India has a customer base of 120,000 to 150,000 Structured Query Language (SQL) programmers, a computer language designed for getting information from and updating a database. These programmers use tools such as TOAD to do their coding, which is an industry-standard tool for Oracle application development. Using TOAD, developers can build, test, and debug SQL procedures and functions.
“With help of TOAD two hours of writing code can be brought down to about half an hour,” says Steve Feuerstein, Evangelist and Oracle PL/SQL Expert, Quest Software.
“But even with such a productive tool the challenge lies in creating a bug-free environment - testing all codes to remove errors (de-bugging),” he says.
About the testing procedure Feuerstein informs, “If you write 10 lines of code you need to write about 1000 lines to test. So most programmers avoid it, keeping fingers crossed that things work in the end.”
“With less bugs Indian programmers can produce quality work, charge money, hold onto customers and have an advantage over countries like China,” feels Feuerstein.
For this Quest Software launched Quest Code Tester (QCT) version 1.6 in February 2007. “With the QCT interface, instead of writing about 2000 lines of test, it can be reduced to 10 lines of test,” says Feuerstein.
This will help in reducing errors at the first level itself rather than reaching the end and searching for the relevant lines. “As you progress onto higher levels of coding you create a bug-free environment,” says Feuerstein.
In organisations, management is plagued with attrition problems. “Managers will find use for QCT as the testing codes are reproducible and can be used with a single button,” says Feuerstein.
Managers can even create their test definitions, which can be important milestones for programmers, giving them specific direction. It can also help in internalising the codes across various locations in an organisation.
The QCT is available in two forms, as software bundled with TOAD and as a separate software. “With this programmers will be able to see about 30-40 per cent improvement in their codes,” informs Feuerstein. Some of the large IT companies, financial organisations, pharmaceuticals can see major use for QCT.
S Krishnan Thyagarajan, Chief Executive - India & South Asia, Quest Software says, “SQL programmers have mature processes, systems and software available with them but they will have to scale up and deliver better quality content.” Also with such a testing software companies will need less resources for maintainance and management, Mr Thyagarajan mentions.
Rough edges
Contemplating on the QCT, Mr Thyagarajan views: “The software still has some rough edges but as we keep building in newer features and capabilities, the usability will be enhanced.”
At present Quest Software is looking to create awareness and educate potential users about the need for high quality testing. “Our main task will be to convince managers to use the software as it will be helpful for them,” feels Mr Thyagarajan.
In six months of launch the company has already sold about 1000 licences.
The software is created keeping future applications in mind. “The tester is designed keeping the next 10 years in sight and we are looking to fully automate the testing process as we continue to build case histories,” Mr Thyagarajan says. Also the QCT is available on a trial basis for 30 days.
