A Java based test program set development environment

A relatively new, but well accepted, object oriented language called Java is supported with rigorous standards and a strong stance, via Virtual Machine (VM) techniques for platform independence. This platform independence property gives rise to the possibility of developing platform independent test program development environment, system executive (control) software, as well as test programs that can be rehosted with virtually no effort, on any similarly equipped test system. This paper presents a high level TPS development environment design with a practical approach to leveraging the current efforts towards instrument interchangeability, the platform independence and object oriented properties of Java, and the experience of the author in platform independent test program development, for developing Java-based platform independent TPSs for cost effectiveness throughout the TPS life cycle