1. soapUI: General Questions
When should I use soapUI?
Use it when you are developing/discovering Web Service clients or implementations and need a tool to test them interactively and/or create functional and load tests that can be run in a continuous integration environment.
What can't I do with soapUI?
Some of the more obvious missing features are WSDL authoring WS-Security support. Check out the Future Plans document to see what's missing (for now).
Does soapUI work with any Web Service technology?
soapUI is platform agnostic, you can use it for Web Services created with .NET, J2EE, Perl, PHP, etc. The only requirements on your Web Service are that they have a defining WSDL, that they are bound with the SOAP/HTTP binding, and that they do not use SOAP-Encoding (if you want to do validations)
2. soapUI Distribution and Execution
Why would I use the Java WebStart distribution?
Because it is easier to install and update. You won't have to download new versions and bug-fixes, the Java WebStart runtime does that for you. Also, minor updates/fixes will be added to the WebStart distribution continuously, whereas the offline distribution will be updated at relevant intervals.
Are there any differences between the Java WebStart distribution and the standalone distribution?
There are some differences:
1) The standalone distribution allows you to specify the workspace file as a command-line argument to soapUI
2) The WebStart classloader handling will prevent you from performing sandboxed operations from within your Groovy scripts
Does the Java WebStart distribution require me to be online when I want to use soapUI?
No, soapUI can run in offline mode. You may need to setup a start-icon for soapUI though (using the Java control panel).
3. soapUI Usage
How do I save the changes I make to my projects, requests, TestCases, etc?
soapUI automatically saves everything on exit. If you want to save your projects without exiting (for example if you want to commit your project file to CVS) use the "Save All" option in the main File menu
I have updated my XML Schema for my service but soapUI still generates/validates according to the old schema.
soapUI caches XML schemas when they are first loaded. If you need to force a reload of an interfaces schema either restart soapUI or use the "Update Definition" action for an interface and just specify the same URL as the current one.
4. Scripting
What languages are supported?
Groovy and JavaScript
What is Groovy?
It's a scripting language which is very similar to Java. read more here.
Where can I learn Groovy?
Here is an excellent guide to get started if you're a beginner.
How do I know which objects and methods I can use from Groovy?
You need to have a look at the API. It's pretty techical, but once you get your head around it, it will be your scripting bible.
Is there a collection of Tips & Tricks for soapUI scripts?
Yes, glad you asked! You can find it here.
5. soapUI Pro licenses
5.1. License terms - The basics
Where can I find your license agreement?
You can find it here.
How does the usage model for soapUI Pro look like?
It's pretty easy, the licenses are purchased per user, per year; one license grants one user the right to use soapUI Pro for one year.
OK, but how many computers can I use it on?
On as many as you like. Use it on the laptop, on your workstation, on your server, feel free to be creative! Just remember; one license, one user.
Which versions of soapUI Pro is my license valid for?
All versions.
Can I buy three licenses and use them for all 50 developers in the office?
No, 50 developers need 50 licenses.
Do you have floating licenses?
No, we do not like floating licenses, neither as customers nor as suppliers. However, we think our generous volume discounts will make your soapUI purchase more cost effective and you won’t suffer the drawbacks of a floating license.
5.2. License Terms - Special cases
I work as a consultant in a test house. I bought a soapUI Pro license for a job for one of my customers. Is it OK if I use that license performing tests for another customer?
No sorry, that means you’re effectively subletting the license which is against our EULA. You need one license per customer.
Is it OK to put soapUI Pro on a workstation and let somebody else use it?
No sorry, that is several users. One license, one user.
Do you have site licenses?
No, in most cases site licenses are not beneficial for the customer. Instead we have extremely generous volume discounts.
Do I have to buy a new license just to use the soapUI (Pro) Maven plugin?
No.
Can I use soapUI Pro on a virtual machine?
Yes you can, provided that only you as an individual (and other people with a personal license) use it. SoapUI Pro licenses are bound to you as a person, not to a specific machine.
5.3. Renewals and transferring of licenses
Why am I unable to apply my renewal license to soapUI?
Probably becuase your original license isn't loaded in soapUI.
To be able to apply a renewal license, your old Pro license needs to be loaded into soapUI. After you have loaded your old license file (even if it has expired), you can proceed to do the same thing with the renewal license. If you cannot find your original Pro license, please contact support.
How do I transfer a license from one computer to another
To be able to transfer your license from Computer A to Computer B, please do the following: - Locate your license on Computer A - Copy the license to an external storage e.g. a USB stick - Copy the license from the USB to a folder of your choice on Computer B - In soapUI, go to the Help Menu - Select "Update License" - Browse where you saved your license and click on OK
6. How to get support
6.1. The Pro support forum
I cannot post in the Pro forum although I'm a Pro user.
You should have gotten a username and password for the soapUI Pro Boards in the same e-mail as your license key. In the case of renewal licenses, no new forum user will be created so you need to refer to the e-mail that you once got your original license with.
But... I cannot find the license e-mail!
Please contact support with an e-mail describing your issue and containing your license details (In soapUI, click Help and then Show License Details).
6.2. Is the documentation available as PDF?
No, but all the documentation is freely available online. You can also view any part of the documentation as a pdf by clicking the pdf-icon at the top-left above the article (try it for this one).
The desicion to not have PDF documentation is not final though: If you would like to tell us how a PDF would make your life easier, please do that in this forum thread.
6.3. Is there a soapUI book available for purchase?
Not yet... that we know of.
