Problem:

Can you provide me with some information on how parameters are used in SilkCentral Test Manager?

Resolution:

QUESTION
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Can you provide me with some information on how parameters are used in SilkCentral Test Manager?

ANSWER
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Parameters are input values that can be assigned to specific test cases. Parameters are freely configurable values that can be used as SilkPerformer project attributes, SilkTest ""symbols"" (within test data properties), or to parameterise input data for manual-test steps. Parameters help to define test definitions by defining test data.

The test parameters that have been assigned to the selected test definition can be viewed on the Parameters tab (Test Plan View only).

The Parameters tab includes the following parameter attributes:

• Parameter - Name of the assigned parameter
• Value - The selected parameter value for this test definition
• Type - Parameter type (String, Number, Float, Boolean, Password, or Character)
• Inherited - Indicates if the parameter has been inherited from a parent

To create a new custom parameter:

1. In Test Plan View, select the test definition node for which you wish to create a new parameter.

2. Select the Parameters tab.

3. Click the Add Custom Parameter button to display the Add Custom Parameter dialog.

4. Define a name for the parameter.

5. Select the parameter type (String, Number, Float, Boolean, Password, or Character).

6. Define the parameter value that is to be assigned to the selected test definition.

7. Click OK. The parameter now appears in the Parameters list for the selected node.

   Note: Parameters are automatically assigned to all sub-folders and child test definitions of the nodes to which they"ve been assigned.

To add a predefined parameter:

1. In Test Plan View, select the test definition node for which you wish to add a predefined parameter.

2. Select the Parameters tab.

3. Click the Add Predefined Parameter button to display the Add Predefined Parameter dialog, which lists all of the project attributes that are available in the project file.

   Note: The Add Predefined Parameter button is only available for SilkPerformer test definitions for which the Project property has already been defined.

4. To add any of the listed parameters, click the corresponding Add icon.

5. On the upcoming dialog, specify the actual value for the parameter.

6. Click Save to add the parameter to the active Test Plan tree node.

To edit a predefined parameter:

1. In Test Plan View, select the test definition node for which you wish to edit an existing parameter.

2. Select the Parameters tab.

3. Click the Edit icon that corresponds to the parameter you wish to edit. The Add Custom Parameter dialog appears.

4. Edit the parameter values as required.

   Note: Inherited parameters cannot be edited. Deselect the Inherit from parent checkbox to enable editing of the parameter"s Value setting. Parameter Name and Type settings cannot be edited.

To clear a predefined parameter assignment:

1. In Test Plan View, select the test definition node for which you wish to clear an existing parameter.

2. Select the Parameters tab.

3. Click the Clear button that corresponds to the parameter you wish to clear.

   Note: Inherited parameters cannot be cleared. Deselect the Inherit from parent checkbox on the Set Parameter dialog to enable clearing of a parameter.

4. Click Yes on the Clear Parameter dialog to clear the parameter.

How do parameters work with Manual Tests?

Test definition parameters can be used for the descriptions and expected results of manual test definitions. Parameter placeholders take the form ##.

To illustrate use of a parameter, if the expected result of a test definition is "Where do you #param1# to go today?", and a parameter exists that has the name param1 and the value "want", then the effective expected result of the defined manual test definition is "Where do you want to go today?".

Note: This information is also available in the SilkCentral Test Manager Help.