Testing and Debugging
Programmers responsibility that
program works correctly!
Can write program incrementally
You must test anything that the user
may enter on every screen
High–Low ranges of data entered
Invalid entries – when feasible
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Types of Testing
Unit Test
Tested by itself to verify performance
 Correct screens displayed
 Field edits working correctly
 Files updated correctly
 Usually done by programmer
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Types of Testing
Concurrency Test
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Run concurrently on several terminals
Verify multiple executions - no interference
Usually need help for this testing
Verify record ‘locks’ (if used)
Verify ‘busy’ message (if used)
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Types of Testing
Integration Test
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Run with other programs
Verify the program works as part of system
Can also find problems with app design
 Screen Formats
 PF key uses and layouts
 Color coding used, etc.
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Types of Testing
Regression Test
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Verify functions not changed still work
Very time consuming
Entire original test usually repeated
70+ Percent is maintenance (not NEW!)
Often done hurriedly with poor results
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Test Environment
Usually separate CICS region
Relaxed Security
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Create own table entries
Create test Data Sets
Access to CICS debug aids
 CEMT, CECI, CEDF, CEDC
Change management software
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The Test Plan
Try and test everything!
Maximum and Minimum Values
Required Fields
Missing Fields
Default Values
Data Set Access and Updates
‘Clean Up’ when Finished!
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Test Steps
Test the MAPSETS
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CECI transaction – SEND MAP
Verify items on checklist Page 201
Program, MOVE ALL ‘X’ to fields, SEND MAP
Test Program with VALID data
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Test ‘normal’ functions and defaults
Test Program with INVALID data
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Most time consuming making up data
Test all edit rules and defaults
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CEDA (For Table Updates)
CEDA DI G(group) [Display Group]
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(where nn is last two digits of your ID
Find similar entries and type following:
COPY AS(VIS0nn) - MapSet
COPY AS(VIP0nn) - Program
COPY AS(V0nn)
- Transaction ID
Alter – Change to new program name!
COPY AS(NAMADDnn) – VSAM File
Alter – Change DSN and verify Settings
CEDA I G(group) [Install Group]
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CICS Transactions for Testing
CEMT – Master Terminal Transaction
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NEWCOPY Program / Map
 Must do after each COMPILE!
 CEMT I PROG(V*QQ)
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OPEN/CLOSE a Data Set
 Needed for rebuilding a Data Set
 CEMT I FI(V*QQ)
 DELETE / DEFINE of VSAM Data Set
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CEMT (Handy Transactions)
Used for NEWCOPY after Compile(s)
CEMT I PROG(VIP*QQ)
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Lists COBOL Programs
CEMT I PROG(VIS*QQ)
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Lists Assembler (MAP) Programs
CEMT I FI(*QQ) [For initializing files]
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Lists All Your CICS VSAM Files
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CICS Transactions for Testing
CECI – Command-level Interpreter
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Allows execution of Most CICS commands
Can test MAP display
Can store data in VARIABLES
ALL CECI Variables start with ‘&’
Can modify (corrupted) Data Sets
 READ UPDATE into &rec, then REWRITE!
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CECI (For MAP Testing)
CECI SEND
MAP(‘VIDS0M1’)
MAPSET(‘VIS0QQ’)
[ERASE]
MAPONLY
Shows command before and after
Can run most CICS Commands
Can use variables! (Pages 211 - 215)
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Debugging a CICS Abend
ABEND = ABnormal END of Program
Program encounters error
CICS presents Abend Code to Program
Program can handle with message
Program can ignore – (CICS Abend)
Over 300 Abend codes
Only a few are usually handled
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Abend Code Types
Exceptional Conditions (AEI and AEY)
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File Not Open, Record Not Found, Etc.
Program Checks (ASRA)
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S0C7, other program errors.
Other (Misc) Abend Codes
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Cursor off screen, no map found, etc.
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Execution Diagnostics Facility
Same Terminal Checkout Mode
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‘CEDF’ entered from clear screen
Terminal Responds: EDF MODE ON
Enter TRAN-ID of Program to debug
Each CICS COMMAND is shown
 Before execution and after execution
 Status shown, NORMAL is Good!
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You can add ‘Extra’ CICS Commands
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(Re)Build VSAM Data Files
In
In
In
In
In
In
In
CICS, Close Files - CEMT I FI(V*QQ)
TSO, RUN: VCUSTDS and VTAPEALL
CICS, Open Files – CEMT I FI(V*QQ)
CICS, Enter Customer(s), Tape(s)
CICS, Close Files (one more time)
TSO, RUN: VTAPEBX (Builds Index)
CICS, Open Files (For last time?)
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