There are many ways to perform automation testing for unix batch job (s). In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular methods. From using open source tools to commercial solutions, we will cover all the bases. So if you are looking for a way to automate your testing process, read on.

What is a Unix Batch Job?

When you run a Unix batch job, you are running a set of commands that are executed in order. The commands can be anything that can be run from the command line, such as programs, scripts, or utilities.

A batch job is typically used to automate a task that would otherwise be done manually. For example, you could use a batch job to compile a large number of source files into an executable program. Or, you could use a batch job to process a large number of data files and generate reports.


Batch jobs can be run interactively or via the command line. To run a batch job interactively, you simply type the commands into a terminal window and execute them in order. To run a batch job via the command line, you create a text file containing the commands (called a “script”), and then execute the script using a special command-line utility.

The advantages of using batch jobs include:

They can save you time by automating repetitive tasks.

They can improve accuracy by eliminating human error.


They can simplify complex tasks by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps.

What is automation testing?

Automation testing is the process of using specialized software to control the execution of tests and compare the results to expected outcomes. Automation can be used to help with regression, functional, performance, and load testing.

Regression testing is the process of testing changes to software to make sure that functionality that was previously working has not been broken. Functional testing focuses on verifying that individual parts of the software are working as expected. Performance testing checks for speed, scalability, and stability issues. Load testing simulates real-world usage patterns to see how the system performs under stress.


Automation can dramatically improve the efficiency of these efforts by executing tests automatically and providing immediate feedback on whether or not the test passed or failed. This can allow developers to focus their attention on fixing any errors that are found rather than having to worry about manually executing the tests themselves.

There are many different tools available for automating tests, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some common open source options include Selenium, Watir, and WebDriver. Commercial options include HPE UFT (formerly known as QuickTest Professional), IBM Rational Functional Tester, and Telerik Test Studio. The choice of tool will depend on factors such as the technology being tested, budget, and preferences of the development team.

Pros and Cons of Automation Testing

There are several key benefits to automation testing, particularly when it comes to unix batch jobs. Automation can speed up the testing process, improve test coverage, and allow for more consistent results. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.

One of the biggest advantages of automation testing is that it can save a lot of time. Automation can help to streamline the entire testing process, from setting up the test environment to executing the tests themselves. This can free up valuable time that can be spent on other tasks, such as manual regression testing.


Another benefit of automation is that it can improve test coverage. By automating the execution of tests, more tests can be run in a shorter period of time. This can help to ensure that all areas of the software are being tested thoroughly.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider with automation testing. One is that it can be difficult to set up an effective automated testing environment. This is particularly true for unix batch jobs, which often have complex dependencies and require a high degree of configuration. Another potential drawback is that automation can lead to more false positives than manual testing (this is when a test incorrectly reports an error). False positives can waste time and resources if they’re not properly investigated.

How to Set Up Automation Testing for a Unix Batch Job

Automation testing is a process of automating the execution of tests to verify the output of a system against expected results. It is typically used to regression test changes made to an existing system, or to test an entirely new system.

There are many commercial and open source tools available for automating the testing of Unix batch jobs. In this article, we will discuss how to set up automation testing for a Unix batch job using the open source tool Jenkins.

Jenkins is a continuous integration server that can be used to automate the execution of tests. It is easy to install and configure, and it has a wide range of plugins available to support various types of tests.

To set up automation testing for a Unix batch job using Jenkins, you will need to do the following:


1. Install Jenkins on your server. This can be done using your package manager, or by downloading the war file from the Jenkins website and running it on your server.

2. Create a new job in Jenkins, and select “Build a free-style software project” as the type of job.

3. In the “Source Code Management” section, select “Subversion” as the type of repository and enter the URL of your Subversion repository.

4. In the “Build Triggers” section, select “Poll SCM” and enter the schedule on which you would like Jenkins to check for changes.

Tips for Successful Automation Testing


1. Define your test automation strategy

Before you start automating your tests, it’s important to take a step back and define your overall strategy. What are your goals for automation testing? What processes do you want to automate? What features do you want to test? Answering these questions will help you create a roadmap for your automation journey.

2. Choose the right tool for the job

There are many different test automation tools on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to choose a tool that will fit well with your specific needs. Consider factors such as cost, ease of use, platform support, and integrations when making your decision.

3. Create a robust test suite

Your automated tests should be comprehensive, covering all aspects of the system under test. Make sure to include positive and negative tests, as well as edge cases. A good rule of thumb is to automate at least 70% of your total test suite.

4. Don’t forget about maintenance

Automated tests need to be maintained over time as the system under test changes. This includes updating test data, modifying scripts, and re-running tests on a regular basis. consider setting up a dedicated maintenance window to keep your tests up-to-date.

Template on how to perform automation testing for Unix batch job
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Automation testing for Unix batch jobs typically involves creating a script that can run the batch job and then verify that the output is correct. This can be done using a tool such as the Unix expect command, which can be used to run the batch job and check its output. Here is an example of how you might use expect to automate the testing of a Unix batch job:

1. First, create a script that will run the batch job.

This script should include the commands needed to run the batch job, as well as any other necessary setup or configuration. For example, the script might look something like this:

#!/usr/bin/expect

# Set up the environment for running the batch job

setenv BATCH_JOB_INPUT_FILE “/path/to/input/file”

setenv BATCH_JOB_OUTPUT_FILE “/path/to/output/file”

# Run the batch job

spawn ./run_batch_job

# Wait for the batch job to finish

expect “Batch job completed”

2. Next, create a script that will check the output of the batch job to verify that it is correct. This script should read the output file generated by the batch job and compare it to the expected results. If the output matches the expected results, the script should exit with a success code; otherwise, it should exit with a failure code. For example, the script might look something like this:

Refer to https://baygalleria.com/how-to-perform-automation-testing-for-unix-batch-job/ for detailed steps and codes.

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