topic Re: Automatically create test data for ABAP Unit Tests in Application Development and Automation Discussions

Automatically create test data for ABAP Unit Tests

schmelto — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 10:50:13 GMT

I want to automatically create test data for ABAP unit tests for one of my classes.

In there I have a huge method with lots of imports, exports, etc.

"! <p class="shorttext synchronized">Modify payment IDOCs</p>
    "! @exception dont_create_idoc | <p class="shorttext synchronized">Don't created a payment IDOC</p>
    "! @parameter im_mestyp | <p class="shorttext synchronized">Message type</p>
    "! @parameter im_reguh | <p class="shorttext synchronized">Payment data from the payment program</p>
    "! @parameter im_regud | <p class="shorttext synchronized">Transfer data form printing</p>
    "! @parameter im_flag_no_replace | <p class="shorttext synchronized">SPACE=Special characters conversion required in texts</p>
    "! @parameter ex_fimsg | <p class="shorttext synchronized">FI-messages</p>
    "! @parameter ch_xavis | <p class="shorttext synchronized">Flag: Advice required</p>
    "! @parameter ch_edidc | <p class="shorttext synchronized">Control record (IDoc)</p>
    "! @parameter t_regup | <p class="shorttext synchronized">Processed items from the payment program</p>
    "! @parameter t_edidd | <p class="shorttext synchronized">Data record (IDoc)</p>
    METHODS change_idoc
      IMPORTING
        im_mestyp          TYPE edidc-mestyp
        im_reguh           TYPE reguh
        im_regud           TYPE regud
        im_flag_no_replace TYPE c
      EXPORTING
        ex_fimsg           TYPE fimsg
      CHANGING
        ch_xavis           TYPE c
        ch_edidc           TYPE edidc
        t_regup            TYPE t_regup
        t_edidd            TYPE t_edidd
      EXCEPTIONS
        dont_create_idoc.

I wonder if its possible to generate test data automatically which I can use in ABAP unit tests?

My goal would be to have for example a line in my setup method of the test class with:

reguh =  VALUE #( ... )

Re: Automatically create test data for ABAP Unit Tests

FredericGirod — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 11:29:52 GMT

Yes but No, Tom 🙂

(when I learn about Abap Unit I had exactly the same idea 😉 )

You forget one of the golden rule regarding ABAP Unit : The data must not be real data

You have a second problem, your method is little bit complex for ABAP Unit, you have so many cases, it is maybe the reason why you would like to do a mass test on it.

You should do ABAP Unit on the methods used inside this method (and following Single Responsibility)

Re: Automatically create test data for ABAP Unit Tests

schmelto — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 12:26:10 GMT

Thanks frdric.girod I've assumed something like this. Yes the method is really complex.

I will implement Unit Tests for less complex methods which are used inside this method

Re: Automatically create test data for ABAP Unit Tests

FredericGirod — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 12:51:19 GMT

even if you have private/protected method you could do abap unit, even if it is bad usage.

You have to use LOCAL FRIEND stuff

Re: Automatically create test data for ABAP Unit Tests

Sandra_Rossi — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 18:39:51 GMT

Generating test data doesn't mean generating real data. You can think of a tool which analyzes the code under test and proposes possible values for test data, combinations and so on. I don't know if such a tool exists in ABAP.

I don't have this issue because I create the tests and the test data before coding (test-driven development)

Re: Automatically create test data for ABAP Unit Tests

alex_geppart — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 10:21:07 GMT

Hi Tom,

have you checked out this approach?:
https://blogs.sap.com/2017/12/17/abap-debugger-enhancement-or-how-to-speed-up-your-test-data-creation-process/