Tidbits for today....

Tidbits from this TED talk:

Cognitive traps of happiness:

• Reluctance to admit to complexity: the word happiness is too general and applied to too many things.
• Confusion between experience and memory: being happy in your life vs being happy about/with your life.
• Focusing illusion: we cannot think about any circumstance that affects well being, without distorting its importance.

Daniel Kahneman suggests we entertain this thought experiment:
At the end of a vacation all your pictures are going to be destroyed. Would you choose the same activities?


I watched this TED talk awhile ago and it is really great. I suggest you take a look: 
http://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_kahneman_the_riddle_of_experience_vs_memory.html

Life of a Tester...tool evaluation pt. 3: Ranorex Studio

Ranorex Studio Evaluation

Released by Ranorex GmbH

Installation of Ranorex Studio was easy, smooth, and very professional looking.

After installation, I created a project named “ranorex_test1”.

Opening the project, I was able to see three different views: project window displays the hierarchy of the entire project, the module browser window displays the modules that the project contains, and the test suite window defines and organizes test cases.

Ranorex displays a screenshot of the step that was created in the recorded script.

Web testing, including cross browser

I was able to easily record and execute scripts for Admin and Enterprise Search sites via Chrome. Changing a test case to utilize a different browser is very easy. Within the Open Browser Recording Module I created a variable named “Browser” on the line with the Open Browser Action. Then, I went into the test case properties and added a SimpleDataConnector on the Data Source tab, and added each browser name to a row within the table. Finally on the Data Binding tab, I bound the newly added Browser Data Column to the Module Variable. The test case properties give me the ability to cycle through all of the listed browsers, or specify a certain number to test with.

Desktop testing

I was able to utilize Ranorex Studio to record and execute scripts for Workgroup Search.

Scripting

Ranorex Studio scripts are written in C# or VB.NET.

According to the documentation, project files are compatible with Visual Studio.

http://www.ranorex.com/test-automation-tools/ranorex-studio-automated-testing-software.html

Documentation and training; (somewhat) short learning curve

I downloaded the free trial and started using Ranorex Studio immediately as the layout is clear and concise, and the basic functionality is straight forward. I utilized the many online videos, help files, and expert forums on their site to help figure out most of my issues. I am not sure if they have any other kind of training.

Maintenance, longevity, reliability and support

The Ranorex community seems to have a lot of company support.

Error recovery

The logs are viewable within the Reports section. When I hover over a line I am able to either jump to the item within the script or open it with their add on tool named Spy. I do not know very much about Spy at this point, but will research this further.

Reporting

The reports look very professional and it is very clear to see where an error occurs.

Cost

The PREMIUM node-locked license version is $1980.00.

The PREMIUM floating license version is $3980.00.

Customizations (future proofness)

The documentation and videos available, state that Ranorex Studio has the capability to effortlessly find any elements that have been moved

Established in market

I am unable to find concrete information on how widely used Ranorex Studio is in the QA Testing field.

Integration with Rally

Unknown.

Distributed Testing

I have not evaluated this part of Ranorex Studio, but the documentation states that it can be utilized this way as long as the correct license is purchased.

Ability to run unit tests outside of environment

Unknown.

Life of a Tester....tool evaluation pt 2: TestComplete

TestComplete Evaluation

Released by SmartBear

Installation of TestComplete was easy, smooth, and very professional looking.

I installed and opened TestComplete. The start page directed me without a lot of clutter.

I was able to navigate through TestComplete without any training from documentation or tutorials. The two main areas are the Project Explorer and the Workspace.

 

The following Project Explorer snapshot displays the test types that I have evaluated in TestComplete. Under the Advanced tab is the script area where the code level test cases are held. The KeywordTests is the GUI point and click record and playback test cases. NOTE: there is also an area to house our  Manual test cases.

The KeywordTests displays the recorded Item, Operation conducted by me, Value given, Description, and if there is an Auto-wait timeout for the line item. I was able to double click on each of these fields which then displayed a popup to alter the chosen item.

A cool feature I found is in the Workspace area. After I recorded a test, Script or KeywordTest, a window pane appeared at the bottom of the right hand side of the screen, displaying captured screens. I was able to double click them to enlarge and see exactly where I had clicked during the test.

 

Web testing, including cross browser

TestComplete is able to effortlessly record and execute tests in all browsers. After recording the test, I was able to go into the Workspace window, click on the Navigate line of the Keyword test and the browser selection window is displayed. This is really useful as I am able to record a test in one browser and execute the test in the same, or a different, browser.

 

Desktop testing

I was able to utilize TestComplete to record and execute tests for desktop applications.

Scripting

TestComplete has separate area where low level code scripts are located. I recorded a script through movements on a mouse and TestComplete compiled the steps into script format. (a script can be written from scratch, also, if desired.) TestComplete allows for scripts to be written in C#, C++, Delphi, Jscript, and VBscript.

 

Documentation and training; (somewhat) short learning curve

I downloaded the free trial, and was contacted by an Account Manager via email. He introduced himself as well as sent a link to a tutorial on getting started. I have been receiving tips via email since. The SmartBear website, as well as the testing community, has a plethora of video tutorials, hints, documentation, and Q&A boards.

Maintenance, longevity, reliability and support

Although I do not know the level of support from SmartBear, the testing community is very active on TestComplete questions, issues, tips, and tricks.

Error recovery

The logs are displayed in the Project Explorer window pane. I was able to double click on a log item and retrieve the line item details.

Reporting

TestComplete comes with a tool named ReportGenerator.exe, which creates a zip file of all the memory dump files (.dmp) given by TestComplete and constructs an html page listing all of the events.

Cost

A TestComplete node locked license is $1999 and a Floating User License is $4499.

Customizations (future proofness)

SmartBear seems to be doing routine updates to keep up with technology.

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/06/10/new-testcomplete-extends-smartbears-leadership-pos/

Established in market

TestComplete is very competitive in the test tool market.

Integration with Rally

Unknown.

Distributed Testing

The documentation states that TestComplete can execute distributed tests, but I did not evaluate this section.

http://support.smartbear.com/articles/testcomplete/distributed-testing-tutorial/

Ability to run unit tests outside of environment

Unknown.

Life of a QA Tester....tool evaluation: Sahi Pro

Sahi Pro Evaluation

Released by Tyto Software

Installation of Sahi Pro was easy. I did find it a bit strange that it did not automatically install in the Program Files folder. The program is kicked off by a .bat file which launches the Sahi dashboard.

After choosing the browser that will be used, a front Sahi Pro page displays instructed me how to bring up the Controller.

Although the controller is laid out fairly well, I did find it a bit “clunky”.  I also had some issues running a script that had both a function that had been created through the GUI and another that was created from scratch.

Web testing, including cross browser

I was able to test in IE, Firefox, and Chrome.

Desktop testing

Sahi Pro does not test desktop applications.

Scripting

The language is based on JavaScript.

Documentation and training; (somewhat) short learning curve

The Sahi Pro website contains many pages of training materials.

Maintenance, longevity, reliability and support

Unknown.

Error recovery

I was able to see the logs of the tests run and upon clicking on a log.

After clicking on a test name in the Suite Name column, I was brought to a page where I could see where the script had failed (if applicable). I can then double click on the error, highlighted in red below, and will be taken to the place in the script where the test had failed.

Reporting

Sahi Pro stores its reports in a H2 database by default. Custom reporting is possible, but it may be necessary to store it into a central MySQL or another database. There is a MySQL .jar that can be utilized to create and customize reports. Also, this process requires a manual update, MySQL does not do this automatically.

Cost

$495/user/year

Customizations (future proofness)

Sahi Pro does not have this capability.

Established in market

Sahi Pro is not widely used .

Integration with Rally

Sahi Pro does not have this capability.

Distributed Testing

Sahi Pro can be distributed and run tests on multiple machines as long as the Sahi Pro application is installed on each machine.

Ability to run unit tests outside of environment

Sahi Pro does not have this capability.

Conclusion: We have decided that Sahi Pro is not a strong contender in our search of automated test tools and has been withdrawn from the choices.

7/25/13: Edited title- added "Sahi Pro".

Our start on a new journey

After long deliberation, we have decided to start the adoption process. This week we had an interview with Angel Adoption Inc who specializes in advertising and marketing for parents that want to adopt. They usually get between 200-250 applications and choose 6 couples....we were chosen! We are going to be looking at our financial options, set up our home study, and get this ball rolling!

We are both really excited and petrified at the same time. More info to come!

Thank you "Killers" for such a great album!

I am a big Killers fan. I love all of their albums, but the last release "Battle Born" has left me speechless. I've had the album for a while, but have been dealing with depression which made it difficult to enjoy many things. About a month ago I was able to clear my mind long enough to listen to the album and was blown away. The musical arrangement, production value, and lyrics are out of this world. I found myself listening to it over and over for a week and a half. 

After the first stint of listening, I decided to add in other music so I didn't overdose. This album brought back my enjoyment and love for music! I was able to break out of my rut (for music). 

For song long I have felt numb, in so many ways, and this album touches all of the places. The "feelings" are quite foreign to me still, which makes it difficult to accurately express how much this album means to me. I will leave you with some lyrics from "Be Still":

Be still
Wild and young
Long may your innocence reign
Like shells on the shore
And may your limits be unknown
And may your efforts be your own
If you ever feel you can't take it anymore
Don't break character
You've got a lot of heart
Is this real or just a dream?
Rise up like the sun
Labor till the work is done

Moving along...sorta

I have been sick most of the week, and today I am feeling a little better and wanted to write an update on all the things in our life. 

Jess, and her friend Tim, drove her stuff out here last weekend and we moved her in on Sunday. She has A LOT of stuff. Anyways, we are trying to organize and see where everything is going to fit. It is a little awkward as Tim stayed a week, and is leaving today; Jess has been sleeping on her couch. Tonight she will be able to shuffle around her room a bit, but most importantly, sleep on a bed.

Matt and I have been talking about the UK move pretty much nonstop. He had a meeting, just over a week ago, lasting 3hrs and containing the goals for the coming year. He says they seem pretty optimistic, and maybe not that realistic. Jan has been working for them for a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, he has to drive 2.5 hrs each way to work. The drive, along with the unsettling feeling from the meeting, had put doubts in his head. Due to his lack of desire to work at H---- and the fact that him and Lou would have to move, making it a lot more difficult for him to stay on and he is going to quit soon.

We have struggled with this decision for awhile now. It would be a lot easier and less expensive to stay here. On the other hand, we would be embarking on a new adventure if we go. Pros/cons, cons/pros...back and forth for weeks now and we have come up with a step towards a decision. Matt is going to call H---- and tell them that he would like to come out for a couple/few weeks. At that time he can feel out the culture, the work, the area, etc. This time could be a trial for him as well as them, making sure that everyone that is involved is moving towards a direction that will benefit both ends.  Matt is going to call them tomorrow and i think they will be up for this without hesitation. I will post more as I know more.

Happy New Year!

I'm 10 days late, but better late than never. Here is an overview of what happened last year....

The beginning of 2012 was rough, to say the least. I had a knee injury, hardly any motivation to exercise, and horrific sinus issues and migraines. After going to a sinus specialist, I decided to get sinus surgery. The actual surgery went fine, but the recovery was unimaginably miserable. I worked from home for almost 2 weeks and was on massive painkillers that seemed to not even make a dent. My sinuses are still healing, but are doing a lot better (and I can smell things better too).

We have been trying to get pregnant since May 2010, and have not had any success so we decided to talk to "the professionals". I figured, since we had so many other medical bills from my sinus work, I might as well rack up some more bills! We started the talk in late June. Our first procedure was pretty basic, I took Clomid and then went in for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). The procedure was uneventful, and we were not successful. The second time around is another story. I took the Clomid, just like the 1st time, but this time I ended up having horrific pelvic pain. I went in for my ultrasound (u/s) and found that I had a ginormous cyst, brought on my 3 over sized follicles, inside of my right ovary. I received pain meds and we were sent on our way. The next day, though, we were back in the Dr's office as I was doubled over in pain. We had another u/s and found that the cyst had shrunk a tiny bit was still very present. The plan was to get more pain meds, rest, and wait at least one cycle before trying IUI again. Our last visit was in late November and we have decided to wait a little longer as we have more pressing matters to tend to.

All my life, this year being no exception, I have been struggling with Depression. This is the first year that I have been consistently on medications that seemed to be working. As the fall wore on, I found that I grew more and more depressive until about a week before Xmas  when I had a complete mental breakdown. I woke up that morning and didn't want to eat, get dressed, get up, feed the animals, anything. I called my Dr and made an appointment for later that afternoon. I thought I was OK enough to go to work so I got ready and left. As I was driving, I was noticing that I was really distracted so I tried to pay attention more to the instructions I was receiving from my GPS navigator on my phone, which didn't turn out to be the best idea. The navigation started to get messed up and telling me to turn into places which were obviously the wrong direction, or didn't have a street to begin with. As I was slowly coming up to a red light, it said something else which I couldn't understand and glanced down for just long enough to rear end the car in front of me. Luckily, I was going like 1 mph and there wasn't any damage to my car, but since it was cold his bumper cracked, and so did I. I started crying...no sobbing. The poor guy that I hit didn't speak English well and thought I got hurt, which I was trying to tell him I didn't through the massive amount of tears that were pouring out of my eyes. I gave him all the information I had, as I didn't have my proof of insurance in the car either, and then we finally went our separate ways. For some reason, I thought it would be a good idea to continue to work (at a new job that I had started about 3 wks prior). Once I got there and walked in the door, I realized this wasn't a good idea and the tears began again, along with the inability to speak without sobbing. They were very concerned for me and had me sit down, got me some water, and made me wait until I was more composed before they let me drive home. I got home and told Matt what was going on. We both went to my Dr's appointment, where he gave me a new script and instructions on how to ramp up quickly on it, since I was in such a state.

Jess flew in the day after my appointment, and I was still highly volatile. She began a friendship with one of my friends from work, so he picked her up at the airport she hung out with him most of the time she was here. This was fine for me as I was still dealing with a lot of things. Mom and Dad drove in a couple of days later, and we all shared Xmas together, which was nice. While she was here, Jess decided it was time to leave Grand Rapids and made plans on moving out to Denver. She is leaving Michigan in 10 days!

She will be living at our house, and with us for about 3 months, as Matt has received and accepted a job in the UK, and we plan to move out there around March. We have begun the planning of what to ship, how to ship our zoo, getting visas, and finding housing. I am doing a lot better now, mentally, and think this will be a good move for us. I am not sure how long we will be there, but am looking forward to a new adventure in this new year.