Starting the JavaTest Harness

There are two interfaces that you can use to run the JavaTest harness, the graphical user interface (GUI) and the command-line interface. The following chapters provide detailed information about using the GUI. See the JavaTest Harness User's Guide: Command-Line Interface for detailed information about using the command-line interface.

When you run the harness with the GUI, it provides a desktop that contains an integrated set of interactive windows and controls for you to do the following tasks:

The following text is a note
To simplify the classpaths used to run tests, start the JavaTest harness from the writeable directory where you intend to create files and store test results. Refer to your test suite documentation for the specific instructions required to start the JavaTest harness for your installation.

You can use any of the following actions to start the JavaTest harness in GUI mode:

Unless you are starting the harness for the first time or use a command-line option, the JavaTest harness restores your previous desktop when it starts the GUI. When the JavaTest harness cannot restore an existing desktop, it displays a Quick Start wizard that guides you through the startup.

Run a Startup Script

Use a startup script if your test suite includes one. Refer to your test suite documentation for details about using a startup script.

Execute the JAR File

If you have access to a command line, you can directly execute the JAR file from the directory where you intend to create files and store test results:

  1. Make the directory where you intend to create files and store test results your current directory.
  2. At the command prompt, type:

    java -jar jt_dir/lib/JavaTest harness.jar

You must include the path of the directory where the javatest.jar file is installed (represented as jt_dir/lib/ in the example). The javatest.jar file is usually installed in the TCK lib directory when the JavaTest harness is bundled with a TCK.

You can also change configuration values as part of the command line used to start the JavaTest harness GUI. See JavaTest Harness User's Guide: Command-Line Interface for information about using the command line to start the JavaTest harness GUI.

Double-click the Icon

If you are using a GUI, your system might support double clicking the javatest.jar file icon to launch the harness.

Invoke the Class Directly

If you have access to a command line and the JAR file is on the classpath, you can directly invoke the class from the directory where you intend to create files and store test results by making it the current directory and then, at the command prompt, typing the following command:

java com.sun.JavaTest harness.tool.Main

You must configure your classpath to include javatest.jar. See your TCK documentation.