Test Protocol — PastPaths Beta Testing
Thanks for helping beta test PastPaths! This protocol will help you go through the program's most important features systematically, so we get as much as possible out of the test.
Verify and adapt
This is a template — adapt the test cases to what you actually want beta testers to try.
How to report
For each test case — note whether it worked, whether something seemed off, or whether something broke entirely. See report a bug →
If something doesn't work at all — move on to the next test, don't skip all of them.
Preparation
Before you start:
- [ ] Install the latest version of PastPaths
- [ ] Note your operating system and version (e.g. Windows 11, version 23H2)
- [ ] Prepare a GEDCOM file to test import with (if you have one)
Test files if you want to try but don't know where to start:
Test block 1 — Installation and first start
| # |
Test |
Result |
| 1.1 |
Install the program — did it go through? |
|
| 1.2 |
Start the program for the first time |
|
Test block 2 — Persons
| # |
Test |
Result |
| 2.1 |
Create a new person with complete data |
|
| 2.2 |
Create a person with just a name + unknown date |
|
| 2.3 |
Edit the person afterward |
|
| 2.4 |
Search for the person in the list |
|
| 2.5 |
Add a parent relationship |
|
| 2.6 |
Add a partner relationship |
|
| 2.7 |
Mark the person as "living" |
|
| 2.8 |
Set a profile picture |
|
| 2.9 |
Delete a test person |
|
Test block 3 — Places
| # |
Test |
Result |
| 3.1 |
Create a new place |
|
| 3.2 |
Link the place to a person's birth |
|
| 3.3 |
Create a sub-place with a parent place |
|
| 3.4 |
Search for the place |
|
| 3.5 |
Show all persons linked to the place |
|
Test block 4 — Events
| # |
Test |
Result |
| 4.1 |
Create an event (marriage) with two persons |
|
| 4.2 |
Add a place to the event |
|
| 4.3 |
Add a note |
|
| 4.4 |
View the event from one of the persons' page |
|
| 4.5 |
Add a source to the event |
|
| # |
Test |
Result |
| 5.1 |
Upload an image |
|
| 5.2 |
Add a title and description |
|
| 5.3 |
Link the image to a person |
|
| 5.4 |
Link the image to an event |
|
| 5.5 |
Set the image as a person's profile picture |
|
| 5.6 |
Upload a PDF document |
|
| 5.7 |
Search the media library |
|
| 5.8 |
Delete a test image |
|
| # |
Test |
Result |
| 6.1 |
Import a small GEDCOM file (< 100 persons) |
|
| 6.2 |
Review that persons came in correctly |
|
| 6.3 |
Review that events came in |
|
| 6.4 |
Review that relationships are correct |
|
| 6.5 |
Review that images came along (if the GEDCOM had media) |
|
| 6.6 |
Undo the import |
|
| 6.7 |
Verify that the data disappeared after undoing |
|
Test block 7 — Blog
| # |
Test |
Result |
| 7.1 |
Create a new blog post |
|
| 7.2 |
Add an image to the post |
|
| 7.3 |
Save as draft |
|
| 7.4 |
Publish the post |
|
| 7.5 |
Add a tag and category |
|
| 7.6 |
Search the blog list |
|
Test block 8 — Reports
Adapt to whichever report features exist.
| # |
Test |
Result |
| 8.1 |
Create an ancestor chart |
|
| 8.2 |
Create a descendant chart |
|
| 8.3 |
Save as PDF |
|
| 8.4 |
Review that living persons are hidden |
|
Test block 9 — Backup and moving
| # |
Test |
Result |
| 9.1 |
Find the data folder on disk |
|
| 9.2 |
Close the program and copy the folder |
|
| 9.3 |
Restore from the copy |
|
Test block 10 — General usability
Subjective impressions — no "yes/no," just your thoughts:
- Did you find your way around the program? Was it clear what the different menu options did?
- Anything that was unclear or confusing?
- Any features missing that you expected?
- Things you particularly liked?
Final questions
- Would you keep using PastPaths for your own genealogy research? Why / why not?
- What three things do you think are most important to improve?
Thanks for your time! Your feedback makes PastPaths better.
→ Report bugs and feedback