Quick Test Professional (QTP) Tutorial: Essential Techniques and Tips

Quick Test Professional (QTP), now known as Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing (UFT), is one of the leading tools for automated functional testing. It allows testers to automate user actions on a web or client-based computer application and helps in the efficient execution of tests. This tutorial will cover essential techniques and tips to help you get started and master QTP.

Introduction to Quick Test Professional (QTP)

Quick Test Professional tutorial (QTP) is a robust functional testing tool used widely in the software testing industry. It supports a range of applications including web-based, desktop, and mobile applications. Its key features include keyword-driven testing, test scripting, and an intuitive user interface.

Key Features of QTP:

Keyword-Driven Testing: Allows for easy test creation without the need for advanced scripting knowledge.
Record and Playback: Simplifies test creation by recording user actions and playing them back.
Integration with Test Management Tools: Seamlessly integrates with tools like Micro Focus ALM for better test management.
Support for a Wide Range of Applications: Compatible with web, desktop, and mobile applications.

Setting Up Quick Test Professional

Before diving into the essential techniques, it's crucial to have QTP properly set up on your machine. Here's a quick guide to get you started:

Installation: Download and install QTP from the official Micro Focus website.
Licensing: Ensure you have the appropriate license for the tool. QTP offers various licensing options including seat, concurrent, and enterprise licenses.
Configuration: Configure QTP to recognize the applications you will be testing. This includes setting up the necessary add-ins for different technologies like web, Java, .NET, etc.

Essential Techniques in QTP

Once you have QTP set up, the following techniques will help you effectively create and manage your automated tests.

1. Record and Playback

One of the simplest and most powerful features of QTP is its record and playback functionality.

Record: Start QTP, select the Record button, and perform the actions you want to automate on your application.
Playback: Once recorded, you can play back the script to execute the same actions automatically.

Tips:

Use descriptive names for your test scripts to make them easily identifiable.
Regularly update and maintain your scripts to accommodate changes in the application under test.

2. Parameterization

Parameterization allows you to run the same test with different sets of data, making your tests more flexible and robust.

Data Table: Use QTP’s built-in Data Table to store test data.
Parameterize Steps: Replace hard-coded values in your scripts with parameters from the Data Table.

Tips:

Keep your data tables organized and clearly labeled.
Validate your data to ensure it’s accurate and relevant to the test cases.

3. Checkpoints

Checkpoints in QTP help you verify if the application is functioning as expected by comparing the current behavior of the application with the expected behavior.

Standard Checkpoint: Checks values of objects like text, tables, and images.
Text Checkpoint: Verifies the text content in your application.
Bitmap Checkpoint: Compares an area of your application as a bitmap image.

Tips:

Use checkpoints sparingly to avoid performance overhead.
Regularly review and update your checkpoints to match any changes in the application’s UI.

4. Synchronization

Synchronization is crucial for ensuring that QTP waits for the application to reach a certain state before proceeding with the next steps.

Sync Method: Use the Sync method to wait for the browser to complete loading.
WaitProperty: Wait for a specific property of an object to achieve a desired value.

Tips:

Use synchronization points judiciously to avoid unnecessary delays.
Regularly review synchronization points to ensure they are still relevant.

5. Error Handling

Effective error handling in QTP ensures that your tests can recover from unexpected failures and continue execution.

Recovery Scenarios: Define recovery scenarios to handle unexpected events and errors.
On Error Resume Next: Use this statement to continue execution even if an error occurs.

Tips:

Keep your recovery scenarios simple and specific.
Regularly test your error-handling mechanisms to ensure they work as expected.

Advanced Tips for Mastering QTP

Beyond the basics, mastering QTP requires a deeper understanding and strategic approach to test automation.

1. Modular Test Design

Design your tests in a modular fashion to promote reusability and maintainability.

Reusable Actions: Create reusable actions that can be called by multiple tests.
Function Libraries: Store common functions in libraries that can be used across different test scripts.

Tips:

Organize your function libraries and reusable actions logically.
Regularly update your modules to reflect changes in the application.

2. Integration with Test Management Tools

Integrating QTP with test management tools enhances your overall testing process.

Micro Focus ALM: Seamlessly integrate QTP with Micro Focus ALM for better test planning and reporting.
JIRA: Use plugins to connect QTP with JIRA for issue tracking and management.

Tips:

Regularly sync your test results with your test management tool.
Use the integration features to streamline your workflow.

3. Continuous Learning and Improvement

Stay updated with the latest features and best practices in QTP.

Online Resources: Utilize online tutorials, forums, and blogs to learn new techniques and stay informed.
QA Training and Placement Programs: Enroll in QA training and placement programs to enhance your skills and get hands-on experience with real-world projects.

Tips:

Join QTP/UFT communities to share knowledge and seek help.
Regularly practice and apply new techniques to your projects.

Conclusion

Quick Test Professional (QTP) is a powerful tool for automated functional testing. By mastering the essential techniques and tips outlined in this tutorial, you can effectively create and manage automated tests, ensuring the reliability and quality of your applications. Additionally, participating in QA training and placement programs can further enhance your skills and career prospects in the field of software testing.