Data Driven Testing in TOSCA: Integrate Excel for Dynamic Test Case Generation

Introduction

Achieving efficiency in test automation depends on high reuse and minimal redundancy. Manually scripting every variation of a test is not only time-consuming but also difficult to maintain. Data Driven Testing in tosca solves this challenge by separating test logic from test data, enabling testers to validate the same functionality against multiple input sets seamlessly.

In TOSCA Training, Data Driven Testing in TOSCA is emphasized as a fundamental skill because of its real-world relevance. By leveraging Excel integration, Tosca users can dynamically generate test cases, refresh datasets, and scale test execution. This methodology is also a vital focus area in preparing for TOSCA Certification Validity and is covered extensively in any structured TOSCA Automation Course Online.

What is Data Driven Testing?

Definition

Data Driven Testing in TOSCA is a technique where a single test case is executed multiple times with different sets of input data. Instead of duplicating logic, external datasets (commonly Excel) provide variation. In practice, Data Driven Testing in TOSCA ensures efficiency by separating test logic from test data, making automation scalable and maintainable.

Benefits

Eliminates duplicate test cases
Increases test coverage
Simplifies maintenance
Provides flexibility for regression testing

Example: A login test can run with 20 different user credentials stored in Excel, without writing 20 separate test cases.

Preparing Test Data in Excel

Tosca supports Microsoft® Excel templates located at:

C:\Tosca_Projects\ToscaCommander\Templates\BO

%TRICENTIS_PROJECTS%\ToscaCommander\Templates\BO

These templates are pre-built for consistency and minimize errors when Tosca reads data.

Steps:

Open the template in Excel.
Add headers such as Make, Gender, and Domain.
Populate rows with multiple datasets.

This ensures each row corresponds to a unique test execution.

Creating and Converting a Test Case

Step 1: Create a Base Test Case

In Tosca Commander, build the test case using required modules.

Step 2: Convert to Template

Right-click → Convert Test Case to Template.

Step 3: Attach Excel File

In Test Case Properties, locate Schema Path.
Add the Excel file.
Select the sheet name.

Step 4: Map Fields

Use Tosca’s mapping feature:

{XL[Make]}  

{XL[Gender.Female]}

Creating Template Instances

Once mapping is complete:

Right-click the Test Case.
Click on the three dots (…).
Select Create Template Instance.
Confirm and click OK.

Tosca generates template instances for each row in Excel.

Executing Test Cases

Right-click on a Template Instance.
Run in the Scratch Book.
Each Excel row executes independently.

Updating Test Cases with New Data

When new records are added to Excel:

Right-click Template Instance.
Select Reinstantiate Instance.
Tosca updates fields with refreshed values or creates new instances.

Test Data Fetching and Settings

Tosca allows you to configure Excel settings for data binding:

Path:

Settings → TestCase From XL → TestSet

This controls how Tosca pulls values, manages domains, and applies them during execution.

How Data Driven Testing is Used in Tosca

Object / Attribute Mapping

Tosca uses Object / Attribute relationships to ensure data binds correctly.

Domain Field: Organizes test data into contexts.
- Users Domain → Login scenarios
- Orders Domain → Checkout and payment

This approach ensures correct test data is applied in the right business context.

Example: E-Commerce Checkout

Excel Data: Store multiple users, product IDs, and payment methods.
Mapping: {XL[User]}, {XL[Password]}, {XL[ProductID]}, {XL[PaymentType]}.
Instantiation: Tosca generates test runs for each dataset.
Execution: Scratch Book runs scenarios independently.
Reinstantiation: New products or users added in Excel automatically create new runs.

This illustrates how enterprise test suites scale with Data Driven Testing in tosca.

Mapping Related Documentation

According to official Tosca documentation:

Test Data from Excel: Tosca can bind any test case property to Excel datasets. Read more here.
Combining Templates: Multiple templates can be merged to handle complex scenarios with hierarchical data mapping. Read more here.

These practices are emphasized in TOSCA Training Material, helping learners understand real-world project requirements.

Best Practices

Keep Excel Clean – Avoid empty rows and merged cells.
Use Descriptive Headers – e.g., “ProductID” instead of “P1”.
Reinstantiate Regularly – Ensure datasets are up-to-date.
Group with Domains – Logical grouping improves manageability.
Document Data Fields – Maintain a reference guide for all Excel fields.

Data Driven Testing in TOSCA Training

Why it matters:

TOSCA Certification Validity: Requires proficiency in handling Excel-driven automation.
TOSCA Training Material: Teaches Excel integration as a key module.
TOSCA Automation Course Online: Dedicates sessions to scaling automation with external datasets.

By mastering these, professionals ensure they can deliver scalable, maintainable, and robust automation frameworks.

Key Benefits

Scalability: Add new rows in Excel → new test cases instantly.
Maintainability: Update data instead of rewriting tests.
Coverage: Validate positive, negative, and edge cases.
Reusability: One template → unlimited scenarios.
Efficiency: Faster regression cycles with minimal rework.

Key Takeaways

Data Driven Testing in tosca executes the same test logic across multiple datasets.
Tosca integrates Excel templates easily with TestCase From XL.
Template instances ensure scalability and maintainability.
Domains provide structure and organization.
Skills in Excel-driven testing are essential for certification and real-world application.

Conclusion

Data Driven Testing in tosca transforms Tosca automation by combining flexibility with scalability. With Excel integration, testers gain the ability to validate multiple scenarios quickly, maintain tests efficiently, and ensure business workflows are thoroughly verified.

Master Data Driven Testing in Tosca today to boost efficiency and stay prepared for future projects.