Test Data & Variables
Mastering Supported Testing Formats in ContextQA
Understanding sample formats is key to building comprehensive and efficient testing assets in ContextQA. In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the main supported file formats, explore best practices for each, and guide you on structuring documents for seamless AI-powered test generation and analysis.
Introduction
Maintaining high-quality, well-structured test assets accelerates workflow, reduces import errors, and drives consistent results across QA activities. ContextQA supports crucial formats like Excel for structured test cases, mobile application files (APK and iOS), Swagger (OpenAPI) for API definitions, and common video files for usability reviews. Let’s dive into each format and see how to optimize your documentation for each, as demonstrated in the platform.
Understand Why Structure Matters
Well-organized test documents enable faster AI analysis, boost test generation accuracy, and drastically reduce import errors. Structure brings consistency and helps teams collaborate more effectively, saving significant time and manual effort.
Explore Supported Formats
ContextQA works seamlessly with:
Excel spreadsheets (.xlsx, .xls): Ideal for mapping structured manual test cases.
Mobile apps (APK for Android, iOS app files): Perfect for installation, functional, and performance testing.
Swagger/OpenAPI files: Define and document API endpoints, requests, and responses.
Video files (FLV, MOV, MPEG, MP4, WMV, 3GP): Analyze usability and review user experience through recordings.
Apply Format-Specific Best Practices
For Excel: Use standardized column headers, clean formatting, and avoid special characters.
For Mobile Apps: Ensure thorough metadata and accurate version details.
For Swagger: Clearly define endpoint structures and keep documentation updated.
For Video: Maintain resolution and logical naming so sessions are easy to locate.
Master Swagger/OpenAPI for APIs
Include these sections: info, servers, paths, components, and security. Swagger files should always be up to date, use meaningful naming conventions, and comprehensively cover endpoints to streamline automated test creation and standardization.
Organize and Name Files for Easy Management
Use clear naming conventions (like `AssetTypeVersionDate.xlsx`) and a logical folder structure by asset type and review status, ensuring you can retrieve and manage files instantly as shown in ContextQA’s interface.
Validate Data Quality Before Import
Ensure all required fields and metadata are filled.
Maintain consistency in terminology and formatting.
Validate formats and data types to avoid errors during upload.
Review grammar and clarity to boost reliability and downstream automation.
Optimize Templates for AI Processing
Organize with clear headers, well-labeled groupings, and detailed descriptions for steps or endpoints. Consistent field naming and concise terminology accelerate analysis and reduce review cycles.
Use the Import Validation Workflow
Walk through these checkpoints in ContextQA:
Verify file format and size limits.
Analyze document structure and field headers.
Check content completeness, clarity, and metadata.
Confirm all links and dependencies work as intended before uploading.
Utilize built-in validation tools tailored to each format.
Troubleshoot Common Issues
Some frequent pitfalls include:
Wrong character encoding (choose UTF-8)
Merged cells in Excel (unmerge before import)
Inconsistent date formats (use ISO 8601)
Unsupported video formats (prefer MP4, MOV, or AVI)
Malformed Swagger files (validate with online tools)
Corrupted app packages (always check file integrity)
Advanced Features & Optimization
Leverage Advanced Format Capabilities
Take advantage of:
Excel analytics and automation
Mobile app version control and real-device testing
Swagger-driven API automation and regression
Video playback optimizations for usability reviews
Optimize Upload & Processing Speed
Remove unnecessary formatting in Excel.
Compress video and app files.
Split large files when needed.
Release memory resources after processing large files.
Compress and batch files for fast, safe uploading.
Integrate Seamlessly with Data Management Tools
The integration workflow is:
Prepare and validate source files
Check compatibility and upload assets
Confirm successful ingestion/analysis
Track history and manage schema evolution gracefully
Build and Maintain a Reusable Format Library
Create and maintain testing templates for functional, API, performance, security, and integration scenarios. Include clearly defined headers, required fields, metadata, and validation logic in each template. Update templates regularly based on feedback and evolving format standards.
Future-Proof Your Library
Adopt emerging formats and features as they appear. Invest in automation, validation, and scalable workflows. Stay current by monitoring trends, testing new format versions, and training your team on best practices for document structure and data quality.
Conclusion
By following these platform-driven workflows and organizational strategies as demonstrated in ContextQA, you’ll build reliable, efficient, and scalable testing assets. Well-structured, properly validated documentation minimizes errors, streamlines integration, and ensures that your testing process is always one step ahead.
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