Using Testing Simulation in the Debugger
  • 07 Aug 2024
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Using Testing Simulation in the Debugger

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Article summary

Overview

The Simulation function can be found in the Testing and Simulation section of the Steps properties. During Simulation, the Step is not executed; the step will return data specified in the Simulation Data field without being executed.
Specify if this simulated data will run in production, the Debugger, or Unit Tests. This is helpful when a user needs to simulate events, such as specific outputs or values that aren't easily replicated. This allows one to test different scenarios without needing the actual data in the source. 


Example

This example shows how to utilize this simulated function on a Fetch Entity step.

This technique can be applied to any step needed to simulate data. The Fetch Entity and Show Pop-Up steps are used to demonstrate using the testing and simulation features.
  1. From a Designer Folder and select CREATE FLOW.
  2. Add a Fetch Entities step from the DATABASE category in the Toolbox panel
  3. Connect both paths to the End step.
  4. Select the step to open its Properties tab; under the Type Name drop-down, search for a select Account
  5. Navigate to and expand the Testing and Simulation section. Here, decide if the simulated data will affect production, the Debugger, or Unit Tests. For this example, InDebugger is selected.
  6. Defining Use Simulation Behavior will display an S icon within a yellow circle on the step that uses the behavior.
    InDebuggerThis only occurs when running the Flow via the Debugger.
    InProductionWhen the Flow runs, the simulated behavior will be applied when the Flow is run outside of the Debugger (i.e.: Run Flow, calling Flow via API, etc.)
    InUnitTestsThe simulated data will be applied when running a unit test which is different from running this through the Debugger itself.
  7. In the Simulation Selected Path drop-down, select the "Results" path.
  8. For SimulationEntity Result, set the data Input to Constant.
  9. Select Add to configure the dummy data for the Debugger.
  10. A new window will open. PICK an Account from the left. 
  11. From the FAVORITE STEPS category in the Toolbox tab, add a Show Pop-up step to the Results path. 
  12. From the INPUTS of the Show Pop-Up step, Select From Flow map EntityResults.All EmailAddress.First to Subject. For Message, set it to Ignore.

Debug

  1. From the Flow Designer, select the Debug link from the top Action bar.
  2. Select START DEBUGGING.

    The Flow will run, and the Account defined as the Simulation will display in the Pop-Up.
    This demonstrates a successfully simulated result using the Testing and Simulation settings of the Fetch Entities step.


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