How does one get started automating the testing of systems?

[Bill Cullen]

How does one get started automating the testing of systems?

I have some programming ability and know SQL to some extent.

What databases and software and programming languages are needed? What data does one need to access?

Most importantly, assuming one already has a decently powerful computer and broadband internet access, how much money are we talking?

Thanks,

Bill Cullen

[osophy_junkie]

I've spent about $20 so far, and have 5 years worth of data, more than enough to get started. On top of that I've spent maybe 3-4 hours a day programming for the last 3 months, time I didn't get payed for working.

Any language your comfortable with will work. A lot of people here use Access and Excel and they seem to be doing very well with it.

[ranchwest]

I believe past performance data generally sells for about $50 to $125 per month for unlimited access.

You can buy results files or parse charts files at no cost.

One caution is that some data files are only available for a few days, so be sure you don't miss something you want or might need.

IMHO, the best thing to do is to utilize whatever you're most comfortable using. You will probably work much faster and much more accurately with something you're familiar with using. With horse data, some bugs are easy to overlook and with products you're not familiar with using, the chances of a bug are greater than if you're relying on your favorite products.

One suggestion I have is that you always keep the files you download and always keep an unaltered copy of those files. That way, if you want to expand your data later, you'll have the original source data available.

Consider any limits of which you might be aware. For instance, some database software cannot handle more than 256 columns (fields). In some circumstances, databases have a limit of 2 gigabyte files. Some databases get slow as file size increases. Consider the ease and quickness of differing views, such as sorts, sets or indexes.

Unless you're single and retired, it is probably going to take you a long time to get your software set up anywhere near what you want it to be. My suggestion is that you figure out what you most want to see and try to program a view of that data first. Then, add on from there. Keep your expectations reasonable, especially at first. Unless you're an amazing whiz, you aren't going to have 40 great and useful screens set up the first night.

Good luck!

[Bill Cullen]

Originally posted by ranchwest
I believe past performance data generally sells for about $50 to $125 per month for unlimited access.

You can buy results files or parse charts files at no cost.

One caution is that some data files are only available for a few days, so be sure you don't miss something you want or might need.

IMHO, the best thing to do is to utilize whatever you're most comfortable using. You will probably work much faster and much more accurately with something you're familiar with using. With horse data, some bugs are easy to overlook and with products you're not familiar with using, the chances of a bug are greater than if you're relying on your favorite products.

One suggestion I have is that you always keep the files you download and always keep an unaltered copy of those files. That way, if you want to expand your data later, you'll have the original source data available.

Consider any limits of which you might be aware. For instance, some database software cannot handle more than 256 columns (fields). In some circumstances, databases have a limit of 2 gigabyte files. Some databases get slow as file size increases. Consider the ease and quickness of differing views, such as sorts, sets or indexes.

Unless you're single and retired, it is probably going to take you a long time to get your software set up anywhere near what you want it to be. My suggestion is that you figure out what you most want to see and try to program a view of that data first. Then, add on from there. Keep your expectations reasonable, especially at first. Unless you're an amazing whiz, you aren't going to have 40 great and useful screens set up the first night.

Good luck!

Thanks for your extended response. Are there any customized packages where a databsae comes with customized query generator so it's easy to get started?

Thanks again,

Bill Cullen

[hurrikane]

Bill,

for ease of use and a short 'ramp up' time Access is probably best.

And you can program in the vba component if you like or odbc in with anouther dev environment.

There is a size limit on tables but I am running 4 yrs data and haven't hit it yet. Structure of the data is important.

MO

[ranchwest]

Originally posted by Bill Cullen
Thanks for your extended response. Are there any customized packages where a databsae comes with customized query generator so it's easy to get started?

Thanks again,

Bill Cullen

I'm running "roll your own", so I can't answer that question.

[Richard]

Bill,
I realize this is off subject, but you would'nt be related to the '60's game show host Bill Cullen(The Price Is Right,etc.)would you?
Richard

[Bill Cullen]

Originally posted by Richard
Bill,
I realize this is off subject, but you would'nt be related to the '60's game show host Bill Cullen(The Price Is Right,etc.)would you?
Richard

no