Validating and Testing the COBOL Copybook Encoder

You can validate the encoding rules in the copybook's XSD file by opening the file in the XSD Editor and clicking the Validate File icon in the XSD Editor. The file is validated for XML grammar and semantics, and if encoding rules are present, they are validated as well.

You can test the Encoder's runtime behavior using the Encoder Tester. After the Decode test is complete, the result is placed in an XML file inside the current project.

Testing the COBOL Copybook Encoder

1. In the NetBeans Projects window, right-click the XSD file to test, point to Encoding and click Test.

   The Test Encoding dialog box appears.

   
   
2. Fill in the fields for the type of test you want to perform.

   For more information, see the table at the end of this procedure.

3. Click Process.

   When a Decode test is complete, the parsed XML file is generated and opened in the NetBeans editor. When an Encode test is complete, the output COBOL copybook native data is generated. Information on the testing process appears below the editor in the Output panel.

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   Tip - The generated XML file for the Decode test is not formatted. To format the file, click Source in the NetBeans toolbar, and then select Format from the drop-down menu.

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   Section Field Description Metadata Select an Element The top-level element whose structure you want to test. XSD File The XSD file you have selected for testing. Input Decode/Encode Option buttons to select the direction of data flow for the test. These options specify whether encoding or decoding behavior is being tested. From/To String An indicator that the input or output data is in string format. If not checked, byte format is assumed. Data File The data file to use in a Decode test. XML Source File The source file to use in an Encode test. Source/Result Coding The encoding of the serialized data. Output File Name The file name to use for the test result. Folder The folder in which you want the output file to be placed. Overwrite Output An indicator of whether or not to overwrite any existing output file having the same name. Created File The path and file name of the output file. Debug Verbose Level Specifies the level of detail contained in the log file. The options are: None Info Fine Finer Finest