Steps for Mainframe Testing

Mainframe testing can be done in two ways- manually or with the help of automation tools like QTP, REXX, and IBM application performance analyzer. The following are the steps for mainframe testing:

Step 1: Make a Plan

To begin, the business or development team builds test plans based on the Business requirement document, System requirement document, other project documents, and inputs. It also dictates how a particular item or process will be modified during the release cycle. In the meantime, the testing team will collaborate with the development and project management teams to prepare test scenarios and test cases in advance.

Step 2: Make a Schedule

Once the requirement document has been appropriately written, it will be turned over to the development and testing teams. In addition, the testing schedule should be created in line with the precise project delivery plan.

Step 3: Deliverables

After receiving the paper, they will review the deliverables. The deliverables should also be well-defined, with no ambiguity, and meet the scope of the test objectives.

Step 4: Implementation

The implementation should next proceed in accordance with the plan and deliverables. In most cases, the modified requirement in a release will directly affect 15-25% of the application. The remaining 60-75 % of the release will rely on out-of-the-box features such as application and process testing. As a result, there will be a need to test the Mainframe application twice-

Testing Requirements: The application will be tested for the features or changes specified in the requirement document.
Testing Integration: This testing activity is just for the purpose of testing. The complete procedure will be put to the test, as well as any other apps that receive or transmit data to the important application.

Step 5: Reporting

The test results will be shared with the development team on a regular basis after that. The testing team should connect with the development team to make fast modifications in crucial instances to maintain consistency.

Software Testing – Mainframe Testing

Mainframe testing is used to evaluate software, applications, and services built on Mainframe Systems. The major goal of mainframe testing is to ensure the application or service’s dependability, performance, and excellence through verification and validation methodologies, and to determine if it is ready to launch or not. Because CICS screens are custom-built for specific applications, the tester just has to know how to navigate them when performing Mainframe testing. Also, if the code in COBOL, JCL, or other languages is changed, the tester does not have to worry about the emulator being set up on the system.

Here, we will discuss the following points:

What is Mainframe?
Mainframe Testing Methodologies.
Prerequisites for Mainframe Testing.
Mainframe Attributes.
Steps for Mainframe Testing.
Mainframe Testing Procedures To Follow.
Types of Mainframe Manual Testing.
Mainframe Automation Testing Tools.
Best Practices For Mainframe Testing.
Mainframe Testing Challenges and Troubleshooting.
Benefits of Mainframe Testing.