Software Testing - Mainframe Testing
Software testing is of multiple types namely web based testing, database testing, mainframe testing etc. The software mainframe testing is done to analyze the software developed on mainframe systems. It is mainly performed to confirm the softwares dependability, robustness, etc before the software is moved to production. As the customer information control system pages are built for particular software, the user just needs to be aware of navigation while doing the mainframe testing. Besides, if the code is built on COBOL, JCL, or other languages, the users need not take care of the emulator being used on the software.
What is a Mainframe?
The mainframe refers to a computer system which has a high level of performance and speed using more than one user set up. A mainframe machine has the highest degree of availability, security, and reliability. Hence it is specially designed for high end computation. It is mainly used in various industries such as retail, insurance, finance etc where huge amounts of information need to be processed multiple times. In a mainframe system, several thousands of instructions can be dealt per second using the below parameters −
- Maximum output or input bandwidth − In case, there is a huge input or output bandwidth, the connection between drivers, and processors contain very few choke points.
- Reliability − The mainframe systems can face proper deterioration, and service while they are running.
- Reliable Single Thread − The mainframe systems are defined by the performances for normal database operations.
- Maximum output or input connectivity − This feature enables the mainframe system to work efficiently in big disc farms.
Different Mainframe Testing Commands
The different mainframe testing commands are listed below −
- SUBMIT − It is used to submit a background job.
- CANCEL − It is used to cancel a background job.
- ALLOCATE − It is used to assign a dataset.
- COPY − It is used to copy a dataset.
- RENAME − It is used to rename a dataset.
- DELETE − It is used to delete a dataset.
- JOB SCAN − It is used to fix the JCL having libraries, program files etc without actually executing it.
Prerequisites of Mainframe Testing
The prerequisites of mainframe testing are listed below −
- Valid login credentials are needed for successful login.
- The fundamental knowledge of the Interactive System Productivity Facility(ISPF) is required.
- There should be a list of various names of files and file qualifiers.
Job
The below prerequisites need to be executed before executing a JOB −
- Execute the scan command JOBSCAN to find any new issues.
- The tests should be assigned in the CLASS parameter.
- Use the MSGCLASS argument, to direct the outcome to a spool.
- Send the email of the job to a spool or a test mail.
- In the beginning phase of testing, direct the FTP steps to a job in the test server.
- If the job generates an IMR (Incident Management Record), add the comment TESTING PURPOSE on the job.
- Every jobs production libraries are directed to the test libraries.
- No jobs should be left unattended.
- The parameter TIME should be appended to a particular time so that infinite loop can be avoided in the event of error.
- Store the output of the JOB, including the spool. XDC can be utilized to store the spool.
File
The below prerequisites need to be executed before executing a FILE −
- Configure a test file of a required size. When saving data into successive files with the identical name, the generation data groups are used.
- The DISP files should be coded accurately.
- To stop the job going to the HOLD status, all the job execution files should be stored and closed properly.
- The generation data group files should have the accurate versions.
Database
The below prerequisites need to be executed before executing a DATABASE −
- Make sure that no incorrect data should be inserted, updated, or deleted while executing the job or online program.
- The testing should be performed on the accurate DB2 region.
Test Case
The below prerequisites need to be executed before executing a TEST CASE −
- Consider the boundary criterias namely the empty file, the first and last record to be processed etc.
- Consider both the positive and negative test criterias.
- Ensure all the modules are included in the test cases. The correct standards need to be followed for the software namely Checkpoint restart, Abed Modules, Control files etc.
Test Data
The below prerequisites need to be executed before executing a TEST DATA −
- The test data should be ready before starting the test.
- The test data should not be modified to verify the regions data without the knowledge of the users.
- There should be proper permissions granted before using or accessing the production files.
Attributes of Mainframe Testing
The attributes of mainframe testing are listed below −
Multiprogramming − It helps to make effective use of the CPU, and to execute multiple programs at the same time.
Timesharing − Foreground processing points to the time sharing process. In a time sharing environment, all the users should have the terminal device access time.
Virtual Storage − It is an extension of the physical storage. Besides, it utilizes the disc storage.
Spooling − It gathers the programs outputs or sends it to the output devices such as printers.
Batch Processing − It helps to complete an operation in pieces which are known as the jobs.
Steps of Mainframe Testing
The steps of mainframe testing are listed below −
Step 1 − Begin with the creation of a test plan based on the requirements.
Step 2 − Come up with a test schedule for the project deliverables.
Step 3 − The test deliverables should be reviewed so that they are clear, defined, and meet the objectives.
Step 4 − The implementations should be as per the test plans, and deliverables.
Step 5 − The test results should be evaluated, and shared with the project stakeholders.
Test Procedures for Mainframe Testing
The test procedures for the mainframe testing are listed below −
- Smoke Testing
- System Testing
- System Integration Testing
- Regression Testing
- Security Testing
- Agile Methodologies
The mainframe manual testing are of two categories namely online testing, and the batch job testing.
Tools used for Mainframe Testing
The different tools used for the mainframe testing are listed below −
- Subject7
- LambdaTest
- HeadSpin
- UFT
- Rexx
Best Practices used for Mainframe Testing
The best practices used for the mainframe testing are listed below −
- There should be a dry run of the job (that works with the test cycle updates) using the empty files.
- The test configuration setup should be completed before the beginning of the test cycle. It shall help in the identification of the JCL errors.
- The auto-commit should be set to no while using the DB2 tables so that there are no unplanned modifications.
- There should be proper resources, inventory, test case and use case data, and expertise to execute the mainframe test cases.
- The correct test data should be created in advance.
Challenges for Mainframe Testing
The challenges for the mainframe testing are listed below −
- There may be discrepancies between the training guidebook and the requirements.
- It is not easy to detect the required test data from the available data.
- It is seen that the code changes impact the softwares look and feel, and its functionalities. This results in the modification of the test cases, and data.
- There may be ad-hoc requests to perform the end to end testing which directly impacts the testing timelines.
Benefits of Mainframe Testing
The benefits of the mainframe testing are listed below −
- The mainframe testing allows optical usage of resources.
- The mainframe testing avoids redundant work.
- The mainframe testing improves the overall experiences of the user.
- The mainframe testing reduces the downtime hours in the production.
- The mainframe testing improves the customer retention rate.
- The mainframe testing reduces the overall IT budget.
Conclusion
This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Mainframe Testing. Weve started with describing what is mainframe, what are the different mainframe testing commands, what are the prerequisites of mainframe testing, what are the attributes of mainframe testing, what are the steps of mainframe testing, what are the test procedures for mainframe testing, what are the different tools used for the mainframe testing, what are the best practices used for the mainframe testing, what are the challenges for the mainframe testing, and what are the benefits of the mainframe testing. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of Software Mainframe Testing. It is wise to keep practicing what youve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.