Explain Mainframe Testing in-depth | Software Testing

Explain Mainframe Testing in-depth | Software Testing

In this article, you will get to know the following:

• What are the different mainframes Attributes?
• How to execute the mainframe testing?
• What are the different manual testing methods in the mainframe?

What are the different mainframes Attributes?

Mainframes have multiple attributes such as:

• Multiprogramming
• Time-sharing
• Virtual Storage
• Spooling
• Batch Processing

Let’s learn each attribute one by one in detail:

• Multiprogramming: It allows us to take complete advantage of the CPU working. The machine can implement various programs at the same time.
• Time Sharing: The time sharing process is also known as Foreground Processing, whereas batch job processing is also known as background processing. It is also called Interactive Processing because it allows the user to interact with the machine(computer) directly. 
• Virtual Storage: As an extension of real storage, virtual storage uses disk storage space. It is the technique that helps in storing the memory efficiently to store and perform the sized tasks.
• Spooling: The Spool stands for Simultaneous Peripheral Operations Online. It is used to collect the output of the program or application. 
• Batch Processing: It is a unit where we can perform any tasks in units. The units refer to Jobs. We can perform one or more programs in a particular order of Jobs. The batch processing gives the needed information with the help of JOB CONTROL LANGUAGE(JCL).

What are the different manual testing methods in the Mainframe?

Mainframe manual testing is divided into types:

• Online Testing: It refers to the CICS (Customer Information Control System) screens that are considered web page testing. The functionality of the existing screen can be modified, or new screens can be added. Different applications can have inquiry and modification screens’ where they test the functionality of the screen as a part of the online testing. 
• Batch Job Testing: In batch job testing, the testing process contains batch jobs for the functionality, which is implemented in the existing launch. The test result will extract the output files, accordingly, the database should be tested and documented.