Need interactive beta testing software 2

[semmel]

Hi,
my boss approached me (since I have a little programming experience) and asked me to look into TCL/TK because he is certain it could be used to help us beta test software.
He says, it can record a person going through the clicks and text entries of opening a website, starting a program and clicking buttons in that program, and later it is supposed to be able to play back the recording and thus repeatedly test this software.
This is supposed to happen in Windows, Mac and Linux (although the recording probably would have to be redone on each platform).

I spent about an hour going through the book he gave me (from 2003), and I found no example in there that even comes close to what we need, especially interactivity between other programs or mouse/key recording features.

So my first question is:
Is it possible?

Second question:
Are there any free sample scripts or tutorials out there that might help me figure out what I need and modify it to our needs?

I hope someone here can at least point me in the right direction...

Thanks!

 

[macd68]

Expect. My advice is to tell him the assignment exceeds your capacity at the current moment and encourage an expert (consultant or otherwise) to come on board while you learn what you need from them.

 

[semmel]

Thanks for your answer.
Unfortunately, my boss seems to think it can be done fairly easily - he claims he has seen it done. On the other hand we can't afford and expert.

I just need to know if a) it's possible at all with TCL to "remote control" other programs and b) there's any hints or tutorials or similar scripts out there from which I can learn what I need.

I have learnt some programming languages to the degree where I could create little programs as needed, but in this one I first need to know if it's actually possible before I spend the time.

 

[Bong]

What you describe is what the EXPECT package was designed for. That said, it isn't pure Tcl per se and requires some additional "holding your mouth just right".

Have a look at the Expect help pages in the Help that should have been installed along with Tcl. Post back if you're still perplexed.

_________________
Bob Rashkin

 

[semmel]

Ah, that helps a lot!
Sorry, macd68, I didn't know what you meant with "Expect" - I thought it was a typo or something

Now it makes sense!

Now I have something to look into.

Lots of thanks to both of you!