tool used for functional testing, regression testing, and end-to-end testing. The Tosca Recorder allows you to create automated test cases by recording your interactions with the application under test. The recorder automatically generates test steps based on these interactions, which can be further customized and enhanced.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively using the Tosca Recorder:

1. Setup Tosca and Start the Recorder

Install Tosca: Ensure that Tricentis Tosca is installed and properly configured. You should also have the necessary licenses.

Open Tosca Commander: Tosca Commander is the central point where you manage your test cases and projects.

Start Recording:

In Tosca Commander, go to the Test Case section.

Right-click and select New Test Case to create a new test case for recording.

Select the Recording option in the toolbar or navigate to Tools > Tosca Recorder.

2. Record Your Interaction

Choose the Application Under Test (AUT): The Tosca Recorder works with the AUT (the application you are testing), so you need to open the application.

Begin Recording:

Once the Recorder is activated, click the Record button in the Tosca Recorder window.

Interact with your application (e.g., clicking buttons, entering text, navigating between pages, etc.).

Tosca Recorder will capture your actions and automatically generate test steps.

Actions Captured:

UI Interactions: Clicking buttons, filling out forms, selecting dropdown options, etc.

Assertions: Tosca Recorder can automatically recognize visible elements and create assertions (e.g., checking if a certain text appears or if a button is enabled).

Pause/Stop Recording: If you need to pause or stop recording, simply click the Stop or Pause button in the Tosca Recorder window.

3. Review the Recorded Test Case

After the recording, Tosca will generate the following for you:

Test Steps: These represent the recorded actions.

Modules: Tosca Recorder creates reusable modules based on the elements in your application (like buttons, text fields, etc.).

Review Test Steps:

Validate Steps: Ensure that the steps recorded match the expected flow. You can edit steps, add new ones, or delete unnecessary ones.

Modularize: You may want to turn some actions into reusable modules for future test cases. For example, if you're repeatedly entering data into a form, you could create a module for "Form Entry" and reuse it across test cases.

4. Enhance the Test Case

While the Tosca Recorder automates the basic steps, you’ll need to enhance the test case further:

Add Assertions: Add verification points (assertions) to ensure the application behaves as expected. For example, after submitting a form, verify that a success message appears.

Parameterization: Parameterize test data to make your test case reusable with different input values (e.g., different sets of user credentials).

Add Business Logic: Implement decision points, loops, and other logic to make your test case more robust.

5. Run the Test Case

Once you’ve created and enhanced your test case, it’s time to run it:

Execution: In Tosca Commander, you can execute the test case by selecting the Run option.

Analyze Results: After the test run, Tosca will provide detailed results, including passed and failed steps, screenshots, logs, and any errors that occurred during the test.

6. Maintain Test Cases

Update Test Cases: As the application evolves (e.g., UI changes), you’ll need to update your test cases. Tosca Recorder can help capture changes if you re-record parts of the test.

Reusability: Aim to create reusable modules for common actions, which will reduce maintenance overhead.

Version Control: Use Tosca’s integration with version control systems like Git to track changes to your test cases and collaborate with other team members.

Tips for Effective Use of Tosca Recorder

Be Specific in Interactions: While recording, be intentional with the steps you take. Avoid unnecessary actions that may clutter the test case.

Use Modularization: Create reusable modules for commonly used actions like logging in, navigating through menus, etc. This will make the tests easier to maintain.

Leverage Tosca’s Dynamic Test Data: Rather than hardcoding data into test steps, use Tosca’s data-driven testing features to pass different inputs to your test cases.

Leverage Sync Points: In cases where you expect delays due to network or processing time, use Sync Points to ensure that the test doesn’t fail prematurely.

Use Assertions: Make sure to add assertions for key checks (e.g., verifying elements are displayed, correct data is shown, etc.). Assertions ensure that the test isn’t just performing actions but also validating outcomes.

Review the Generated Test Script: Even though the recorder creates steps automatically, you should review and refine the generated test script. It's often beneficial to adjust the logical flow, add more assertions, or make the test data-driven.

Check for Element Stability: Sometimes, elements might have dynamic identifiers (IDs, names, etc.) that change every session. Use Tosca's Object Mapping feature to handle dynamic object identification, ensuring tests run reliably.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Over-Reliance on the Recorder: While the recorder is powerful, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s essential to refine the test steps, add assertions, and maintain proper test case structure.

Failure to Parameterize: Hardcoding test data can lead to tests being too specific. Parameterization helps create more flexible and reusable tests.

Lack of Proper Synchronization: If you don’t account for delays in page loads or background processing, tests may fail due to timing issues. Properly synchronize actions and use sync points where necessary.

Learn Tosca Training in Hyderabad

Automating Desktop Applications Using Tosca

Tosca and SAP: End-to-End Test Automation

Tosca Automation for Mobile Apps

Visit Our Quality Thought Training in Hyderabad

Get Directions