Windows based test development

The popularity and functionality of Microsoft Windows has dramatically changed the expectations for automated tests. Operators expect a friendly, intuitive graphical interface, managers expect productivity gains based on reusability and standardization, and developers expect powerful tools and accessories to speed test application creation. This paper examines Window´s influence on automated test development by first exploring instrument driver technology, then reviewing Wavetek´s instrument driver strategy, and finally by presenting an example of how an automated test can be built in Windows. A major decision test developers face is choosing the test environment. Basing automated tests on Windows has the advantage of latching on to the worlds most popular graphical system: there are numerous tools available to speed and ease development, there is a wide variety of applications and languages to choose from, and the risk of future obsolescence is minimized by the enormous installed support