What is Mainframe Testing?

[Anuj Dhawan]

Mainframe testing is similar to client-service applications testing, but one has to know how to operate basic TSO and ISPF commands and menus. You alos need to know how to view mainframe files, how to look at and use SDSF or other output tool, log on CICS and transactions, use FTP or another transfer protocol, submit the batch job - it's for QA testing of mainframe applications.

QA testing for another platform, like WEB and/or client-service, since the mainframe is usually back-end.

Most of the time, Mainframe applications are at the heart of the IT environments. They are critical assets that need constant monitoring and regular updating. Traditionally, mainframe applications require a lot of time for manual testing. This includes preparation time for test designs and scenarios, actual software testing, and re-testing to ensure accurate results. It is usally claimed that as most applications require enhancements, code fixes and maintenance on a regular basis - this makes the automation of regression testing a necessity on Mainframes and this is a current trand of market.