Data processing: software development – installation – and managem – Software program development tool – Translation of code
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-07
2001-10-30
Powell, Mark R. (Department: 2122)
Data processing: software development, installation, and managem
Software program development tool
Translation of code
C717S152000, C717S152000, C717S152000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311320
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to scripting tools, and, more particularly to a scripting tool whose operation and user interface are based upon a definition file.
Scripts are a series of commands which are executed by a program called an interpreter. Each time the interpreter executes a script, the interpreter converts each script command into series of operations and functions which may be executed by a processor, and then causes the processor to execute the series of operations and functions. As a result of the interpreter converting the script each time the script is executed, scripts tend to execute more slowly than compiled programs. However, if a script is modified, then the change will be effected the next time the interpreter executes the script. With a compiled program, the program would have to be recompiled before the change would take effect. As a result, scripts tend to be easier and quicker to modify than compiled programs.
One environment in which the ease of script modification is advantageous is in the testing of computer devices such as SCSI host adapters, and SCSI devices. For example, a technician may desire to see how the computer device responds to slightly different parameters. By using scripts, the technician may quickly modify the script with the different parameters and re-execute the script to see how the computer device responds.
While scripts provide a technician with a quick way of testing computer devices, scripting systems have historically suffered from a variety of problems. For example, script writing has historically required a technician which is not only fluent in the scripting language but also is quite knowledgeable about parameter ranges which are supported by the device under test. Moreover, scripting systems especially for testing SCSI devices have historically been limited to computer devices having similar characteristics. In particular, scripting systems have historically utilized low level device specific interfaces in order to test the computer device. As a result, each new computer device requires a new scripting systems be developed or purchased. Moreover, prior scripting systems did not provide an easy mechanism for the technician to determine exactly how the computer device responded to a given command of a test script.
In light of the above problems suffered by scripting systems, there is clearly a need for a scripting tool which (i) provides an environment that eases the writing of scripts, (ii) may be used to test a variety of computer devices, and (iii) provides a technician with a mechanism to determine how a computer device responds to a given command of a test script.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of utilizing a definition file to define characteristics of at least one parameter of a script command. One step of the method includes displaying for a parameter of the script command, a user input control defined by the definition file. Another step of the method includes receiving user input via the user input control. The method also includes the step of generating a parameter value based upon the user input. Furthermore, the method includes the step of setting the parameter of the script command equal to the parameter value.
Pursuant to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a scripting tool for executing a script command having at least one parameter. The scripting tool includes a display device, a processor, and a memory having stored therein instructions. The instructions when executed by the processor cause the processor to generate a user input control for a parameter of the script command based upon a definition file. The instructions when executed by the processor further cause the processor to (i) display the user input control upon the display device, and (ii) receive user input via the user input control. Moreover, the instructions when executed by the processor further cause the processor to (i) generate a parameter value based upon the user input, (ii) set the parameter of the script command equal to the parameter value, and (iii) execute the script command based upon the parameter.
Pursuant to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of executing a script command having at least one parameter. The method includes the step of generating a user input control for a parameter of the script command based upon a definition file. Another step of the method includes receiving user input for the parameter via the user input control. The method also includes the steps of generating a parameter value based upon the user input, and setting the parameter equal to the parameter value. Yet another step of the method includes executing the script command based upon the parameter.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an new scripting method and apparatus.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved scripting method and apparatus.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a scripting method and apparatus for testing computer devices.
It is yet further object of the present invention to provide a scripting method and apparatus for testing SCSI devices.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a scripting method and apparatus in which allowable parameter value ranges may be easily modified.
It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a scripting environment in which test scripts may be executed and created.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a scripting method and apparatus which may be utilized to test a variety of computer devices.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a scripting method and apparatus in which a user may easily relate the results of executing a script command with the script command that caused the results.
The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the attached drawings.
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Das Chameli
LSI Logic Corporation
Powell Mark R.
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