Editors\u2019 Note<\/strong> – If you are still using MS Excel spreadsheets to track test cases and execution, this is the best time to switch to a Test Management tool. And for that reason, we have selected the long-time popular open-source Test Management Tool. Try it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We have divided this TestLink Tutorials series into 4 parts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is the list of all the tutorials in this series:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n TestLink Tutorial #1:<\/strong> TestLink introduction, installation, and creating Test Plan and Test Cases<\/a> Let\u2019s start with the 1st part of this series.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the most widely used web-based open-source test management tool. It integrates both the Requirements Specification and Test Specification. The user can create test projects and document test cases using this tool. We can create an account for multiple users\/testers and assign different user roles. Admin users can manage test case assignment tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It supports both manual and automated execution of test cases. With this tool, the testers can generate Test Reports and Test Plan Documents within a minute. It supports the generation of Test reports in MS Word, Excel, and HTML formats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TestLink also supports integration with many popular Defect Tracking systems<\/a> like Mantis, Bugzilla, Jira<\/a>, Youtrack, and TRAC. We can link a specific bug ticket to test cases. It also supports and maintains multiple Test projects. Since it is a web-based tool, multiple users can access its functionality at the same time with their credentials and assigned roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n UPDATE:<\/strong> You can install the cloud version of TestLink<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pre-requisites:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> If you have a System Admin assigned to your project, you can ask the sysadmin to install this for your project and skip directly to the “Creating a Test Project” step. If you have time to do these installations, I will suggest trying your hand at it. This will add to your experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To install TestLink, you need to install an Apache web server, PHP, and MySQL server. If your system or server already has Apache, PHP, and MySQL installed, then you can directly install this tool, as mentioned in the \u201cInstallation of<\/strong> TestLink<\/strong>\u201d section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Otherwise, follow the below steps one by one to install Apache, PHP, and MySQL first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This section contains steps to be followed to install the Apache webserver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #1: <\/strong>Download Apache from here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #2: <\/strong>Extract the Zip file to C:\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #3: <\/strong>Copy C:\\Apache24\\bin path and append this with a path environment variable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #4: <\/strong>Open Command Prompt. (Run as administrator) This section contains steps to be followed to install PHP and configure PHP with Apache.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #1: <\/strong>Download PHP from this page<\/a> (thread is safe). Step #2: <\/strong>Rename php.ini-development to php.ini<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #3: <\/strong>Add C:\\php\\ to the path environment variable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #4: <\/strong>Edit php.ini and add\/edit the following lines: Step #5: <\/strong>Edit httpd.conf and add\/edit the following lines, At the end of httpd.conf file add, Step #6: <\/strong>Create a file named phpinfo.php inside C:\/Apache24\/htdocs & add the following line inside the file. Step #7: <\/strong>Copy php-mysql.dll in C:\/php\/ext and put it inside C:\/Windows\/System32<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #8: <\/strong>Restart Apache<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This section contains steps to be followed to install MySQL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #1: <\/strong>Download MySQL <\/a> and install it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #2: <\/strong>Create a Database named \u201cTestLink\u201d on your MySQL server.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #3: <\/strong>In php.ini uncomment MySQL extension. This section contains steps to be followed to install TestLink in the Apache webserver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #1: <\/strong>Download TestLink<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #2: <\/strong>Extract the package, rename it to \u201ctestlink\u201d and put it inside \u201cC:\/Apache24\/htdocs\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #3: <\/strong>Edit config.inc.php and edit the following lines, Save the changes, and open http:\/\/localhost:80\/testlink<\/span> from the browser. Step #4: <\/strong>Now you can log in to TestLink By accessing http:\/\/localhost:80\/testlink. Note:<\/strong> If you want screenshots of these installation steps, please check this installation guide<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Test Project is a project created for a specific product\/project. It contains Test plans, Test suites, Test cases, and Builds. We can maintain multiple projects in TestLink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This section clearly explains how to create a Test Project:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #1:<\/strong> Creating a new Test Project requires “admin” rights. (So login with admin user)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #2:<\/strong> When logging for the first time, it will directly navigate to the Test project creation page. Otherwise, select the \u201cTest Project Management\u201d link on the main page and click on the \u201cCreate\u201d button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #3:<\/strong> Test Project section will be opened. Click on the “Create” button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #4:<\/strong> Enter Test Project name, description, and all the required fields, and click on the \u201cCreate\u201d button.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Test Projects should be created successfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Test Plan document contains complete information like the scope of testing, milestones, test suites, and test cases. Once you\u2019ve created a Test Project, the Next step is creating a Test plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This section clearly explains creating a Test Plan:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #1:<\/strong> Click on the \u201cTest Plan Management\u201d link on the desktop page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #2:<\/strong> Click on the \u201cCreate\u201d button on the test plan management page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #3:<\/strong> Enter all the required details on the page.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Step #4:<\/strong> Click on the \u201cCreate\u201d button. It should be saved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The build is a specific release of the software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This section clearly explains how to create a build:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #1:<\/strong> Click on \u201cBuilds\/Releases\u201d as shown in the figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #2:<\/strong> Click on the \u201ccreate\u201d button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #3:<\/strong> Enter the details about the build as shown in the below figure and click on the \u201cCreate\u201d button.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The build should be created and saved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Testsuite is a collection of test cases that may be validating\/testing the same component. This section clearly explains how to create a test suite. Follow the below steps one by one to create a Testsuite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #1:<\/strong> Click on the \u201cTest Specification\u201d link on the Desktop. It should navigate to the Test specification page of the Project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #2:<\/strong> Click on the settings icon on Step #3:<\/strong> Click on Create a button for the Test suite.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Step #4<\/strong>: The Test Suite specification page should be opened. Fill in the details related to the Test suite and click the \u201cCreate Test suite\u201d button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The test suite will be created and appear on the left side, folder tree structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Testcase contains a sequence of test steps to test a specific scenario, with an expected result. This section explains how to create a test case along with the test steps. Follow the below steps one by one to create Test cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #1:<\/strong> Click on the Test suite folder on the left side tree structure<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #2:<\/strong> Click on the settings icon in Step #3:<\/strong> Click on the Test case \u201cCreate\u201d button. It will open the Test case specification page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #4:<\/strong> Enter details in the Test case specification page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #5:<\/strong> After entering the details, click on the \u201cCreate\u201d button. It will save the test case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #6:<\/strong> Now click on the \u201cCreate steps\u201d button in the test case. It will show the test case step editor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #7:<\/strong> Start adding the Test steps as shown in the picture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Step #8:<\/strong> Click the \u201cSave\u201d button to add further steps, or click the \u201cSave & exit\u201d button to save the step and exit from the editor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, the test case we just created will look like this: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To Execute a Test case, it should be assigned to a Test plan. This section describes how to assign a test case to a Test Plan. Follow the below-mentioned steps to assign a test case to a Test Plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #1:<\/strong> Click on the settings icon on the test case panel. It will display the list of operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #2:<\/strong> Click on the \u201cAdd to TestPlans\u201d button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step #3:<\/strong> Click on the checkbox of the test plan, to which you want to assign the test case. And then click on the \u201cAdd\u201d button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The test case will be successfully added to the Test Plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s all for today. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Recap of what we learned in this tutorial:<\/mark><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Due to these useful features, TestLink is widely used, and it has been the most popular open-source test management tool for a long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n About the author:<\/strong> Thanks to Anitha Eswari for helping us to craft these useful tutorials. She is currently working as a senior test engineer, having sound knowledge of manual and automation testing and various test management tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What Next?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2nd<\/sup> and 3rd<\/sup> part of this series we will see how to manage requirements, map test cases to requirements, execute test cases manually, link defects, and generate test reports<\/strong>. In the advanced part, we will see how to use Selenium WebDriver to update test cases automatically using TestLink API<\/strong> and save time and money, which are important factors for the success of any project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n List of All Tutorials:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n TestLink Tutorial #1<\/a><\/strong> As usual, we are here to help you. Let us know your queries in the comments below.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\r\n\t\t\tTestLink Test Management Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"TestLink](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-Tutorial.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
TestLink Tutorial #2:<\/strong> Requirements management, Test execution, and generating test reports<\/a>
TestLink Tutorial #3:<\/strong> Updating test case execution status remotely<\/a> i.e. through Selenium WebDriver code using TestLink API (Advanced concepts)
TestLink Tutorial #4:<\/strong> Test Metrics, Keyword Management, Custom Fields and Test Report Charts<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIntroduction To TestLink<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Benefits Of TestLink<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
TestLink Installation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Installation Of Apache<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
cd to C:\/Apache24\/bin and run the following commands one by one
httpd -k install
httpd -k start<\/p>\n\n\n\nInstallation Of PHP<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Extract this to C:\\php<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
display_errors =On
log_erros = On
doc_root = C:\/Apache24\/htdocs
extension_dir = \u201cC:\/php\/ext\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LoadModule php5_module \u201cC:\/php\/php5apache2_4.dll\u201d
AddType application\/x-httpd-php .php .html .php4 .php5<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PHPIniDir \u201cC:\/php\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<?php phpinfo();?><\/p>\n\n\n\nInstallation Of MySQL<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
And set the date time zone as \u201cPRC\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInstallation Of TestLink<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
$tlCfg->log_path = ‘C:\/Apache24\/htdocs\/testlink\/logs\/’;
$tlCfg->config_check_warning_mode = ‘SILENT’;
$g_repositoryPath = ‘C:\/Apache24\/htdocs\/testlink\/upload_area’;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Click the \u201cnext\u201d button until the installation is completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Username: admin
Password: admin<\/p>\n\n\n\nCreating A Test Project<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Test](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCreating A Test Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"test](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBuild Creation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-3.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCreating Testsuite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"TestLink](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-4.jpg\")
<\/a> the right-side panel. It will display a series of Test suite operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Test](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-5.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Test](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-6.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCreating A Testcase<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Test](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-7.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a> the right-side panel. A list of Test case operations will be displayed on the right-side panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Test](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-8.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Test](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-9.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"adding](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-10.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Save\"](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-11.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAssigning Testcase To Test Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-12.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"assign](\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/wp-content\/qa\/uploads\/2014\/07\/TestLink-13.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Tutorial #2 here<\/strong><\/a>
Tutorial #3 here<\/strong><\/a>
Tutorial #4 here<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWas this helpful?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t