Test Object and Run-Time Object Properties and Methods

The test object property set for each test object is created and maintained by QuickTest. The run-time object property set for each run-time object is created and maintained by the object creator (for example, Microsoft for Microsoft Internet Explorer objects, Netscape for Netscape objects, the product developer for ActiveX objects, and so forth).

Similarly, test object methods are methods that QuickTest recognizes and records when they are performed on an object while you are recording, and that QuickTest performs when your component runs. Run-time object methods are the methods of the object in your application as defined by the object creator. You can access and perform run-time object methods using the Object property.

Each test object method you perform while recording is recorded as a separate step in your component. When you run your component, QuickTest performs the recorded test object method on the run-time object.

Test object properties are the properties whose values are captured from the objects in your Web site or application when you record your component. QuickTest uses the values of these properties to identify run-time objects in your application during a run session.

Property values of objects in your application may change dynamically each time your application opens, or based on certain conditions. To make the test object property values match the property values of the run-time object, you can modify test object properties manually while designing your component, or use SetTOProperty statements during a run session (via an operation defined in a function library). You can also use regular expressions to identify property values based on conditions or patterns you define

You can view or modify the test object property values that are stored with your component in the Object Properties or Object Repository dialog box. You can view the current test object property values of any object on your desktop using the Properties tab of the Object Spy

You can view the syntax of the test object methods as well as the run-time methods of any object on your desktop using the Methods tab of the Object Spy.

Using operations defined in function libraries, you can retrieve or modify property values of the test object during the run session by adding GetTOProperty and SetTOProperty statements. You can retrieve property values of the run-time object during the run session by adding GetROProperty statements.

If the available test object methods or properties for an object do not provide the functionality you need, you can access the internal methods and properties of any run-time object using the Object property. You can also use the attribute object property to identify Web objects in your application according to user-defined properties