Other System i Tools
Aldon is pleased to offer additional tools for System i (iSeries, AS/400) developers to continue our long-term commitment to our customers, the System i industry and the IBM market.
Aldon Harmonizer
Aldon's award-winning Harmonizer is a powerful source compare and merge tool that compares current releases with new releases and merges versions to create a new set of source and objects.
Aldon Analyzer
Aldon's Analyzer is a test coverage monitor that helps you improve the reliability of your programs while speeding the process of implementing new applications.
TestBench for System i
With TestBench for System i, discover how easy it is to apply both batch and interactive testing to your code and data. TestBench for System i automatically creates your test data, runs the test cases and analyzes the results.
Extractor for System i
Extractor for System i simplifies the process of extracting and creating data subsets from your live database. Save time with faster running tests by creating a smaller subset of your database. Conserve DASD by using less space with a smaller testing database.
Aldon Harmonizer: Source Compare & Merge
Automate Package Software Upgrades
In about the time it takes to compile your programs, Harmonizer compares the vendor's current release with the vendor's new release and your local production release to identify the differences between your modifications to the code and the changes made by the vendor. Once Harmonizer has identified the differences, it can merge the versions to create a new set of source and objects that combine both sets of modifications. Simply review and test the changes-for example, using Analyzer-make any necessary edits and then move the code into production.
Speed Up Projects with Parallel Development
Harmonizer enhances your parallel development efforts by allowing you to compare the work of two or more programmers working on the same piece of code simultaneously. You will no longer face a bottleneck as one programmer waits for others to finish before proceeding. Programmers do their work and then, when the programming is completed, Harmonizer identifies where the differences are and helps you to merge the work of all the programmers into a single version for the move to production.
An Audit Trail Without the Hassle
Harmonizer documents all changes thoroughly and accurately, creating a reliable audit trail for future reference. Many of our clients, for whom change documentation is absolutely essential, require that Harmonizer document every change in every program moved into production. Not surprisingly, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) recommends that every data processing shop use a source comparison tool for documentation. There is no easier way to keep your auditors happy.
Aldon Analyzer: Test Coverage Monitor
Aldon Analyzer is a test coverage monitor that helps you improve the reliability of your production programs while speeding the process of implementing new applications. After a test or series of tests of your programs, Analyzer will tell you:
- Which lines of code were left unexecuted by your tests
- The percentage of the code executed
- The number of times each line was executed
By identifying unexecuted code, Analyzer gives you information that makes it simple to build comprehensive test cases. Simply refer to what code has not been executed to decide what transactions to add to your test case.
Are You Living Up to Your Standards?
Most data processing shops don't set standards for testing. Too often, deadlines and user pressure determine the standard. Analyzer offers a way to establish objective, measurable standards in testing. If you decide you want to execute at least 80 percent of your program before moving it into production, Analyzer will tell you when you have reached that level. You and your users determine the benchmark. Analyzer helps you live up to it. Analyzer's seamless interface to Aldon Lifecycle Manager (System i Edition) will actually block the promotion of code into production, until it has met your testing standards.
What Was Missed?
Analyzer tells you what code a test or series of tests executed. It identifies specifically which lines were executed and, more importantly, which lines were left unexecuted by your test cases. It also counts the number of times each statement was executed; helping you build test cases for future testing. And if there is a problem with the code, the lines not tested may be just the ones you want to explore.
Building Test Cases is Not a Trivial Job
Your job is to determine a reasonable set of transactions to thoroughly test a program. Without Analyzer, you have no way of knowing which parts of the program were tested and which were not. With the information Analyzer provides, you can see what other transactions you must add to adequately test the program test. With each subsequent run, you begin a truly meaningful test that's based on fact.
The Trace Facility Function
Analyzer provides a powerful debugging feature. This facility traces the flow of a program through all or part of the program's execution.
The Trace Function will
- Display all paragraph names as the paragraphs are executed.
- Display the interval numbers for statements executed conditionally.
- Display the name of each subroutine called, and again when the subroutine exits.
- Allow the trace display to be controlled by the programmer.
With Aldon Analyzer, you can set objective standards for testing and measure whether those standards are met. By using Analyzer, you can ensure that your applications are reliable before going into production and without spending excessive amounts of time running tests.
Extractor for System i
Powerful file scanning technology analyzes your live database structure to create ‘join hierarchy’ and key relationships automatically. Even inconsistent naming standards are manageable. Extractor for iSeries automatically creates a highly visible, documented system tree structure - for easier maintenance and selection definitions. And all definitions are stored so the extraction can be repeated at any time.
- Database structure analysis and replication
- Precise format and content control
- Remote data extraction capability
- Data sampling, updating and archiving
- Full data quantity, content & balance control
- Simple - but comprehensive - data maintenance
- Structure analysis and extraction reporting
- Maximize integrity and usability of data
- Minimize time to create a test database
TestBench for System i
TestBench for System i is designed for business and IT professionals who recognize the critical importance of thoroughly tested systems, but lack the automated assistance. TestBench maximizes software quality through better, faster and easier testing. With TestBench, you can increase productivity and efficiency, improve systems stability and quickly start to see real resource savings.
Specifically designed for System i, TestBench offers many key features:
- Support for all development languages and configurations, including WebSphereMQ.
- Build re-usable test platforms. This ensures your test data is always consistent and ready to go, saving a great deal of time and effort by avoiding lengthy restores.
- Intelligent data extraction offers a simple way to create and regularly refresh a test database leaving you to concentrate on completing your development without worrying about continually creating and maintaining test data.
- The unique data scrambling facility allows you to work with sensitive data by de-identifying the confidential pieces of information.
- Unique in-depth Unit Test capability provides "x-ray" vision for key aspects of the application operation.
- Automated summary and detail reporting, perfect for passing back to development teams, vendors or for audit and compliance records.
