Forms Data Loader evaluation

 

Dated: 3/30/2010

 

Question

 

Hello,

We are evaluating the Forms Data Loader software as a potential tool for regression testing of our Oracle EBS Forms. We are specifically interested in the Forms recording/playback option. I have a few questions about the capabilities of the software. I would appreciate your response.

- How can Forms Data Loader be used to edit the Forms playback file? Can it be used just to change data values or can we add new fields (columns), commands and new records (rows)?

- Once we edit the Forms playback file in Forms Data Loader can we directly invoke the Forms playback on the Oracle EBS system or do we have to FTP the file to the Forms Server and load from the Oracle EBS system?

- Can we assign field values dynamically (ex: contract due date based on current date)?

- Is there a way to way to check for success/failure of a playback session (check against expected values).

- Can we add "waits" to the playback.

Thanks,

 

Answer

 

Thanks for writing to us.

 

Please find answer to your queries below

- How can Forms Data Loader be used to edit the Forms playback file? Can it be used just to change data values or can we add new fields (columns), commands and new records (rows)?

Ans . In the recorded file you cannot add new fields(columns), you can change the data values or add any number of rows. Whatever items you want to include you have to do this while recording file.


- Once we edit the Forms playback file in Forms Data Loader can we directly invoke the Forms playback on the Oracle EBS system or do we have to FTP the file to the Forms Server and load from the Oracle EBS system?

Ans. After editing and populating the fdl file. You have to transfer this file to the server and then call playback. You can use any method either FTP, NFS or etc for transferring the file.

- Can we assign field values dynamically (ex: contract due date based on current date)?

Ans. No. you cannot do this. But you can save a template of the fdl file and whenever you want to load you can populate a column with current date using Excel and then transfer this file and playback it.

- Is there a way to way to check for success/failure of a playback session (check against expected values).

Ans. The good thing about Oracle Forms Record and Playback is, it can record as well as playback at the same time. So whenever you want to playback a file you can also record the progress in another file. And this recorded file will show how many rows were processed.

- Can we add "waits" to the playback.

Ans. No this is not possible as it is Oracle Forms which is doing the playback and Forms Data Loader is just used for developing the loads.