Test automation for business applications

A test framework suited for use with distributed business applications allows developers to specify a test, or suite of tests, to be easily selected and executed. Execution of a test suite instantiates objects such as a test runner and a test result object that set up, activate, and observe a test cycle. Results may be forwarded to a variety of special-purpose listeners which evaluate variable and state changes and ultimately determine pass/fail metrics. Results from profilers may be used to determine code coverage for each of the tests performed by the suite. APIs allow integration of the test framework with other development processes such as a be source code management system. In one embodiment, new or changed source code may not be checked in until successfully passing a test cycle.