Question

My test team currently uses QTP to test through the GUI, but like any automated test suite that relies on the interface, it is more fragile than automating tests that directly interact with the code. I am attempting to learn more about Siebel and Siebel Tools to better understand how we might be able to test below the GUI, but would like to hear from someone with more expertise to find out if this is feasible.

Answer 1

it really depends on what you want to test, I guess.

I’m using the Siebel Java Data Bean (JDB) a lot to access Siebel. You basically connect to the Siebel Server and execute code very similar to eScript. That means you could create records, invoke workflows and so on; basically everything you could do in eScript. That might be helpful. This will apply all the usual validations, runtime events and events.

As soon as some of your scripts in BusComps or in Business Services or elsewhere access data that needs a UI context (TheApplication().ActiveBusObject() or TheApplication().ActiveApplet() for instance) this approach will fail, though, because the Siebel Data Bean doesn’t have a UI context.

Another drawback is that you have to connect to a Siebel Server. That means you have to deploy your SRF to the development server and only then you can run your tests. It sure would be much better if the JDB could connect to your local instance, but as far as I know this is not possible. Have a look at the Object Interfaces guide in the Bookshelf, though. There are different ways to connect to Siebel, not just Java.

Let me know if you have any questions about this. I could maybe post some sample code of how to connect to the Siebel Server etc.