Test Procedure Language Development

Most computer operated test systems may be classified as macro systems. The joint work at The Bendix Corporation and Thompson Ramo Wooldridge indicates software has a significant influence on test system design and organization. From an operations standpoint, a computer operated test system requires two kinds of programs; those delivered with the system and expected to remain relatively stable, and those generated by test engineers for controlling the system and the conduct of specific tests. The latter are written as the need arises, and are subject to frequent modification as the nature of the system under test changes. It is essential, therefore, that the programming structure be organized so that test procedures can be written rapidly and accurately, and that these procedures can be readily integrated into the test system. For preparing test procedures, a compiler system is required by test engineers to write test statements in a restricted English language. This language makes free use of words, phrases and symbols particular to testing activities. In general this paper will be devoted to the discussion of test language development, compiler design, and influence on test system organization.