ActiveVOS BPEL Simulation

ActiveVOS Designer also provides simulation facility. This is very useful feature of this IDE. Simulation helps us for unit testing of single BPEL process without invoking other partner services (Those services that are invoked by BPEL).

How can we simulate?

1. Create BPEL process.
2. Create Sample files for the request or response for the activities wherever we are expecting input from the out-side of BPEL process. Mostly we needs sample files at the receive activity or for the response of any invoke activity.
   
3. Go to Run menu and choose Simulate Process. Press F5 to move step by step or F8 to complete simulation in one shot.

Can we check intermediate data during simulation?

Yes, we can. When we simulate the BPEL process then we can also check current value of any variable at any time. Some times, You may see "value not initialized" as value of any variable. It means simulation is not reached to the point where this particular value supposed to be updated (at first time).

How?

1. Make sure that you project doesn't have any error (compile time error).
   
2. Make sure that Process Variables window is open. If it is not visible then please click on the Windows Menu and then choose show views-> Process Variables.
3. Start simulation.
4. Double click on any variable (whose value you want to see).
5. A new window will open for that particular element in the same window, if it is already not opened.
   
6. If it is complex type element expand that variable otherwise you should be able to see its value there only.
7. If you are not able to see its value in last step, then right click on the variable and choose view data rather then view definition.
8. If you want to change value of any particular value during simulation then you can double click on that variable or at any particular element, in case of if it is complex. One pop-up box will come out with its current value then you can change its value. It is very useful during unit testing.
   

PS: Once you complete simulation, then (best practice says) you should click on the Clear Execution State in Run Menu, before starting simulation again.