RE: [tag-discuss] the role of an XML mark-up for TAs

["Durand, Jacques R." <JDurand@us.fujitsu.com>]

For a TC charter, defining the scope of work is key... the new IPR OASIS
policy pushes in favor of precisely scoped (not open-ended) TC charters.
Also remember that the work can be phased - either rechartering or the
TC, or a new TC is possible later, after the next step is made clearer
based on previous work.

I think so far we have discussed three types of spec/guideline material,
and we'll have to decide which ones are within scope of a first TC:

1. A [simple] guide for writing test assertions, the goal of which is to
provide some basic guidance to most groups and TCs working on a
specification. This guide contains a model of what a TA is (what are its
parts, what they mean, how they relate to the spec narrative, examples,
and to an underlying test set-up, etc.), but in an entry-level and easy
way ("TAs for dummies"). Some on this forum have stated that this guide
alone has value.

2. An XML representation of test assertions. Some purpose for this
representation should be preferably agreed on, as the design may vary
depending on whether it is for (a) just a support for the TA guide, (b)
Web publishing, (c) drive a test suite, (d) help generate test
suite/test cases.

3. Test cases and a representation of these.

I think that the goal "To get better (verifiable) specs from Oasis."
will be largely served with (1) above. (2) appears to help - though
poses additional challenges (see above). (3) really makes me
uncomfortable... there is already a lot done in this layer, and in
various forms (e.g. Abbie may be familiar with TTCN-3 in telecom. There
is also ATML, and more) - so smells like a can of worms to me... and
lots more work).

What do other think?

-Jacques

-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Pawson [mailto:dave.pawson@gmail.com] 
Sent: Friday, November 24, 2006 10:31 AM
To: Abbie Barbir
Cc: tag-discuss@lists.oasis-open.org
Subject: Re: [tag-discuss] the role of an XML mark-up for TAs

On 24/11/06, Abbie Barbir <abbieb@nortel.com> wrote:

> So what is the overall mood at this point.
> Is a TC a good idea or still too early in the game?
> Do we have enough mass to start one at this stage?
> I have seen the beginintg of a psooible charter. I did not see a lot
of
> scoping/disagreement so far.

One possible interpretation (just my 2 cents worth).
The level of discussion on finer points could point to acceptance of the
idea;

I'd certainly support it, same rationale as that which drives the W3C QA
activity? To get better (verifiable) specs from Oasis.

Unsure if another step is required prior to convening a TC,
but perhaps a more detailed charter may be a next step/

regards




-- 
Dave Pawson
XSLT XSL-FO FAQ.
http://www.dpawson.co.uk

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