Test automation becomes difficult when test cases become long and mixed up. When everything is written in one flow, small changes break many tests. Tosca solves this by dividing tests into smaller blocks and reusing them in a clean structure. In Tosca Training, this modular design is explained in depth. The focus is on building structured automation that is easy to manage and scale.
Tosca does not depend on heavy coding. It follows a model-based approach. This means it separates technical details from business logic. The system is divided into layers. Each layer has a clear role. Because of this design, Tosca can reuse components again and again without rewriting steps.
How Tosca Breaks Tests into Smaller Blocks?
Tosca splits automation into the following main parts:
- Modules
- TestSteps
- TestStepBlocks
- TestCases
- TestCaseDesign
- ExecutionLists
Each part works like a building unit.
Modules – Technical Object Layer
A Module stores the technical details of an application element. It can be:
- A button
- An input field
- A dropdown
- An API request
- A database query
When a Module is created using Tosca Scan, it captures technical properties like:
- HTML ID
- Name
- XPath
- Control ID
- API structure
Once created, the Module is saved in the repository. It does not need to be recreated. If the application changes, only the Module is updated. All test cases linked to it update automatically.
TestSteps – Action Layer
A TestStep performs an action on a Module. Examples of actions:
- Click
- Enter text
- Verify value
- Select option
- Send request
TestSteps are small. They perform one action at a time.
TestStepBlocks – Reusable Logic Layer
This is where real reuse happens.
A TestStepBlock is a group of TestSteps saved as one reusable unit. Instead of repeating login steps in every test, you create one Login block. Then you call it wherever needed.
TestStepBlocks help in:
- Reducing duplication
- Improving maintenance
- Keeping structure clean
Below is a comparison table to understand the difference between traditional automation and Tosca modular design:
| Area | Traditional Script Automation | Tosca Modular Automation |
| Test Flow | One long script | Small reusable blocks |
| Reuse | Copy and paste | Call TestStepBlock |
| Maintenance | High effort | Update once |
| Data Handling | Hardcoded or external file | Built-in TestCaseDesign |
| Scalability | Hard to scale | Enterprise ready |
How Reusability Actually Works in Tosca?
Reusability in Tosca is not simple duplication. It is parameter-based reuse.
Instead of writing fixed values inside steps, Tosca uses TestCaseDesign (TCD). TCD works like a structured data sheet inside Tosca.
It allows:
- Multiple data combinations
- Automatic generation of test instances
- Clean separation of data and logic
For example, usernames and passwords are not fixed in the Login block. They are defined in TCD. During execution, Tosca binds the correct data.
This gives three-layer separation:
- Technical layer (Modules)
- Logic layer (TestStepBlocks)
- Data layer (TestCaseDesign)
Many learners preparing for Tosca Certification realize that understanding this separation is very important. Certification exams focus on design structure, not just execution.
Execution Flow and Linking Structure
Tosca follows a layered reference structure during execution.
Execution flow works like this:
- ExecutionList calls TestCase
- TestCase calls TestStepBlock
- TestStepBlock contains TestSteps
- TestSteps use Modules
This structured linking ensures:
- Clear dependency mapping
- Easy impact analysis
- Controlled execution
Below is a simple flow table:
| Layer | Purpose | Reusable? |
| Module | Stores technical properties | Yes |
| TestStep | Performs action | Yes |
| TestStepBlock | Group of reusable steps | Yes |
| TestCase | Business scenario | Yes |
| ExecutionList | Controls execution | Yes |
Because of this structure, updating one Module updates all linked tests.
Use of Buffers and Dynamic Values
Tosca uses buffers to pass values between blocks.
For example:
- Block A captures Order ID
- Value stored in buffer
- Block B uses buffer value for validation
This avoids hardcoding. It also allows independent block design.
Buffers help in:
- Sharing dynamic values
- Maintaining clean flow
- Avoiding step duplication
In advanced Automation Software Testing Course programs, buffer usage and modular linking are key learning areas.
Risk-Based Splitting of Test Blocks
Tosca allows risk tagging. This means test cases or blocks can be marked based on business risk.
High-risk blocks:
- Payment processing
- Financial transaction
- Data validation
Low-risk blocks:
- UI layout checks
- Minor text validations
During regression, teams can execute only high-risk reusable blocks. This saves time.
Risk-based execution improves:
- Speed
- Efficiency
- Release control
In many structured Software Testing Online Course programs, risk-based automation design is taught as an advanced concept.
Conclusion
Tosca breaks down tests into smaller units that can be reused for structured automation. Modules store information about technical objects. TestSteps perform individual actions. TestStepBlocks group steps into smaller units of logic. TestCaseDesign separates data and logic. ExecutionLists control test execution. This is why many people consider Tosca Certification important. It demonstrates knowledge of structured automation. Buffers facilitate dynamic data transfer between units. This is why Tosca Certification is important.