The Step Generator enables you to add steps to a Test by selecting from a range of context-sensitive Options. Using the STEP GENERATOR dialog box, you can add steps that perform operations using the following criteria:

1) CATEGORY: Specifies an object or function that the step performs. The options available in the CATEGORY list are:

  • TEST Objects: Displays contents of Object Repository.
  • UTILITY OBJECTS: Displays predefined list of utility objects.
  • FUNCTIONS: Displays all the functions including built-in, library and Local script functions.

2) OPERATION: Specifies available options based on the category selected.

3) ARGUMENTS: Specifies a value set for an argument. The arguments may be optional depending on the object and operation being used.

4) STEP DOCUMENTATION: Displays information about the current step.

To display the STEP GENERATOR dialog box, from the QuickTest Professional menu bar, select INSERT ? STEP GENERATOR or press F7.

Test Object Category: You can use a conditional IF statement to check for the existence of an object in a test.
QuickTest Professional returns a true value if the object or window is found on the desktop; otherwise, it returns a false value.

You specify the timeout value to indicate how long the test execution waits for the specified object or window to appear. If you do not specify a Timeout value, QuickTest uses the Global Synchronization timeout value.

Using the Function Category: In the STEP GENERATOR dialog box, select FUNCTIONS from the CATEGORY list. A list of VBScript, QuickTest, and created user-defined functions appears in the LIBRARY list.

Using the Utility Object Category: An important step in a test is starting the aut (Application Under Test).


One way to start the AUT is:

  1. In the STEP GENERATOR dialog box, from the CATEGORY list, select UTILITY OBJECTS.
  2. From the OBJECT list, select SYSTEMUTIL.
  3. From the OPERATION list, select RUN.
  4. In the ARGUMENTS section, in the VALUE column, type the path of the application that you want to invoke. For a Web application, type the appropriate URL in the VALUE column.

Related posts:

  1. Understanding Object Synchronization Timeout
  2. Add a Synchronization Point While Recording
  3. QTP Object Repository
  4. Working with Input Parameters in QTP?
  5. QuickTest Professional Options