Advantages of Using XML Repository

[Vignesh_1985]

Hi All

I am using a Framework where we Descriptive Programming and store the objects properties from Database we are trying to move to a XML framework, can you let me know about the advantages of it. Any Help here is appreciated.

[bizzzzzare]

Hi,

One important advantage of having an XML based repository would be that dependency on DB Software would be reduced.( Eg. Access)

In sense whenever you wish to move your framework to newer machines, it becomes mandatory that the machine should have the DB installed there. You could try UNC path mapping or maintaing a seperate DB Server, but still it would be an issue across VLans. Also cost associated is more in maintaining a seperate DB Server.

But incase of an XML repository, it could be part of your framework itself. So in short, dependency on any other external software is reduced.

Also reading from a XML based repository would not require you to create ADODB connections. Incase you are using a DSN based connection, creation of DSN for every machine is also tedious.

Using a XML based repository negates this activity. All we need is a "Microsoft.XMLDOM" Object.

Also XML offers you better features of fetching Objects from repositories like -"getElementsbyTagName".
Retrieving by NodeList.
Using ChildNodes.

Cheers...

[Vignesh_1985]

Thanks a lot, I have an extension of that question How does QTP recognize the Objects inside the XML?

[animesh.chatterjee]

XML Object Repository Format:

QuickTest now enables you to import and export object repositories from and to XML format. This enables you to modify object repositories using the XML editor of your choice and then import them back into QuickTest. You can import and export files either from and to the file system or a Quality Center project (if QuickTest is connected to Quality Center).