Getting started with the Automise Interface

Main Action List

The main action list is where you define your Windows automation project. The project script is a set of actions, which are executed from the top to the bottom. Actions may be laid out in a hierarchal manner so that you can add structure your Windows Automation Project. In the example to the right, some nodes of the build process from above have been collapsed ("Try" and "Catch") to draw the attention to other steps in the "Finally" action group.

The OnFailure action list is a special list of actions which will only be executed if your Windows automation project fails. OnFailure actions typically "clean up" so that the next project runs without error (eg. Delete files created during the project).

Action Types

The “Action Types” tab lists all the available actions for you to add to your Window’s automation project. The actions available include file operations, Archivers, CD/DVD burning, PsTools, Internet etc.. There are hundreds of actions to empower you to automate many tasks. If there is not a built in action for something you need to do as part of your build process, there are many ways to accomplish the task, including writing your own actions using ActionStudio.

To execute a project, either click the run button on the toolbar, or select the Run menu option from the Run menu. Running a project puts the Automise IDE into a running state where it automatically selects the current action being executed as well as displaying logging information in the build log (see below). When a build is running you cannot edit any actions, but you can change tabs at the bottom of the IDE so you can access the Run Status or Watches for example. You can also pause or stop a project using the Run menu or the toolbar buttons.

Run Log

The run log is where the output and logging messages go during the execution of an automation project. The log is organised in the same hierarchy as your project and records all the timing, status, and messages which occurred during the project’s execution. If “Live Log View” is selected, the run log is updated in real time, so that you can watch the progress of you Windows automation project.