Scripting Web Tests

Lab 3: Writing Scripts

Now that you’ve used IRB to drive Internet Explorer, it is time to create a script. Actually, you’ll create several. Create each script using Scite, the ruby editor. You may wish to try the commands in IRB first, to make sure they are right.

There are three ways to run scripts:

1. The simplest method is to type F5 while editing the script in Scite. This will save the file and then execute it. The output will be displayed in a side window.
2. A second method is to run a script from the system command line. Type “ruby script-name.rb” at the DOS prompt. (Actually, just “script-name.rb” usually works too.) This is the most reliable method. Use it you are having trouble using F5 in Scite.
3. A third method is to load the script into IRB. Type “load ‘script-name.rb’” at the IRB prompt. The advantage of this method is that you can interact with the IE Controller after the script has run, using the Watir::IE.attach() method. This gives you a method for debugging your scripts.

When you automate tests, you need to be able to repeat tests much more precisely than when you are testing manually. The ‘ensure_no_user_data’ method has been specifically provided as a testability feature for timeclock. You may find it useful.

Create and execute scripts for each of the following procedures. As you complete each script, demonstrate it to your instructors.

1. Start The Day. Log in and navigate to the main time clock page, and then start the day.
2. Start, Stop and Pause. Start, stop, pause, and restart a job. Choose a suitable order for these actions.
3. Job Switching. Creates two jobs and then switch back and forth between them every few seconds.

Solution to Lab 2

See solutions/lab2.rb for an example of a solution to Lab 2 converted to a script.