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Exporting Test Assets for Use in Other Test Datastores

Managing Test Assets
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Copying assets among test datastores can save time and help to ensure tests are
successful more quickly. If, for example, a computer list or configuration needs to be
used in several tests, exporting that asset to a Rational Test Asset Parcel file and then
importing that file into the different test datatores is quicker and more efficient than
recreating the asset from scratch for each test. It is also less likely to have an
inadvertent error and ensures consistency of test results.
Using third-party tools in conjunction with test assets allows additional flexibility in
your testing process. For example, you could use a stand-alone laptop computer to
compose a manual test script or write up information about a test asset in an XML file
in a text editor. You could then import that test script or test asset to use as part of
your testing. Optionally, you could open the exported test details file in a text editor
for distribution and examination beyond the testing department.
Exporting Test Assets for Use in Other Test Datastores
Most Rational test assets can be exported to Rational Test Asset Parcel (.RTPAR) files.
These files describe the asset, the configuration of the asset, and, when assets are
related to other test assets, the relationship of the asset to other assets. You can choose
to export test assets with or without related assets.
Note:
Suites are not exportable.
The Rational Test Asset Parcel file is a custom XML file. All files begin with:
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<TestAssetParcel>
and end with
</TestAssetParcel>
Between these tags the file lists the asset being exported, all attributes, and any
selected related assets. For example, for an iteration test asset called Construction 2,
the .RTPAR file includes tags that define:
s
The kind of test asset
s
Test asset name
s
User-defined test asset description, if any
s
Date the test asset was created
s
Date the test asset was last modified
s
Who last modified the test asset
s
Who created the test asset
s
Who owns the test asset