The VisualAge Generator Developer test facility is a unique feature that dramatically streamlines the programming process. This facility enables you to view development and test functions as tightly integrated activities rather than distinct phases of development. This approach to prototyping and debugging programs is faster and more interactive.
Figure 23 shows the Test Monitor window.
The tasks supported by the test facility span a wide range of testing activities, from low-level debugging of new and unfamiliar programs to simple regression testing of existing programs. You are free to move between building parts and testing activities without jeopardizing any information that has already been set.
To aid in debugging programs, the test facility includes the following:
The test facility gives you a historical trace log that enables you to set filters on certain categories to be tracked. Using filters, you can get more detailed traces. You can also reset these filters after a test session and rebuild the trace log without running the test again.
Figure 24 shows the VAGen Test Trace page.
Figure 24. VisualAge Preferences-- VAGen Test Trace
The test facility also enables you to test maps as well as logic parts. Map Monitor, a feature of the test facility, enables you to view your map as it will appear when the program is running.
During testing, a VisualAge Generator program on an OS/2 or Windows NT system can access relational data stored in DB2 directly or other databases through ODBC.
Also, during testing, your program can access generated VisualAge Generator programs and non-VisualAge Generator programs on local or remote systems.