Windows based test development

The popularity and functionality of Microsoft Windows has dramatically changed the expectations for automated tests. Operators expect a friendly, intuitive graphical interface, managers expect productivity gains based on reusability and standardization, and developers expect powerful tools and accessories to speed test application creation. This paper examines Window's influence on automated test development by first exploring instrument driver technology, then reviewing Wavetek's instrument driver strategy, and finally by presenting an example of how an automated test can be built in Windows. A major decision test developers face is choosing the test environment. Basing automated tests on Windows has the advantage of latching on to the worlds most popular graphical system: there are numerous tools available to speed and ease development, there is a wide variety of applications and languages to choose from, and the risk of future obsolescence is minimized by the enormous installed support.<>