Announcing the Python Step Types for TestStand Beta Program!

[inniwhoni]

I am pleased to announce that we plan to release a beta version of our upcoming Python Step Types for TestStand next week. The Python Step Types are a set of custom step types for TestStand 2014-2017 that features the ability to:

• Execute Python Scripts in TestStand – The Python Step Types for TestStand bring the familiar experience of TestStand Action, Pass/Fail, Numeric Limit, Multiple Numeric Limit, and String Value Test steps to Python code. These step types support calls into module functions, getting/setting module attributes, creating class instances, calls into class member or static functions, and getting/setting class member or static attributes.
• Interpreter Session Management – Python scripts will run outside the TestStand process, in a separate process that hosts the CPython interpreter. Use the advanced session management options to support running multiple instances of the interpreter to enable parallel testing with Python.
• Support for Python 2.7 and 3.6 – You have the freedom to use either Python 2.7 or 3.6 with these step types. Combined with the interpreter session management features, you can run scripts in Python 2.7 and 3.6 simultaneously.
• Convert Data Between Python and TestStand – The Python Step Types support passing numeric, enum, boolean, string, container, and array data between Python and TestStand. Data is converted to each environment's native structures, such as mapping Python tuples to TestStand containers. You can also store and reuse Python objects in TestStand object reference variables.

A full list of all new features will be available in the beta documentation, which will be available when the beta begins. Although the Python Step Types for TestStand beta software is not available yet, I encourage you to pre-sign up for the beta now so that you can access the software immediately once the beta opens.

To sign up for the Python Step Types for TestStand Beta, complete the following steps:

1. Navigate to the Beta Program Resource Center (ni.com/beta), select Python Step Types for TestStand from the list of software, and click Submit.
2. Complete the beta application. This information helps us to understand what features of TestStand are most important to our customers. Please ensure that you read and accept the Terms and Conditions of the beta program so that you can be approved.
3. After you submit your request, please be patient with us as we process your application. Once you are approved, navigate to the Beta Program Resource Center (ni.com/beta) to access the beta software.

Registration does not necessarily guarantee you a position in the beta program. Determination of acceptance into the program is up to the sole discretion of National Instruments.

As with the previous TestStand Beta programs, the Python Step Types for TestStand Beta program will use a private discussion forum specifically for the Beta. Once approved for the Beta, you will shortly after gain access to this forum from http://forums.ni.com/. Please direct any conversations/comments/questions regarding the Python Step Types to this private forum only or email teststand.beta@ni.com directly. Please do not use this forum for any communication regarding this Beta.

I look forward to working with you during this Beta, and please let me know if you have any questions!

Kevin F.

Product Support Engineer | Automated Test Software

National Instruments