ObjectSharp

Mobile Testing plugin to Visual Studio

deb — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:05:39 GMT

A new Visual Studio plug in SeeTest for mobile testing. You can use Visual Studio (all versions) to test real physical phones including iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile and Symbian. This includes Windows 8 phones. Just connect your device using a standard USB cable to your computer and record tests. SeeTest auto generates a script that you can copy & paste into Visual Studio. Then you can edit, run & view results in Visual Studio. Check out Charles Sterling blog all about Visual Studio...(read more)

Agile, Scrum webcasts to join

deb — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:44:28 GMT

Agile.org has some create webcasts on subjects concerning Agile, Scrum. You can either sign up to them or go to the archive listing. Couple of interest are: Agile Practices in a Traditional Organization Adopting Test-First Development Release Duration and Enterprise Agility On May 15th is Agile and Quality: It is not an Oxymoron but a Necessity Click here to check out the public webcast series. Testa...(read more)

Code Coverage for Manual Testing is coming in vNext …

deb — Thu, 03 May 2012 18:22:40 GMT

Microsoft is storyboarding the process of code coverage for manual testing. They are also looking for you to complete a quick survey on the subject. The Visual Studio ALM team are asking for our help so let’s give it to them. Click below to do the survey. Code Coverage for Manual Testing Survey This is how tools get made that we will use, thanks for helping. Testa...(read more)

TFS11 Shelving

dave — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:09:31 GMT

If you are like me and a fan of Shelving in TFS you are going to love TFS11.

Here are some new features for Shelving that have me excited about the next release.

Merge

Instead of a copy, unshelve is now a merge. You can take those changes and Merge them in with your current local changes. Also this means that on a Gated Check in the Shelveset is merged with the main base of code prior to the private build.

Work items

In the new Team Explorer you can select work items that are In progress. So that when you check in the changes the changeset is associated to the work item.

If you Shelve this work to do something else the Work item is stored with the Shelveset. When you Unshelve to work on it you will get the work item also.

Switch

Select a shelveset while you have work in progress. Notice the Switch command below. This allows you to take your In Progress work and swap it out with a Shelevest.

Microsoft VS TFS 11 Beta Power Tools are available

deb — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:54:06 GMT

TFS11 beta power tools are now available for download. In the power tool are: Best Practices Analyzer Team Explorer Enhancements Team Foundation Power Tool Command Line (tfpt.exe) Test Attachment Cleaner Process Template Editor Windows Shell Extensions Read more about what all these power tools give you and download TFS11 Beta Power Tool . Testa...(read more)

Microsoft MSDN Forum Gadget

deb — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:15:00 GMT

If you are interested in following any of the MSDN Forum’s there is a gadget you can download that makes access to your favourite threads quick and simple. Download here . Testa...(read more)

ALM User Group in Toronto meets May 24th

deb — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:25:37 GMT

It is Methodology May at the TALMUG Methodology . In the world of software development there are not many words that raise contention quite as quickly as this. But why is that? What are the differences between Agile, Iterative, and Rigorous software development methodologies? There has been buzz about Scrum, XP, Lean, Waterfall, Kanban, and RUP for years; how do they fit into this discussion? But most importantly, why should you care? What does the test team think of all this? In Methodology May...(read more)

TFS Work Item History Compare

dave — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:20:14 GMT

I had a customer that was looking for a way to see the history of a work item in an easier to compare format then the work item itself. I searched for such a tool, didn’t find one, so I wrote this.

I uploaded it to CodePlex in case anyone would like to use it or extend it. If you just want to try it out you can download the latest version from CodePlex.

The app is pretty simple. Simply run GetHistory.exe select the server and projects you want to query and hit connect.

On the main form below, the Project drop down will be populated with the list of projects you selected from the connection screen.

Enter a Work Item ID from that project and hit enter or click Get History.

The grid will fill with each revision of the work item. If the data in a field is different than the previous revision it will be displayed in red.

Other Options

Go to the Fields to Ignore tab to select work item fields you don’t care to see. Some are obviously pointless and should be turned off by default. (ie: Rev, ID, Area ID, Iteration ID, History, Work Item Type)

Connect to TFS: Use this button to switch to another server or collection or add or remove a project from the drop down.

Clear: Clears the form of the last retrieved work item data.

Export to Excel: Do I really need to tell you what this does?

I hope someone out there finds it useful.

Microsoft seeing work item history made easier

deb — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:10:05 GMT

Dave Lloyd has updated GetHistory a power tool for displaying work item history. Now you can export the work item history to excel. If your company has a audit process that has to be followed this tool may help you report on changes to requirements, test cases, bugs in just a few steps. Click Get History to get the newest version. Keep your eye out on this tool you never know what features Dave may add! Testa...(read more)

ObjectSharp At the Movies … May 1st, 2012 9am to Noon

deb — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:47:00 GMT

Here is what you will see and hear from ObjectSharp's Microsoft MVPs at this event: Metro (Win 8 + Mobile) The Metro interface has the potential to change how a lot of people use computers. You've already seen a little of it in the Windows Phone. More if you have downloaded the Windows 8 consumer preview. In this session, we will demonstrate how the power exposed by Metro (through live tiles, push notifications, immersive user experiences, etc.) can be harnessed to provide a usable and intuitive...(read more)

AlignIT - Manager Tech Talk

dave — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:25:37 GMT

Tomorrow Barry Gervin and I will be interviewed on AlignIT with Ruth Morton and Jonathan Rozenblit.

We will be discussing the Pros and Cons of upgrading to the next version of VS and TFS. Affectionately known as vNext or Dev11.

Feb 29th MS announced the release of Windows 8 Customer Preview and Visual Studio 11 Beta.

Looking forward to the discussions. Watch for it on AlignIT.

MTM Test Case iteration identifier –reduce waste

deb — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:43:25 GMT

MTM needs a feature that allows testers to describe what an individual test case iteration is testing. Right now I add a parameter to the last steps expected results "@Notes" and for each iteration of a test case I add to the Notes what I am testing in each iteration. Example would be testing a address site. My test case will go through all the address fields so any testing I would need can be done with parameters and iterations even boundary. But I need a easy way to identify what is being...(read more)

Create Reports for TFS2010 Test Results

deb — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 21:03:53 GMT

Check out instructions on how to create reports for your TFS2010 Test Results . There is also an example that you can follow. Testa...(read more)

Unit Testing 101–check out this webcast on unit testing

deb — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:51:05 GMT

Typemock is presenting a webcast “Introduction to Unit Testing” if your a tester this will be a good intro into unit testing. Pass this onto your developers even if they unit test. Software testing isn’t just a task for QA. In order to prevent bugs and release quality code to market, you also need developer testing, including unit testing. Discover why you should start unit testing, and how you can get started with automated tests quickly. Click below to register Introduction to Unit Testing Test...(read more)

O# at the movies is back

dave — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:15:28 GMT

I remember the first ever event we did in a theater. It was all about Whidbey, remember that? Then the next year Nick Van Exan our student and part time graphics guy created a movie poster to promote the event. I think it was Barry Gervin as Dr. Evil, very funny stuff.

The tradition continues.

ObjectSharp is pleased to present it's 2012 "At The Movies" event!

At this 3-hour live morning event at the Scotiabank Theatre, on Tues 1 May 9-12 noon, you will see and hear about Microsoft's new developer tools for 2012:

Metro (Win 8 + Mobile)
VS 2012
TFS 2012 + Test Manager 2012

...from ObjectSharp's MS MVPs: Dave Lloyd, Bruce Johnson, Barry Gervin, Colin Bowern, Deb Forsyth and Atley Hunter

PLUS: your admission includes:

Coffee + Popcorn + Soft Drinks

AND ... multiple draws for Microsoft and Telerik cool stuff!

What does it cost?

General Admission is $25 (or register by Friday April 14 and pay just $15)!

Register Online Now!

What if I have questions?

e-mail us at ATM@objectsharp.com
or call: 416-649-3690 (ext 0)

Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Test Vs. QTP

deb — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 18:22:19 GMT

Karthik K.K has posted on LinkedIn (click to see) a chart that compares the features of Visual Studio & Test Manager to Quick Test Professional (QTP). I like the last item: Visual Studio 2010 Test QTP Who’s Best VSTS is cheaper and can be used for both development & testing. QTP is costlier and can be used ONLY for testing. VSTS VSTS can also be used by Business Analyst, Project Managers, and Stakeholders. It can assist teams being Agile or Scrum or Waterfall thru a process template. The...(read more)

Windows 8 Camps coming…

deb — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:56:32 GMT

What is a Windows 8 Camp? A Windows 8 Camp is a free , two-day event. During the Camp, you’ll discover HANDS-ON how to build your first Metro Style App for Windows 8. You’ll learn from experts in a low-key, interactive way and apply what you’ve learned with support from Microsoft Canada. How do I register? Click below for the city nearest you. o Toronto – May 22 nd to June 1 st , Microsoft Downtown Toronto Office o Montreal – June 4 th to June 8 th , Microsoft Downtown Montreal Office o Vancouver...(read more)

Agile vs. Traditional Approach to Unit Testing

deb — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:27:52 GMT

Harry Baran from Thoughtworks posted a blog that I think is very much worth sharing. Harry outlines in his posting some of the difference between unit testing in Agile to the Traditional approach. Unit testing in any process needs to be getting the attention it deserves, if done right it can be an early quality indicator for the solution under development. Test teams need to get involved in unit testing to some capacity no matter what process/methodology being followed. Pair up your developers and...(read more)

Toronto VS ALM User Group kick off meeting April 12th

deb — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:47:28 GMT

The first Toronto VS ALM User Group kick off meeting is being held on April 12th @6:30pm sign up at TALMUG to get the details and register. The User Group is for all roles within the Application Life Management team. Topics presented will vary from generic ALM practices to ALM with Visual Studio. If your involved in product management, a stakeholder, a business analysis or product owner, a developer or a tester this User Group is for you. The goal of the first meeting will be to: Define the group’s...(read more)

Editing a Build Process

dave — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:13:12 GMT

If you want to edit your build process and utilize some of the custom activities in the Community TFS Build Extensions. You may be finding it tough to drag the activity into your Workflow. Or Intellisense may not be working like you saw in that demo. Below are the steps to help you create a project to store your custom build processes and easily edit them.

First Download the Community TFS Build Extensions and copy them into a folder in source control. I like to put them in a folder under the BuildProcessTemplates folder created from your Process Template, called Custom Activities.

For example: $/ObjectSharp Projects/BuildProcessTemplates/CustomActivities

You need to make sure the build server knows where to find these so Change the Build Controller property Version control path to custom assemblies to this location in source control. You can get to it by right clicking on the Builds node in Team Explorer and selecting Manage Build Controllers. Select the Controller and click the properties button.

Make a copy of the Build Process Template that you want to edit and make sure it’s in the BuildProcessTemplates folder under source control.

Add the Custom activities to your toolbox.

in Visual Studio select Tools | Choose Toolbox Items… from the main menu.

On the System.Activities Components tab browse for the TFSBuildExtentions.Activities.dll and add it.

Create a new Class Library Project

Delete the Class1.cs that gets created.

Add the following references to the project:

From the .Net tab on the Add Reference dialog:
Microsoft.TeamFoundation
Microsoft.TeamFoundation.Build.Client
Microsoft.TeamFoundation.VersionControl.Client
Microsoft.TeamFoundation.VersionControl.Common
System.Activities
From C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0\Common7\IDE\PrivateAssemblies
Microsoft.TeamFoundation.Build.Workflow.dll
Microsoft.TeamFoundation.TestImpact.BuildIntegration.dll
From where ever you installed it on your machine
TFSBuildExtensions.Activities

Add the Build Process Template to the project.

Right click on the project and select Add | Existing Item… from the context menu.
Navigate to the build process template you want to edit
Click on the arrow next to the add button to select Add As Link

Now you can work on your build process in place from within a project so you have all the references you need to drag activities in and have the benefit of intelitrace.

Creating a Custom Link Tab for your TFS Work Item

dave — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:30:15 GMT

Each work item in TFS contains an All Links Tab where you can see all the links to this work item grouped by relationship type.

There are other tabs that just show specific links like Implementation, Change Requests, Test Cases. These tabs are filtered to only show certain types of relationships and the work items that can have this relationship.

It’s very easy to create your own Tab that shows specific links and the work item types that you want the user to include.

As an example lets create a Review Tab on the Requirement work item in the CMMI Process Template so we can see the Design Reviews associated to this requirement.

Open up the CMMI process template using the Process Template editor that comes with the TFS Powertools.

Lets create a custom link type to be used for Reviews. From the Process Editor select Methodology | Work Item Tracking | Link Types and click the new Button. Fill in the New Link type to represent a Reviewed By/Reviews relationship.

Save the Link Type and open the Requirement Work Item type editor.

In the Layout tab right click on the TabGroup node and select New Tab Page from the context Menu. You can right click on that new tab page and select Move Up or Move Down to change it’s order in the Tab control.

Change the Label on the New Tab Page to Reviewed By.

Right click on the Tab Page – Reviewed By and select New Control. Fill in the Control property grid with label, name and type information.

Now select the Control Settings field and click on the button in that field with the ellipses.

From here you can control the links that can be added and viewed with this control.

There are three filters that can be applied.

Work Item Type Filters: Allows you to select the type of work items the can be selected. You can choose to Include All work item types or Include/Exclude a subset of them. For our example we will select Include and check the Review Work item Type.

Work Item Link Filters: Allow you to force a specific work item link type. You can include/exclude all or include/exclude a subset. For our example we’ll Include the new Reviewed By link type we created.

External Link Filters: These are for the non work item links. You can include or Exclude the following external link types.

Fixed in Changeset
Result Attachment
Source Code File
Test Result
Workitem Hyperlink

See my blog entry on Requirements in TFS for an example on using the External Links.

For our example we will set this to Exclude All this way none of the external links will be allowed.

You can also select what columns you would like to show in the list of related work items. I’ll add Called By and Called Date to the selected Columns.

Now with a project created from this process template the Requirement will have a Reviewed By tab that allows users to add Reviews with the link type Reviewed By.

Looking for tester who can create Unit Tests – What?

deb — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:10:01 GMT

In the blog Functional/System testing with Visual Studio/Test Manager we talked about unit testing. Testers in the near future are going to need unit testing skills. Now that is a very scary statement given 70% of testing is done manually. Now is the time to start learning by taking programming courses, unit testing courses, pairing with developers to learn and searching the web. In the Visual Studio magazine Jeff Levinson article Take Unit Testing to the Next Level talks about how to add unit tests...(read more)

Agile book pre order deal – Software in 30 Days

deb — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:58:35 GMT

New Agile book by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland can be pre-ordered at Amazon for a great discounted price. About the book from Amazon: A radical approach to getting IT projects done faster and cheaper than anyone thinks possible Software in 30 Days summarizes the Agile and Scrum software development method, which allows creation of game-changing software, in just 30 days. Projects that use it are three times more successful than those that don't. Software in 30 Days is for the business manager,...(read more)

Requirements Traceability in Visual Studio

deb — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:22:44 GMT

Team Foundation Server (TFS) and Visual Studio(VS) excels when it comes to requirements traceability. Depending on what process you are using in TFS your stakeholders needs are documented in a work item called one of the following: requirements, user stories, use cases or backlog items. For this blog I am using the term requirement. What is requirements traceability? Continuous knowledge of the life of a requirement from conception to creation to design to development to verification to implementation...(read more)

Functional/System testing with Visual Studio/Test Manager

deb — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:34:53 GMT

If your reading this blog you likely understand what functional testing and you may use the term system testing. Wikipedia defines these terms as: “ System testing of software or hardware is testing conducted on a complete, integrated system to evaluate the system's compliance with its specified requirements. System testing falls within the scope of black box testing, and as such, should require no knowledge of the inner design of the code or logic” “ Functional testing is a type of black box testing...(read more)