ITU-T Recommendations

This Recommendation defines TFT, the Tabular Format for TTCN-3. TFT is the tabular presentation format for TTCN-3 (Testing and Test Control Notation 3) Core Language defined in ITU-T Rec. Z.140. It is similar in appearance and functionality to TTCN-2 defined in ITU-T Rec. X.292 for conformance testing. The tabular format provides an alternative way of displaying the core language as well as emphasizing those aspects that are particular to the requirements of a standardized conformance test suite.While the core language may be used independently of the tabular presentation format, the tabular format cannot be used without the core language. Use and implementation of the tabular presentation format shall be done on the basis of the core language.This Recommendation defines proformas, syntax mappings, additional static semantics, operational semantic restrictions, display and other attributes. Together these characteristics form the tabular presentation format.TFT inherits all the essential properties of the Core Language and is intended for specification of test suites that are independent of platforms, test methods, protocol layers and protocols. TTCN-3 can be used for specification of all types of reactive system tests over a variety of communication ports. Typical areas of application are protocol testing (including mobile and Internet protocols), service testing (including supplementary services), module testing, testing of CORBA-based platforms and APIs. The specification of test suites for physical layer protocols is outside the scope of this Recommendation.Since the first publication of ITU-T Recs Z.140 and Z.141 in July of 2001, several major updates to TTCN-3 Core Language have been made that are reflected in the TFT. The following changes are included in this Recommendation:1) corrections to examples and other editorials;2) restructuring of the document for easier understandability;3) Annex B, Operational Semantics, has been moved into a separate document;4) user-defined functions have been extended;5) bugs in the BNF has been corrected and the changes caused by the updates have been incorporated into the BNF; 6) pattern matching mechanisms have been added;7) the type system has been improved (including a better definition of type equivalence) and the new char type added;8) the import mechanism has been improved; and9) named alts have been removed and replaced by altsteps, with an improved semantics.SourceITU-T Recommendation Z.141 was prepared by ITU-T Study Group 17 (2001-2004) and approved under the WTSA Resolution 1 procedure on 13 February 2003.