run selected tests vs run using single pass

[mrbean]

I'm trying to understand what the difference is between "Run Selected Tests" and "Run Selected Tests using SinglePass".  If I'm either Admin or Technician, it seems like I can select a test, set a breakpoint (if I desired) and run using either method above, and it behaves the same.  Is there a good explanation somewhere for all the different run options (TestUUT, SinglePass, the two above, etc)?

[RayFarmer]

Hi,

"Run Selected Tests" does what its says, it runs thoses steps that you highlighted.

The difference is "Run Selected Tests using SinglePass", runs the selected test using the the process model entry point "Single Pass" and therefore you will get a report generated.

Regards

Ray Farmer

[mrbean]

So, if I Run Selected Tests, since I wouldn't go through the process model, is it true that Runtime variables like RunState.Root.Locals.StartTIme/StartDate would not be known.

[~jiggawax~]

That is correct.  Because your root is no longer the process model.  The root is now your current sequence.  These are called Interactive Executions. If you want more info on these types of Executions look in the TestStand Reference Manual in Chapter 3.  The page number is 3-5.   Chapter 3 Page 5. 

If you want to see what is available during an Interactive Execution simply put a breakpoint in your sequence and then execute it with Run Selected Steps (or whatever) and then look at the variables tab.  This reveals what is available to you at that current time in the execution.

Good Luck and have nice day,