Parameterized tests 

Test parameterization is a powerful practice that allows the same test to be executed multiple times with different parameters. Parameters are similar to input values (variables) that can change with each execution.

Parameterized tests in Xray are defined just like any other test with the addition of some parameter names within the specification using the following notation: ${PARAMETER_NAME}. This notation is used to reference parameters within the test steps.

Precondition issues can also be parameterized by including parameter names in the precondition specification.

The parameters, along with their values, are defined within a dataset. A dataset is a collection of data represented with a tabular view where every column of the table represents a particular variable (or parameter), and each row corresponds to a given record (or iteration) of the dataset. The number of rows in the dataset determines the number of iterations to execute.

A dataset can be defined in the following entities/scopes:

1. Test (default dataset)
2. Test Plan - Test
3. Test Execution - Test (Test Run)

The closest dataset to the test run will be the one used to generate the iterations, effectively overriding any dataset defined in higher levels.

All iterations for a given test are executed within the context of the same test run. Each iteration can be expanded, and the steps executed individually. The step parameters will be replaced by the corresponding iteration values. The steps affect the iteration status, which in turn affects the overall test run status.

Learn more here.

When executing Robot Framework tests, we can capture screenshots after executing certain steps and include them in the execution report.

These screenshots will now be imported by Xray and will be provided on the execution screen as evidence of the execution.

Learn more about this feature here.

Issue panels and execution page UI/UX revamp

We have redesigned some screens and issue panels in Xray.

Xray issue panels (e.g. Test issue) are now organized in tabs. This can effectively reduce page load times when navigating to Xray issues as there is now a single central panel. 

The execution page has been improved also. It now features a "findings" section grouping the defects, evidence, and comments sections. This section is collapsed when there are no artefacts (defects, evidence, or comments) focusing the user on what's most important (the test details section) in order to execute the test.

It is now possible to aggregate all defects and evidence on the overall top panel within the execution screen. This way, both the global defects and the defects associated with steps will be shown on the same panel, making it easier to view all the defects created during execution. The same is also true with evidence.

This feature is optional and you can disable it within the execution screen.

Find out more about this feature here.