How do the Search Directories for TestStand Work?
Primary Software: TestStand
Primary Software Version: 3.0
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: N/A
Problem: Every time I specify a module for a test step it asks me if I want to include the file's path as relative, absolute, or a new search directory. How do I know which one to choose?
Solution: When including a test code module or other sequence file as part of your sequence's execution in TestStand, the application will ask you if you want to add the file's path as an absolute path reference, a relative path, or if you want to add its path to the list of search directories. There are benefits and drawbacks to each of the selections for finding files. Below is a summary of what the selections mean and why you would choose one of them:
- Absolute Path: this selection specifies that you want the exact path of the file to be used as a reference for the file so that the file will not be searched for within in any groups of directories when it is needed. If you move the file after choosing this selection the file will not be found. If you do move the file you should either change the specify module dialog's account of the file's actual path or add the file's directory to the list of search directories if it is not already included as one.
- Relative Path: this selection specifies that the file's current directory is relative to a current search directory that has already been specified, and a shortened path that only references the associated search directory's path down to the path of the file you have included will be used to find the file. This selection allows you to move the file to other directories that are still relative to the search directories, but there will be some added overhead from searching if the file is not located at its original location.
- Add to Search Directories: this selection adds the directory that your file is located in to a list of directories that is searched for files if they are not located at the original location. Once you have added a specific directory as a search directory, when a file cannot be found the directory will be searched along with others for missing files and you have the option of specifying whether to search within its subdirectories for files as well.
For information on how to modify the list of search directories, how to add a new directory to the list, or the order of precedence of search directories, refer to the TestStand User's Manual concerning the topic of "Search Directories."
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Report Date: 05/30/2002
Last Updated: 09/14/2004
Document ID: 2LT9OCEV
