Datasets overview

A dataset provides tests with variable data during a run. The test that uses a dataset at run time replaces a value in the recorded test with variable test data that is stored in the dataset.

When you record a test, you can perform a sequence of steps. After the recording is complete, a test is generated that captures these interactions. When you run this test, it uses the same data that you used during the recording. To use the different data in the test, you can use a dataset that contains variable data. At run time, this variable data is substituted with the original data in the recorded test.

In Rational® Test Automation Server, you can create a dataset and use it to replace the dataset values with original values during run time, when you want to run test assets that contain the dataset.

From the Datasets page, you can view the dataset listed in the other branches of the repository by selecting the name of the branch from the Branch list. When you access the Datasets page for the first time after adding the repository, the default branch that it displayed is master.

When multiple repositories are added to the same project, the following events occur:

  • The datasets stored in the master branch of all the repositories are displayed.

  • All the branches in all the repositories are listed in the drop-down list.

To differentiate a common branch across multiple repositories added to the project, the tooltip is not displayed in front of the common branch name in the list.
Notes:

  • Only a project Owner or a project member whose role is a Tester can view and edit the dataset.

  • To view the content of an encrypted dataset, you must provide an encryption key that you set while encrypting the dataset column.

  • As a Viewer, when you try to access the Datasets page, an error message is displayed because you do not have the permission to view this page.