A Step by Step Guide to IBM Rational ClearQuest Tool

When it comes to project management, different tools are recommended and used based on the client’s requirements and preferences. For example, while some projects prefer using “Quality Center” to manage project data, others prefer using the Rational ClearQuest tool.

Rational ClearQuest is defect management and workflow automation software developed by the IBM Rational software division. It is widely used in testing-related projects as a bug and change request tracking tool. With ClearQuest, you can track the progress and status of project development at any given point.

Here is a quick introduction to Rational ClearQuest (CQ) tool.

Key Uses and Points about IBM ClearQuest:

1) ClearQuest is used to manage and maintain defect details and CRs (Change Requests) for projects.

2) It works in a client-server environment, where a group of computers (clients) connect with a server via the internet.

3) Using ClearQuest, you can view a project’s current status and analytics by running queries.

4) ClearQuest uses the concept of “Schema” and “Schema Repository” to organize project data. The schema defines the structure of data, record types, states, actions, and forms, while the schema repository stores one or more schemas.

5) It simplifies project management by bringing together developers, testers, project leaders, managers, and clients.

6) ClearQuest can be customized according to a project’s specific processes and requirements.

Installation Guide for IBM ClearQuest:

You can download IBM Rational ClearQuest from the official website. To download the software, you will first need to create an IBM ID. The installation files include IBM Installation Manager, which is required for the installation process.

To install ClearQuest, you must first install IBM Installation Manager on your computer. This program is responsible for installing and updating IBM applications on your system. You can install it from the Launchpad program or directly from the product installation files.

For a step-by-step installation process, please refer to the official documentation provided by IBM.

Opening ClearQuest:

To open ClearQuest, simply click on the start menu and navigate to Rational ClearQuest.

You will need a unique login ID to access ClearQuest. The login ID is provided by the project manager or ClearQuest administrator. By default, the login ID “admin” does not require a password.

A project manager or ClearQuest administrator can create the necessary databases and configure them based on project requirements.

Creating a Change Request:

A Change Request (CR) needs to be created in ClearQuest before starting development and testing activities for a project. A CR is typically created to address software issues, defects, or enhancements. The layout or format of a CR is called a “record type.”

To create a CR, click on the “New Defect” button in the toolbar. Fill in the mandatory fields and submit the CR. You can also attach any relevant documents to provide further information about the CR. The state of a CR changes from “Submitted” to “Assigned” once it is assigned to an engineer for further action.

Creating a New Defect:

A defect refers to a flaw or deviation from the expected outcome in a software project. It is important to log defects to communicate issues or problems to the team.

To create a new defect in ClearQuest, go to the “File” menu and select “New Defect.” Fill in the required fields and click “OK” to create the defect record. You can also attach any relevant attachments to the defect for further reference.

Using Queries:

Queries in ClearQuest are used to view and track records, including changes made to CRs. By running queries, you can analyze and extract specific data from the project.

In ClearQuest, you can find predefined queries in the “Public Queries” folder. These queries can be used by all ClearQuest users. To use a query, simply double-click on it to run the query and view the results in the right-hand part of the screen.

Editing a Query:

If an existing query doesn’t meet your requirements, you can copy the query to your project folder and edit it as needed. To do this, right-click on the query, go to “Edit,” and make the necessary changes. You can modify the filters, display layout, and other parameters to tailor the query to your specific needs.

Writing a New Query:

To write a new query in ClearQuest, go to the “Query” menu and select “New Query.” Follow the steps to create a new query, including entering the query name, selecting the record type, adding filters, grouping filters, and editing the result set. Save the query and run it to view the results.

Creating a New Query: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to create a new query in ClearQuest:

1. Open the “File” menu and select “New Query”. Enter a name for the query and select the record type (e.g., Defect). Click “Next”.
2. In the Query Wizard window, select the filters you want to apply to the query. Move the desired filters from the Fields Pane to the Filters Pane.
3. Select the values for your filters, if applicable.
4. Group the filters as needed. Right-click on a field, click “Group”, and select the next field to create the grouping.
5. Save the query and run it to view the results.

Importing Data from Excel:

You can import data into ClearQuest from an Excel file. To do this, open Excel and navigate to “Data” – “Import External Data” – “New Web Query”. Select the data you want to import and click “Import”. Specify the location where you want to save the imported data and click “OK”.

Exporting Data from CQ:

You can export the result set of a query in ClearQuest to a file for offline access. Click on the Export icon on the result set toolbar and select the desired export format (.txt or .xls). Specify the file path for the exported data and click “OK”.

Using Charts in CQ:

ClearQuest allows you to use charts to visualize project data. There are two types of charts available: distribution charts and aging charts. Distribution charts provide a graphical view of the current status of data, while aging charts display historical data.

You can modify existing charts in ClearQuest to suit your project’s requirements. Open the chart, go to “Edit” – “Properties”, and make the necessary changes to the data display format and parameters.

Creating Reports in CQ:

ClearQuest supports the creation of reports, but you need a licensed version of Crystal Reports Designer to create or edit reports. Reports in ClearQuest are used to present project data in different formats and can be exported to various document formats.

To create a report, run a query first, then click on the “Create Report” button in the toolbar. Choose the report format, select it, and click “OK”. The report will be generated based on the query results. You can save the report in your Personal Queries folder for future use.

To execute existing reports, expand the Reports folder in ClearQuest, select the desired report, right-click on it, and choose “Run”. The report will be displayed.

Using ClearQuest Favorites:

To set favorites in ClearQuest, right-click on a record type (query, chart, report, etc.), and select “Add to ClearQuest Favorites”. The item will be added to your ClearQuest Favorites section in the left pane.

Using ClearQuest Web Client:

ClearQuest can be accessed through a web client interface. If the ClearQuest desktop client is not installed on your system, you will automatically be redirected to the web client. The web client provides the same functionalities as the desktop client, allowing you to access and track Change Requests, defects, and more.

Tips on IBM CQ Usage:

1) If you need additional information on a specific feature in ClearQuest, refer to the Help section and search for relevant topics.

2) ClearQuest is customizable, allowing you to adjust the display format of result set data. You can modify the columns displayed in query lists and personalize your ClearQuest interface.

3) You can set queries, reports, or charts to run automatically upon startup. Right-click on the record in the left pane, select “Run at Startup”, and it will be executed every time you launch ClearQuest.

4) If you have any questions regarding administering ClearQuest, refer to the official documentation provided by IBM.

Conclusion:

This comprehensive guide provides you with all the necessary information to work efficiently with IBM Rational ClearQuest tool. With ClearQuest, you can effectively manage change requests, track defects, and enhance your project management processes. As you become familiar with the tool, you can write complex queries, create reports, and customize ClearQuest to suit your project’s specific needs. ClearQuest serves as an invaluable tool for tracking and managing defects in development projects across various industries.

We hope this guide has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or comments, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy testing!