Added variables list in "F1" dialog. They are modifiable. To be tested.

Allows any test item to store its result (or PASS/FAIL status when result
is None) into a named global variable, available to subsequent items via
$(variable_name). store_result runs after expected_result but before
no_fail so the real outcome is always captured.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

doc/manual/sphinx/source/conf.py

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ import os
 
 import sys
 sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath('../../../../src/testium/'))
+sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath('../../../../src/'))
 
 
 # -- Project information -----------------------------------------------------

doc/manual/sphinx/source/helper_lib.rst

@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ Global variables helper functions
 To manage values in the global variables dataset, the following testium library API
 must be used:
 
-.. automodule:: interpreter.utils.globdict
+.. automodule:: py_func.tm
    :members: gd, setgd, delgd
    :undoc-members:
    :no-index:

doc/manual/sphinx/source/test_items/items_common_attributes.rst

@@ -87,6 +87,10 @@ if not provided is given in the table as well.
     |                       |                   | see :ref:`Expected result<sec_expected_result>`       |
     |                       |                   | for details.                                          |
     +-----------------------+-------------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
+    | ``store_result``      | /                 | Store the test result in a global variable.           |
+    |                       |                   | see :ref:`Store result<sec_store_result>`             |
+    |                       |                   | for details.                                          |
+    +-----------------------+-------------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
 
 
 last test result
@@ -183,6 +187,61 @@ If the result and the expected_result is equal, the test will be *PASSED* if ``T
 The special ``$(result)`` variable is replaced in the ``expected_result`` attribute content with the test result value.
 
 
+.. _sec_store_result:
+
+Store result
+-----------------------------------------------
+
+The ``store_result`` attribute stores the test result into a named global variable,
+making it available to subsequent test items via ``$(variable_name)``.
+
+If the test item returns a value (e.g. ``py_func``, ``json_rpc``), that value is stored.
+If ``process_result`` is also specified, the stored value is the post-processed result.
+
+If the test item produces no value (result is ``None``), the stored value is the
+test status string: ``"PASS"`` or ``"FAIL"``, evaluated after ``expected_result``
+but **before** ``no_fail``. This ensures the real outcome is captured even when
+``no_fail: True`` would otherwise mask a failure.
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+    :caption: Store a function return value
+
+    - py_func:
+        name: Read sensor
+        func_name: read_temperature
+        store_result: temperature
+
+    - py_func:
+        name: Check temperature in range
+        func_name: check_range
+        param: [$(temperature), 20, 30]
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+    :caption: Store a post-processed value
+
+    - py_func:
+        name: Get firmware version string
+        func_name: get_version
+        process_result: "'$(result)'.split('.')[0]"
+        store_result: fw_major
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+    :caption: Store the pass/fail status of a test with no return value
+
+    - console:
+        name: Send command
+        console_name: device
+        steps:
+            - writeln: reboot
+            - read_until: {expected: "ready", timeout: 10}
+        store_result: reboot_status
+
+    - py_func:
+        name: Use reboot status
+        func_name: log_status
+        param: [$(reboot_status)]
+
+
 Export attribute
 -----------------------------------------------
 

doc/manual/sphinx/source/test_items/lua_func_test_item.rst

@@ -39,11 +39,14 @@ The ``lua_func`` test item is of the form:
 Beside common test items attributes, lua_func item has specific attribute, some of which being mandatory.
 
 * ``file``: the script file name that contains the function to be executed.
-  Only python script format is supported.
+  Only Lua script format is supported.
 * ``func_name``: The function name to be executed.
 * ``param``: This is a list of parameters that are passed to the function
   in the order they are presented in the script. These parameters are not
   mandatory and are highly dependent of the function prototype.
+* ``context_id``: Optional. When set, all ``lua_func`` items sharing the same
+  ``context_id`` value run inside the same persistent Lua subprocess for the
+  duration of the test. See :ref:`lua_func context<sec_lua_func_context>` for details.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
     :caption: ``lua_func`` test item example of usage
@@ -56,16 +59,71 @@ Beside common test items attributes, lua_func item has specific attribute, some
             - $(my_param)
 
 The result of the function (after eventual post treatment) is stored in the global
-variable named ``pfn_<func_name>``
+variable named ``lfn_<item_name>``
 (See :ref:`global variables<sec_global_variables>` for more detail
 on how to access to global variables from test items and scripts).
 
 In the example above, the global variable ``$(lfn_activity)``
 would be created at the end of the item execution. It would contain the resulting
-value of the funcToBeExecuted python function.
+value of the methodName Lua function.
 
 The ``lua_func`` will always result ``PASS``, except if the called function raises
-and exception or if the ``expected_result`` attribute is used.
+an exception or if the ``expected_result`` attribute is used.
+
+.. _sec_lua_func_context:
+
+Sharing state between ``lua_func`` calls
+------------------------------------------
+
+Each ``lua_func`` item without a ``context_id`` runs in a dedicated subprocess that
+is started and stopped around the call. Module-level variables are not preserved
+between two such items.
+
+Inside a ``lua_func`` script, the ``tm`` module exposes ``tm.setgd`` and ``tm.gd``
+to read and write the testium global dictionary of the test process. Values stored
+this way are accessible from any subsequent test item without requiring a shared
+subprocess.
+
+.. code-block:: lua
+    :caption: sharing a value via the global dictionary
+
+    local tm = require("tm")
+    local module = {}
+
+    function module.produce(val)
+        tm.setgd("my_shared_value", val)
+        return val
+    end
+
+    function module.consume()
+        return tm.gd("my_shared_value")
+    end
+
+    return module
+
+When ``context_id`` is set, all ``lua_func`` items that share the same identifier
+reuse the same persistent subprocess. This allows Lua-side state (upvalues, module
+cache) to be retained across calls beyond what ``tm.setgd`` persists.
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+    :caption: ``lua_func`` items sharing a persistent subprocess
+
+    - lua_func:
+        name: produce value
+        file: my_script.lua
+        func_name: produce
+        context_id: my_context
+        param:
+            - hello
+
+    - lua_func:
+        name: consume value
+        file: my_script.lua
+        func_name: consume
+        context_id: my_context
+        expected_result: hello
+
+The shared subprocess is automatically stopped at the end of the test run.
 
 **Lua Interpreter environment setup**
 

doc/manual/sphinx/source/test_items/py_func_test_item.rst

@@ -89,6 +89,9 @@ some of which being mandatory.
 * ``param``: This is a list of parameters that are passed to the function
   in the order they are presented in the script. These parameters are not
   mandatory and are highly dependent of the function prototype.
+* ``context_id``: Optional. When set, all ``py_func`` items sharing the same
+  ``context_id`` value run inside the same persistent Python subprocess for the
+  duration of the test. See :ref:`py_func context<sec_py_func_context>` for details.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
     :caption: ``py_func`` test item example of usage
@@ -111,6 +114,67 @@ value of the funcToBeExecuted python function.
 The ``py_func`` will always result ``PASS``, except if the called function raises
 and exception or if the ``expected_result`` attribute is used.
 
+.. _sec_py_func_context:
+
+Sharing state between ``py_func`` calls
+------------------------------------------
+
+Each ``py_func`` item without a ``context_id`` runs in a dedicated subprocess that
+is started and stopped around the call. State cannot be shared between two such
+items using module-level variables.
+
+Inside a ``py_func`` script, ``tm.setgd`` and ``tm.gd`` read and write the testium
+global dictionary. Values stored this way are accessible from any subsequent test
+item, including other ``py_func`` items, without requiring a shared subprocess.
+
+.. code-block:: python
+    :caption: sharing a value via the global dictionary
+
+    import py_func.tm as tm
+
+    def produce(val):
+        tm.setgd("my_shared_value", val)
+        return val
+
+    def consume():
+        return tm.gd("my_shared_value", None)
+
+When ``context_id`` is set, all ``py_func`` items that share the same identifier
+reuse the same persistent subprocess. This allows sharing any Python object across
+calls — including objects that cannot be transmitted to other processes.
+
+.. code-block:: python
+    :caption: sharing an object via ``context_id``
+
+    import py_func.tm as tm
+
+    def open_connection():
+        tm.setgd("conn", MyConnection())
+        return "ok"
+
+    def use_connection():
+        conn = tm.gd("conn")
+        return conn.status()
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+    :caption: ``py_func`` items sharing a persistent subprocess
+
+    - py_func:
+        name: open connection
+        file: my_script.py
+        func_name: open_connection
+        context_id: my_context
+        expected_result: ok
+
+    - py_func:
+        name: use connection
+        file: my_script.py
+        func_name: use_connection
+        context_id: my_context
+        expected_result: open
+
+The shared subprocess is automatically stopped at the end of the test run.
+
 **Python Interpreter environment setup**
 
 Some global variables have an impact on the ``py_func`` test item behavior:

src/lib/jrpc.py

@@ -228,7 +228,7 @@ class JsonRpcConnection:
         self.recv_thread.join()
 
     def is_alive(self):
-        self.recv_thread.is_alive()
+        return self.recv_thread.is_alive()
 
     def wait_ready(self, timeout=None):
         return self._event_ready.wait(timeout)

src/lib/tum_except.py

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import traceback
 import textwrap
+from contextlib import contextmanager
 
 
 class ETUMError(Exception):
@@ -67,6 +68,28 @@ class ETUMParamError(ETUMError):
         return lines
 
 
+@contextmanager
+def item_load_context(item_type: str, item_name: str, filename: str = ""):
+    """Context manager that enriches ETUMSyntaxError with item context during loading.
+
+    Usage in test item __init__:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
+            self.param = self._prms.getParam("param", required=True)
+    """
+    try:
+        yield
+    except ETUMSyntaxError as e:
+        raise ETUMSyntaxError(
+            f"In '{item_type}' item named '{item_name}':\n{e._message}",
+            filename or e._file,
+        ) from e
+    except Exception as e:
+        raise ETUMSyntaxError(
+            f"In '{item_type}' item named '{item_name}':\nUnexpected error: {e}",
+            filename,
+        ) from e
+
+
 def print_exception(exc: ETUMError):
     if not isinstance(exc, ETUMError):
         print(traceback.format_exc(4))

src/py_func/tm.py

@@ -1,19 +1,26 @@
 
+import json
 import sys
 from py_func.handle import FuncHandler
 from lib.tum_except import ETUMRuntimeError
 from lib.api import SUPPORTED_API
 
 thismodule = sys.modules[__name__]
-# Shared FuncHandler instance used to forward API calls. Remains None
-# until `_init_api` is invoked.
 _func_call_thread = None
 
+# Local storage for non-JSON-serializable values
+_local_dict = {}
+
+
+def _is_json_serializable(value):
+    try:
+        json.dumps(value)
+        return True
+    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+        return False
+
 
 ###############################################################################
-# Dynamically create module-level functions for each supported API name.
-# Each generated function shares the implementation of `api_call` but
-# has a distinct name used as the remote action identifier.
 def _make_api(name):
     def _wrapper(*params):
         if _func_call_thread is not None:
@@ -31,21 +38,86 @@ def _make_api(name):
     return _wrapper
 
 for k in SUPPORTED_API:
+    if k not in ('gd', 'setgd', 'delgd'):
         setattr(thismodule, k, _make_api(k))
 
-def _init_api(host, port, timeout):
-    """Start and initialize the remote function handler.
 
-    Starts a ``FuncHandler`` bound to ``port``, runs it and blocks until
-    it signals readiness.
+###############################################################################
+# gd/setgd/delgd with local-dict fallback for non-serializable values
 
-    Args:
-        port: port number or identifier passed to ``FuncHandler``.
+def gd(name, default=None):
+    """Return a value from the testium global dictionary.
 
-    Returns:
-        The initialized ``FuncHandler`` instance assigned to
-        ``_func_call_thread``.
+    The value is accessible from any test item and from any ``py_func``
+    subprocess, regardless of the ``context_id`` used.
+
+    :param name: Name of the entry to retrieve.
+    :type name: str
+    :param default: Value returned when the key is absent. Defaults to ``None``.
+    :return: The stored value, or *default* if not found.
     """
+    if name is not None and name in _local_dict:
+        return _local_dict[name]
+    if _func_call_thread is not None:
+        res = _func_call_thread.call("gd", (name, default))
+        if "result" in res:
+            return res["result"]
+        elif "error" in res:
+            raise ETUMRuntimeError(f"api call to 'tm.gd' failed with error '{res['error']}'")
+        else:
+            raise ETUMRuntimeError("api call failure in jrpc client to be reported to testium support team.")
+    raise ETUMRuntimeError("api not initialized")
+
+
+def setgd(name, value):
+    """Store a value in the testium global dictionary.
+
+    The stored value is accessible from any subsequent test item and from any
+    ``py_func`` subprocess via :func:`gd`.
+
+    When ``context_id`` is used on the ``py_func`` item, any Python object
+    (including those that cannot be transmitted to other processes) can be
+    stored and shared between calls running in the same subprocess.
+
+    :param name: Name of the entry to set.
+    :type name: str
+    :param value: Value to store.
+    """
+    if name is not None and not _is_json_serializable(value):
+        _local_dict[name] = value
+        return None
+    if _func_call_thread is not None:
+        res = _func_call_thread.call("setgd", (name, value))
+        if "result" in res:
+            return res["result"]
+        elif "error" in res:
+            raise ETUMRuntimeError(f"api call to 'tm.setgd' failed with error '{res['error']}'")
+        else:
+            raise ETUMRuntimeError("api call failure in jrpc client to be reported to testium support team.")
+    raise ETUMRuntimeError("api not initialized")
+
+
+def delgd(name):
+    """Remove an entry from the testium global dictionary.
+
+    :param name: Name of the entry to remove.
+    :type name: str
+    """
+    if name is not None and name in _local_dict:
+        del _local_dict[name]
+        return None
+    if _func_call_thread is not None:
+        res = _func_call_thread.call("delgd", (name,))
+        if "result" in res:
+            return res["result"]
+        elif "error" in res:
+            raise ETUMRuntimeError(f"api call to 'tm.delgd' failed with error '{res['error']}'")
+        else:
+            raise ETUMRuntimeError("api call failure in jrpc client to be reported to testium support team.")
+    raise ETUMRuntimeError("api not initialized")
+
+
+def _init_api(host, port, timeout):
     global _func_call_thread
     _func_call_thread = FuncHandler(host, port, timeout=timeout)
     return _func_call_thread
@@ -53,17 +125,10 @@ def _init_api(host, port, timeout):
 
 ###############################################################################
 def _remote_print(*values):
-    """Forward print-like output to the remote handler.
-
-    If a ``_func_call_thread`` is available, this function calls the
-    handler with action name ``"print"`` and the provided values. Errors
-    during forwarding are ignored because printing is best-effort.
-    """
     if _func_call_thread is not None:
         try:
             _func_call_thread.call("print", values)
         except:
-            # Best-effort: ignore forwarding failures
             pass
 
 

src/testium/interpreter/process.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import copy
 from lib.string_queue import StringQueue
 from lib.tum_except import print_exception, ETUMRuntimeError, ETUMSyntaxError
 import libs.testium as tm
+import interpreter.utils.globdict as globdict
 from interpreter.utils.params import expanse
 from interpreter.utils.test_ctrl import TestSetController
 from interpreter.utils.test_init import (
@@ -255,6 +256,7 @@ Is the python exec path correct ?"""
                                 try:
                                     test_run_init()
                                     print(test_run_header())
+                                    globdict.set_update_queue(self.__squeue)
                                     test_set.execute()
                                 finally:
                                     if test_set.success():
@@ -265,8 +267,16 @@ Is the python exec path correct ?"""
                                 test_set.run_post_exec()
                             finally:
                                 self.__exec = False
+                                # Stop shared context engines before restore_gd wipes them
+                                for engine in tm.gd("_py_func_contexts", {}).values():
+                                    engine.stop()
+                                    engine.join()
+                                for engine in tm.gd("_lua_func_contexts", {}).values():
+                                    engine.stop()
+                                    engine.join()
                                 # Sends signal to the GUI
                                 self.send_finished()
+                                globdict.set_update_queue(None)
                                 restore_gd(gdict)
                         except Exception as e:
                             print_exception(e)
@@ -275,6 +285,13 @@ Is the python exec path correct ?"""
                     # Stop python eval execution process
                     eval_proc.stop()
                     eval_proc.join()
+                    # Stop shared func context engines (keep_context_id)
+                    for engine in tm.gd("_py_func_contexts", {}).values():
+                        engine.stop()
+                        engine.join()
+                    for engine in tm.gd("_lua_func_contexts", {}).values():
+                        engine.stop()
+                        engine.join()
 
             except Exception as e:
                 print_exception(e)
@@ -297,6 +314,9 @@ Is the python exec path correct ?"""
             "enabled_state": test_set.getEnabledState,
             "process_param": self.process_param,
             "set_test_outputs": self.set_test_outputs,
+            "get_gd_vars": self.get_gd_vars,
+            "set_gd_var": self.set_gd_var,
+            "del_gd_var": self.del_gd_var,
             "set_enabled_state": test_set.setEnabledState,
             "check_uncheck_all": test_set.checkUncheckAll,
             "get_folded": test_set.getFolded,
@@ -330,6 +350,25 @@ Is the python exec path correct ?"""
     def set_test_outputs(self, outputs: list):
         tm.setgd("test_outputs", outputs)
 
+    def get_gd_vars(self):
+        import json
+        result = {}
+        for k, v in globdict.global_dict.items():
+            if k.startswith("_"):
+                continue
+            try:
+                json.dumps(v)
+                result[k] = v
+            except (TypeError, ValueError):
+                pass
+        return result
+
+    def set_gd_var(self, name: str, value):
+        tm.setgd(name, value)
+
+    def del_gd_var(self, name: str):
+        tm.delgd(name)
+
     def process_control_commands(self, tctrl):
         term = False
         while (not term) and (not self.__closed):

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/dialog_choices_files/choices_dialog.py

@@ -185,7 +185,9 @@ def main(args, conn=None):
     SettingsApplication = "testium_choices_dlg_" + args[0]
     SettingsLastChoices = "last_choice"
     success = True
-    app = QApplication()
+    from interpreter.test_items import dialog_env
+    dialog_env.setup()
+    app = QApplication(['testium'])
     d = ChoicesDialog()
     d.setFixedSize(800, 600)
     d.setWindowFlags(Qt.WindowStaysOnTopHint)

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/dialog_env.py

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+"""Qt platform environment setup for dialog subprocesses.
+
+Call setup() at the start of every dialog subprocess main() function
+to ensure the correct Qt platform plugin is selected.
+"""
+import sys
+import os
+
+
+def setup():
+    """Configure the Qt environment for dialog subprocess usage."""
+    if sys.platform.startswith('linux'):
+        # On Linux/Wayland, force X11 (via XWayland) to avoid crashes
+        # when Qt is initialized inside a multiprocessing subprocess.
+        os.environ['QT_QPA_PLATFORM'] = 'xcb'

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/dialog_image_files/dialog_image.py

@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 import sys
-import os
 
 from PySide6.QtCore import (Qt)
 from PySide6.QtWidgets import (QApplication, QDialog)
@@ -18,7 +17,9 @@ class TestDialogWindow(QDialog, dialog_image_win.Ui_Dialog):
 
 def main(args, conn):
     success = True
-    app = QApplication(args)
+    from interpreter.test_items import dialog_env
+    dialog_env.setup()
+    app = QApplication(['testium'])
     d = TestDialogWindow()
     d.setFixedSize(700,600)
     d.setWindowFlags(Qt.WindowStaysOnTopHint)

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/dialog_msg_files/msg_dialog.py

@@ -1,26 +1,30 @@
 import sys
-import os
-
-from PySide6.QtWidgets import (QApplication, QDialog)
-from PySide6.QtCore import (Qt)
-from PySide6.QtWidgets import QMessageBox
 from multiprocessing import freeze_support
 
+from PySide6.QtWidgets import (QApplication, QMessageBox)
+from PySide6.QtCore import Qt
+
+
 def main(args):
-    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
-    reply = QMessageBox.information(None, args[0], args[1], QMessageBox.Ok)
+    from interpreter.test_items import dialog_env
+    dialog_env.setup()
+    app = QApplication(['testium'])
+    msg = QMessageBox()
+    msg.setWindowFlags(Qt.WindowStaysOnTopHint)
+    msg.setWindowTitle(args[0])
+    msg.setText(args[1])
+    msg.setIcon(QMessageBox.Information)
+    msg.setStandardButtons(QMessageBox.Ok)
+    msg.exec()
 
     if hasattr(sys, "frozen"):
-        #all standard streams are replaced by dummy one to avoid cx_freeze flushing bug.
         class dummyStream:
-            ''' dummyStream behaves like a stream but does nothing. '''
             def __init__(self): pass
             def write(self, data): pass
             def read(self, data): pass
             def flush(self): pass
             def close(self): pass
 
-        # and now redirect all default streams to this dummyStream:
         sys.stdout = dummyStream()
         sys.stderr = dummyStream()
         sys.stdin = dummyStream()
@@ -31,6 +35,3 @@ def main(args):
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
     main(sys.argv[1:])
-
-
-

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/dialog_note_files/test_dialog.py

@@ -14,7 +14,9 @@ class TestDialogWindow(QDialog, dialog_note_win.Ui_Dialog):
 
 def main(args, conn=None):
     success = True
-    app = QApplication(args)
+    from interpreter.test_items import dialog_env
+    dialog_env.setup()
+    app = QApplication(['testium'])
     d = TestDialogWindow()
     d.setFixedSize(387,224)
     d.setWindowFlags(Qt.WindowStaysOnTopHint)

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/dialog_question_files/question_dialog.py

@@ -1,29 +1,36 @@
 import sys
-import os
-
-from PySide6.QtWidgets import (QApplication, QDialog)
-from PySide6.QtCore import (Qt)
-from PySide6.QtWidgets import QMessageBox
 from multiprocessing import freeze_support
 
-def main(args, conn):
-    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
-    reply = QMessageBox.question(None, args[0], args[1], QMessageBox.Yes|QMessageBox.No)
+from PySide6.QtWidgets import (QApplication, QMessageBox)
+from PySide6.QtCore import Qt
 
+
+def main(args, conn):
+    try:
+        from interpreter.test_items import dialog_env
+        dialog_env.setup()
+        app = QApplication(['testium'])
+        msg = QMessageBox()
+        msg.setWindowFlags(Qt.WindowStaysOnTopHint)
+        msg.setWindowTitle(args[0])
+        msg.setText(args[1])
+        msg.setIcon(QMessageBox.Question)
+        msg.setStandardButtons(QMessageBox.Yes | QMessageBox.No)
+        reply = msg.exec()
         conn.send(reply)
+    except Exception as e:
+        print(f"dialog_question error: {e}", file=sys.stderr)
+    finally:
         conn.close()
 
     if hasattr(sys, "frozen"):
-        #all standard streams are replaced by dummy one to avoid cx_freeze flushing bug.
         class dummyStream:
-            ''' dummyStream behaves like a stream but does nothing. '''
             def __init__(self): pass
             def write(self, data): pass
             def read(self, data): pass
             def flush(self): pass
             def close(self): pass
 
-        # and now redirect all default streams to this dummyStream:
         sys.stdout = dummyStream()
         sys.stderr = dummyStream()
         sys.stdin = dummyStream()

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/dialog_sleep_files/dialog_sleep.py

@@ -39,7 +39,9 @@ class DialogSleepWindow(QDialog, dialog_sleep_win.Ui_SleepDialogWindow):
 
 def main(args, conn=None):
     success = True
-    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    from interpreter.test_items import dialog_env
+    dialog_env.setup()
+    app = QApplication(['testium'])
     d = DialogSleepWindow()
     d.setFixedSize(379,129)
     d.setWindowFlags(Qt.WindowStaysOnTopHint)

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/dialog_value_files/test_dialog.py

@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ class TestDialogWindow(QDialog, dialog_value_win.Ui_Dialog):
 
 def main(args, conn=None):
     success = True
-    app = QApplication(args)
+    from interpreter.test_items import dialog_env
+    dialog_env.setup()
+    app = QApplication(['testium'])
     d = TestDialogWindow()
     d.setFixedSize(387,224)
     d.setWindowFlags(Qt.WindowStaysOnTopHint)

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item.py

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ import libs.testium as tm
 from interpreter.utils.params import TestItemParams
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst_type
 from interpreter.utils.eval import eval_to_boolean, evaluate, post_evaluate
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError
+from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError, item_load_context
 
 LOG_TEST_STOP = '<----- step "{}" finished'
 LOG_TEST_START = '-----> step "{}" started'
@@ -101,6 +101,7 @@ class TestItem:
         self.status_queue = status_queue
         self._execute_on_stop = False
         self._post_eval = None
+        self._store_result = None
         self._expected_result = None
         self._no_fail = None
         self._is_stopped = False
@@ -131,11 +132,11 @@ class TestItem:
                 if s:
                     try:
                         self.skipped = eval_to_boolean(s)
-                    except:
+                    except Exception as e:
                         raise ETUMSyntaxError(
                             f"'{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}':\nskipped expresion can only be a static expression as it is evaluated during loading of TUM : {s}",
                             self.seqFilename(),
-                        )
+                        ) from e
                 # This allow disabling test item directly by using its name inside param.yaml file
                 elif self._name in tm.gd("skipped_test_item", []):
                     self.skipped = True
@@ -155,6 +156,9 @@ class TestItem:
                 if "process_result" in dict_item:
                     self._post_eval = dict_item["process_result"]
 
+                if "store_result" in dict_item:
+                    self._store_result = dict_item["store_result"]
+
                 if "expected_result" in dict_item:
                     self._expected_result = dict_item["expected_result"]
 
@@ -164,11 +168,13 @@ class TestItem:
                 self.banner = LOG_TEST_START.format(self._name)
                 self.footer = LOG_TEST_STOP.format(self._name)
 
-            except:
+            except ETUMSyntaxError:
+                raise
+            except Exception as e:
                 raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                    f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' has a missing or wrong parameter",
+                    f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' has an unexpected loading error: {e}",
                     self.seqFilename(),
-                )
+                ) from e
 
         self.result = TestResult(self, TestValue.FAILURE, "Failure by default")
 
@@ -275,6 +281,9 @@ class TestItem:
         self.process_result()
         # expected_result treatment
         self.result_expected()
+        # Store result in a global variable if requested (before no_fail so
+        # the real outcome is captured when result.value is None)
+        self.store_result()
         # Case of the no_fail true parameter
         self.process_no_fail()
 
@@ -317,6 +326,17 @@ class TestItem:
             print(e)
             self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE, "Result processing failed")
 
+    def store_result(self):
+        if self._store_result is None:
+            return
+        var_name = self._prms.expanse(self._store_result)
+        if self.result.value is None:
+            value = str(self.result.test_result)
+        else:
+            value = self.result.value
+        tm.setgd(var_name, value)
+        print(f"Stored result in '$({var_name})': {value}")
+
     def process_report(self, report_eval):
         tm.print_debug(f"Export reported values:")
         rep_eval = self._prms.expanse(report_eval)

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_check.py

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 
 from interpreter.test_items.test_item import (TestItem, test_run)
 from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestValue
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError
+from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError, item_load_context
 import libs.testium as tm
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst
 from interpreter.utils.eval import evaluate
@@ -15,21 +15,16 @@ class TestItemCheckValue(TestItem):
         super().__init__(dict_item, parent, status_queue, filename=filename)
         self._type = cst.TYPE_CHECK
         self.is_container = False
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self._action_list = self._prms.getParamAll('steps', default=[], required=False)
             if len(self._action_list) > 0:
                 tm.print_warn("'steps' argument of check test item is deprecated and is replaced by 'values'")
             self._action_list += self._prms.getParamAll('values', default=[], required=False)
             if len(self._action_list) <= 0:
                 raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                    f" The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' must have a 'values' parameter",
+                    f"Missing required 'values' parameter",
                     self.seqFilename()
                 )
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' (a child of: '{self.parent().name()}') has a missing or wrong parameter",
-                self.seqFilename(),
-            )
 
     @test_run
     def execute(self):

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_choices_dialog.py

@@ -1,48 +1,35 @@
-from multiprocessing import Process, Pipe
-
-from interpreter.test_items.test_item import TestItem, test_run
-from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestResult, TestValue
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item import test_run
+from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestValue
 from interpreter.test_items.dialog_choices_files import choices_dialog
-import libs.testium as tm
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item_dialog_base import TestItemDialogBase
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst
+from lib.tum_except import item_load_context
+import libs.testium as tm
 
 
-class TestItemChoicesDialog(TestItem):
+class TestItemChoicesDialog(TestItemDialogBase):
     def __init__(self, dict_item, parent=None, status_queue=None, filename=""):
         self._name = cst.TYPE_CHOICES_DLG.item_name
         super().__init__(dict_item, parent, status_queue, filename=filename)
         self._type = cst.TYPE_CHOICES_DLG
         self.is_container = False
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self._question = self._prms.getParam("question", required=True)
             self._choices = self._prms.getParam("choices", required=True)
-            self._default_icon = self._prms.getParam(
-                "icon", required=False, default=None
-            )
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' (a child of: '{self.parent().name()}') has a missing or wrong parameter",
-                self.seqFilename()
-            )
+            self._default_icon = self._prms.getParam("icon", required=False, default=None)
 
     @test_run
     def execute(self):
         q = self._prms.expanse(self._question)
         choices = self._prms.expanse(self._choices)
         icon = self._prms.expanse(self._default_icon)
-        parent_conn, child_conn = Pipe()
-        p = Process(
-            target=choices_dialog.main, args=([self.name(), q, choices, icon], child_conn)
-        )
-        p.start()
-        val, succ = parent_conn.recv()
-        p.join()
-
+        result = self._run_dialog_with_result(choices_dialog.main, [self.name(), q, choices, icon])
+        if result is None:
+            self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE, "Dialog subprocess exited without returning a result")
+            return
+        val, succ = result
         self.result.value = val
-
         if succ:
-            # The result of the test item is put into the global dict
             tm.setgd("cs_" + self._name, val)
             self.result.set(TestValue.SUCCESS, str(val))
         else:

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_dialog_base.py

@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+import multiprocessing
+
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item import TestItem
+
+_spawn_ctx = multiprocessing.get_context('spawn')
+
+
+class TestItemDialogBase(TestItem):
+    """Base class for test items that launch a Qt dialog in a subprocess."""
+
+    def _cleanup_process(self, p):
+        if p.is_alive():
+            p.terminate()
+            p.join(timeout=0.2)
+            if p.is_alive():
+                p.kill()
+        p.join()
+
+    def _run_dialog(self, target, args):
+        """Launch target(args) in a subprocess with no return value.
+
+        Returns the subprocess exit code.
+        """
+        p = _spawn_ctx.Process(target=target, args=(args,))
+        p.start()
+        while p.is_alive() and not self._is_stopped:
+            p.join(timeout=0.5)
+        self._cleanup_process(p)
+        return p.exitcode
+
+    def _run_dialog_with_result(self, target, args):
+        """Launch target(args, child_conn) in a subprocess and return what it sends.
+
+        Returns the received value, or None if stopped or if the subprocess crashed.
+        """
+        parent_conn, child_conn = _spawn_ctx.Pipe()
+        p = _spawn_ctx.Process(target=target, args=(args, child_conn))
+        p.start()
+        child_conn.close()
+        result = None
+        while p.is_alive() and not self._is_stopped:
+            if parent_conn.poll(0.5):
+                result = parent_conn.recv()
+                break
+        self._cleanup_process(p)
+        return result

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_image_dialog.py

@@ -1,41 +1,29 @@
 import os
-import sys
-from multiprocessing import Process, Pipe
 
-from interpreter.test_items.test_item import TestItem, test_run
-from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestResult, TestValue
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item import test_run
+from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestValue
 from interpreter.test_items.dialog_image_files import dialog_image
-import libs.testium as tm
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item_dialog_base import TestItemDialogBase
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError
+from lib.tum_except import item_load_context
+import libs.testium as tm
 
 
-class TestItemImageDialog(TestItem):
+class TestItemImageDialog(TestItemDialogBase):
     """dialog_image item usage.
     dialog_image name: Nice image, question: could you press the red button, filename: img.jpg
     """
-
     def __init__(self, dict_item, parent=None, status_queue=None, filename=""):
         self._name = cst.TYPE_IMAGE_DLG.item_name
         super().__init__(dict_item, parent, status_queue, filename=filename)
         self._type = cst.TYPE_IMAGE_DLG
         self.is_container = False
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self._question = self._prms.getParam("question", required=True)
             self._filename = self._prms.getParam("filename", required=True)
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' has a missing or wrong parameter",
-                self.seqFilename(),
-            )
 
     @test_run
     def execute(self):
-        ourpath = __file__
-        test_file = os.path.join(
-            os.path.dirname(ourpath), "dialog_image_files", "dialog_image.py"
-        )
-
         q = self._prms.expanse(self._question)
         image_path = self._prms.expanse(self._filename)
         print("Image Displayed:\n" + q + "\n" + image_path)
@@ -43,29 +31,10 @@ class TestItemImageDialog(TestItem):
             image_path = os.path.normpath(
                 os.path.join(tm.gd("test_directory"), image_path)
             )
-
-        parent_conn, child_conn = Pipe()
-        p = Process(
-            target=dialog_image.main, args=([self.name(), q, image_path], child_conn)
-        )
-        p.start()
-        succ = parent_conn.recv()
-        p.join()
-        if succ:
+        succ = self._run_dialog_with_result(dialog_image.main, [self.name(), q, image_path])
+        if succ is None:
+            self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE, "Dialog subprocess exited without returning a result")
+        elif succ:
             self.result.set(TestValue.SUCCESS)
         else:
             self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE)
-
-
-def mypath():
-    if hasattr(sys, "frozen"):
-        return os.path.dirname(sys.executable)
-    return os.path.dirname(__file__)
-
-
-from multiprocessing import Process
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":
-    p = Process(target=test_dialog.main, args=(["bob", "bab"],))
-    p.start()
-    p.join()

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_let.py

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import time
 
 from interpreter.test_items.test_item import (TestItem, test_run)
 from interpreter.test_items.test_result import (TestResult, TestValue)
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError
+from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError, item_load_context
 import libs.testium as tm
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst
 
@@ -19,16 +19,11 @@ class TestItemLet(TestItem):
         super().__init__(dict_item, parent, status_queue, filename=filename)
         self._type = cst.TYPE_LET
         self.is_container = False
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self._values_list = self._prms.getParamAll('values', default=[], required=False)
             if len(self._values_list) <= 0:
                 raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                    f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' must have a 'values' parameter",
-                    self.seqFilename(),
-                )
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' has a missing or wrong parameter",
+                    f"Missing required 'values' parameter",
                     self.seqFilename(),
                 )
 

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_lua_func.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import traceback
 import pprint
 import textwrap
 
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError, ETUMRuntimeError
+from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError, ETUMRuntimeError, item_load_context
 from interpreter.test_items.test_item import TestItem, test_run
 from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestValue
 import libs.testium as tm
@@ -12,10 +12,13 @@ from interpreter.utils.lua_func_exec import LuaFuncExecEngine
 from interpreter.utils.api_srv import api_request
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst
 
+_LUA_FUNC_CONTEXTS_KEY = "_lua_func_contexts"
+
 
 class TestItemLuaFunc(TestItem):
     """lua_func item usage.
     func file: func_file.lua, func_name: func, param: [$(variable1), [1, 2, 3], true]
+    Optional: context_id: <id>  — share a persistent process with other lua_func items using the same id.
     """
 
     def __init__(self, dict_item, parent=None, status_queue=None, filename=""):
@@ -23,18 +26,25 @@ class TestItemLuaFunc(TestItem):
         super().__init__(dict_item, parent, status_queue, filename=filename)
         self._type = cst.TYPE_LUA_FUNCTION
         self.is_container = False
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self.file_name = self._prms.getParam("file", required=True)
             self.func_name = self._prms.getParam("func_name", required=True)
             self.params = self._prms.getParamAll("param")
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' (child of '{self.parent.name()}') has a missing or wrong parameter",
-                self.seqFilename(),
-            )
-        # Lua functions call subprocess initialization
+            self._context_id = self._prms.getParam("context_id", default=None, processed=False)
         self._lua_func_proc = LuaFuncExecEngine(tm.gd("lua_bin", ""), api_request, 10)
 
+    def _get_engine(self):
+        """Return (engine, persistent). If context_id is set, use a shared persistent engine."""
+        if self._context_id is None:
+            return self._lua_func_proc, False
+
+        ctx_id = self._prms.expanse(self._context_id)
+        contexts = tm.gd(_LUA_FUNC_CONTEXTS_KEY, {})
+        if ctx_id not in contexts:
+            contexts[ctx_id] = LuaFuncExecEngine(tm.gd("lua_bin", ""), api_request, 10)
+            tm.setgd(_LUA_FUNC_CONTEXTS_KEY, contexts)
+        return contexts[ctx_id], True
+
     @test_run
     def execute(self):
         self.result.set(
@@ -48,8 +58,11 @@ class TestItemLuaFunc(TestItem):
             print("Parameters list:")
             print(textwrap.indent(pprint.pformat(pl), " |"))
 
-            self._lua_func_proc.start()
-            if not self._lua_func_proc.wait_ready(10):
+            engine, persistent = self._get_engine()
+
+            if not engine.is_alive():
+                engine.start()
+                if not engine.wait_ready(10):
                     raise ETUMRuntimeError(
                         f"""Impossible to start the external lua execution process.
 Is the lua path correct ?
@@ -59,11 +72,11 @@ Is the lua environnment well defined in the "LUA_PATH" and "LUA_CPATH" variables
                     )
 
             try:
-                success, ret = self._lua_func_proc.func_call(self.file_name, self.func_name, pl)
+                success, ret = engine.func_call(self.file_name, self.func_name, pl)
             finally:
-                # Stops lua function execution process
-                self._lua_func_proc.stop()
-                self._lua_func_proc.join()
+                if not persistent:
+                    engine.stop()
+                    engine.join()
 
             if success == TestValue.SUCCESS:
                 self.result.set(TestValue.SUCCESS)
@@ -73,7 +86,6 @@ Is the lua environnment well defined in the "LUA_PATH" and "LUA_CPATH" variables
                 print("Returned value:")
                 print(textwrap.indent(pprint.pformat(res), " |"))
 
-                # The result of the func test item is put in global dir and result
                 tm.setgd("lfn_" + self._name, res)
                 self.result.value = res
 
@@ -88,5 +100,5 @@ Is the lua environnment well defined in the "LUA_PATH" and "LUA_CPATH" variables
             traceback.print_exception(*sys.exc_info())
             self.result.set(
                 TestValue.FAILURE,
-                'Unrecoverable "py_func" item error from {}'.format(self.func_name),
+                'Unrecoverable "lua_func" item error from {}'.format(self.func_name),
             )

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_msg_dialog.py

@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
 import os
 import sys
-from multiprocessing import Process, Pipe
 
-from interpreter.test_items.test_item import (TestItem, test_run)
-from interpreter.test_items.test_result import (TestValue)
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item import test_run
+from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestValue
 from interpreter.test_items.dialog_msg_files import msg_dialog
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item_dialog_base import TestItemDialogBase
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError
+from lib.tum_except import item_load_context
 
-class TestItemMsgDialog(TestItem):
+
+class TestItemMsgDialog(TestItemDialogBase):
     """dialog_message item usage.
     dialog_message name: Nice message, question: Open the door and press OK
     """
@@ -17,38 +18,15 @@ class TestItemMsgDialog(TestItem):
         super().__init__(dict_item, parent, status_queue, filename=filename)
         self._type = cst.TYPE_MESSAGE_DLG
         self.is_container = False
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self._question = self._prms.getParam('question', required=True)
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' has a missing or wrong parameter",
-                self.seqFilename(),
-            )
 
     @test_run
     def execute(self):
-        ourpath = __file__
-        test_file = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(ourpath),
-                                 'dialog_msg_files',
-                                 'msg_dialog.py')
-
         q = self._prms.expanse(self._question)
         print("Message Displayed:\n" + q)
-        parent_conn, child_conn = Pipe()
-        p=Process(target=msg_dialog.main,
-                    args=([self.name(), q],))
-        p.start()
-        p.join()
+        exitcode = self._run_dialog(msg_dialog.main, [self.name(), q])
+        if exitcode == 0:
             self.result.set(TestValue.SUCCESS)
-
-def mypath():
-    if hasattr(sys, "frozen"):
-        return os.path.dirname(sys.executable)
-    return os.path.dirname(__file__)
-
-from multiprocessing import Process
-
-if __name__=='__main__':
-    p=Process(target=msg_dialog.main,  args=(['bob', 'bab'],))
-    p.start()
-    p.join()
+        else:
+            self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE, f"Dialog subprocess exited with code {exitcode}")

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_note_dialog.py

@@ -1,42 +1,30 @@
-import os
-import sys
-from multiprocessing import Process, Pipe
-
-from interpreter.test_items.test_item import (TestItem, test_run)
-from interpreter.test_items.test_result import (TestResult, TestValue)
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item import test_run
+from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestValue
 from interpreter.test_items.dialog_note_files import test_dialog
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError
-import libs.testium as tm
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item_dialog_base import TestItemDialogBase
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst
+from lib.tum_except import item_load_context
+import libs.testium as tm
 
-class TestItemNoteDialog(TestItem):
+
+class TestItemNoteDialog(TestItemDialogBase):
     def __init__(self, dict_item, parent=None, status_queue=None, filename=""):
         self._name = cst.TYPE_NOTE_DLG.item_name
         super().__init__(dict_item, parent, status_queue, filename=filename)
         self._type = cst.TYPE_NOTE_DLG
         self.is_container = False
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self._question = self._prms.getParam('question', required=True)
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' has a missing or wrong parameter",
-                self.seqFilename(),
-            )
 
     @test_run
     def execute(self):
-        ourpath = __file__
-        test_file = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(ourpath),
-                                 'dialog_note_files',
-                                 'test_dialog.py')
-
         q = self._prms.expanse(self._question)
         print("Question:\n" + q)
-        parent_conn, child_conn = Pipe()
-        p=Process(target=test_dialog.main,  args=([self.name(), q],child_conn))
-        p.start()
-        val, succ = parent_conn.recv()
-        p.join()
+        result = self._run_dialog_with_result(test_dialog.main, [self.name(), q])
+        if result is None:
+            self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE, "Dialog subprocess exited without returning a result")
+            return
+        val, succ = result
         tm.setgd(self.name(), val)
         print("\n" + ("-" * 80) + "\n")
         print("- Test note\n")
@@ -48,15 +36,3 @@ class TestItemNoteDialog(TestItem):
             self.result.set(TestValue.SUCCESS, val)
         else:
             self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE, val)
-
-def mypath():
-    if hasattr(sys, "frozen"):
-        return os.path.dirname(sys.executable)
-    return os.path.dirname(__file__)
-
-from multiprocessing import Process
-
-if __name__=='__main__':
-    p=Process(target=test_dialog.main,  args=(['bob', 'bab'],))
-    p.start()
-    p.join()

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_py_func.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import time
 import pprint
 import textwrap
 
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError, ETUMRuntimeError
+from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError, ETUMRuntimeError, item_load_context
 from interpreter.test_items.test_item import TestItem, test_run
 from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestValue
 import libs.testium as tm
@@ -12,10 +12,13 @@ from interpreter.utils.py_func_exec import PyFuncExecEngine
 from interpreter.utils.api_srv import api_request
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst
 
+_PY_FUNC_CONTEXTS_KEY = "_py_func_contexts"
+
 
 class TestItemPyFunc(TestItem):
     """py_func item usage.
     func file: func_file.py, func_name: func, param: [$(variable1), [1, 2, 3], true]
+    Optional: context_id: <id>  — share a persistent process with other py_func items using the same id.
     """
 
     def __init__(self, dict_item, parent=None, status_queue=None, filename=""):
@@ -23,17 +26,25 @@ class TestItemPyFunc(TestItem):
         super().__init__(dict_item, parent, status_queue, filename=filename)
         self._type = cst.TYPE_PY_FUNCTION
         self.is_container = False
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self.file_name = self._prms.getParam("file", required=True)
             self.func_name = self._prms.getParam("func_name", required=True)
             self.params = self._prms.getParamAll("param")
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' (child of '{self.parent.name()}') has a missing or wrong parameter",
-                self.seqFilename(),
-            )
+            self._context_id = self._prms.getParam("context_id", default=None, processed=False)
         self._py_func_proc = PyFuncExecEngine(tm.gd("python_bin", ""), api_request, 10)
 
+    def _get_engine(self):
+        """Return (engine, persistent). If context_id is set, use a shared persistent engine."""
+        if self._context_id is None:
+            return self._py_func_proc, False
+
+        ctx_id = self._prms.expanse(self._context_id)
+        contexts = tm.gd(_PY_FUNC_CONTEXTS_KEY, {})
+        if ctx_id not in contexts:
+            contexts[ctx_id] = PyFuncExecEngine(tm.gd("python_bin", ""), api_request, 10)
+            tm.setgd(_PY_FUNC_CONTEXTS_KEY, contexts)
+        return contexts[ctx_id], True
+
     @test_run
     def execute(self):
         self.result.set(
@@ -47,20 +58,23 @@ class TestItemPyFunc(TestItem):
             print("Parameters list:")
             print(textwrap.indent(pprint.pformat(pl), " |"))
 
-            # start the process for executing external python
-            self._py_func_proc.start()
-            if not self._py_func_proc.wait_ready():
+            engine, persistent = self._get_engine()
+
+            if not engine.is_alive():
+                engine.start()
+                if not engine.wait_ready():
                     raise ETUMRuntimeError(
                         f"""Impossible to start the external python execution process.
 Is the python path correct ?
 python_bin = {tm.gd("python_bin", "no python path defined")}"""
                     )
+
             try:
-                success, ret = self._py_func_proc.func_call(self.file_name, self.func_name, pl)
+                success, ret = engine.func_call(self.file_name, self.func_name, pl)
             finally:
-                # Stops python function execution process
-                self._py_func_proc.stop()
-                self._py_func_proc.join()
+                if not persistent:
+                    engine.stop()
+                    engine.join()
 
             if success == TestValue.SUCCESS:
                 self.result.set(TestValue.SUCCESS)
@@ -70,7 +84,6 @@ python_bin = {tm.gd("python_bin", "no python path defined")}"""
                 print("Returned value:")
                 print(textwrap.indent(pprint.pformat(res), " |"))
 
-                # The result of the func test item is put in global dir and result
                 tm.setgd("pfn_" + self._name, res)
                 self.result.value = res
 

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_question_dialog.py

@@ -1,16 +1,14 @@
-import os
-import sys
-from multiprocessing import Process, Pipe
-
 from PySide6.QtWidgets import QMessageBox
 
-from interpreter.test_items.test_item import (TestItem, test_run)
-from interpreter.test_items.test_result import (TestResult, TestValue)
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item import test_run
+from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestValue
 from interpreter.test_items.dialog_question_files import question_dialog
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item_dialog_base import TestItemDialogBase
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst
+from lib.tum_except import item_load_context
 
-class TestItemQuestionDialog(TestItem):
+
+class TestItemQuestionDialog(TestItemDialogBase):
     """dialog_question item usage.
     dialog_question name: Nice question, question: "If OK, press OK, If not, press cancel"
     """
@@ -19,44 +17,20 @@ class TestItemQuestionDialog(TestItem):
         super().__init__(dict_item, parent, status_queue, filename=filename)
         self._type = cst.TYPE_QUESTION_DLG
         self.is_container = False
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self._question = self._prms.getParam('question', required=True)
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' has a missing or wrong parameter",
-                self.seqFilename(),
-            )
 
     @test_run
     def execute(self):
-        ourpath = __file__
-        test_file = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(ourpath),
-                                 'dialog_question_files',
-                                 'question_dialog.py')
-
         q = self._prms.expanse(self._question)
         print('Question asked:\n' + q + '\n')
-        parent_conn, child_conn = Pipe()
-        p=Process(target=question_dialog.main,
-                    args=([self.name(), q],child_conn))
-        p.start()
-        succ = parent_conn.recv()
-        p.join()
+        succ = self._run_dialog_with_result(question_dialog.main, [self.name(), q])
+        if succ is None:
+            self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE, "Dialog subprocess exited without returning a result")
+            return
         if succ == QMessageBox.Yes:
             self.result.set(TestValue.SUCCESS)
             print('Answer:    YES\n')
         else:
             self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE)
             print('Answer:    NO\n')
-
-def mypath():
-    if hasattr(sys, "frozen"):
-        return os.path.dirname(sys.executable)
-    return os.path.dirname(__file__)
-
-from multiprocessing import Process
-
-if __name__=='__main__':
-    p=Process(target=test_dialog.main,  args=(['bob', 'bab'],))
-    p.start()
-    p.join()

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_run.py

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ from interpreter.test_items.test_item import (TestItem, test_run)
 from interpreter.test_items.test_result import (TestValue)
 import libs.testium as tm
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError, ETUMRuntimeError
+from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError, ETUMRuntimeError, item_load_context
 
 
 def nowInBetween(start, end):
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ class TestItemRun(TestItem):
         super().__init__(dict_item, parent, status_queue, filename=filename)
         self._type = cst.TYPE_RUN
         self.is_container = False
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self.tum_fime = self._prms.getParam('tum_fime', required=True)
             self.param_file = self._prms.getParam('param_file', default='')
             self.python_bin = self._prms.getParam('python_bin', default='')
@@ -40,11 +40,6 @@ class TestItemRun(TestItem):
             self.start_time = self._prms.getParam('start_time')
             self.end_time = self._prms.getParam('end_time')
             self.wait_for_exec = self._prms.getParam('wait_for_exec')
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' has a missing or wrong parameter",
-                self.seqFilename(),
-            )
 
     @test_run
     def execute(self):

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_runtime_plot.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import traceback
 from functools import wraps
 
 import libs.testium as tm
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError
+from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError, item_load_context
 from interpreter.test_items.test_item import TestItem, test_run
 from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestResult, TestValue
 from interpreter.test_items.item_actions import TestItemActions
@@ -108,17 +108,12 @@ class TestItemPlotActionPeriodic(TestItemPlotAction):
         )
 
         # Periodic function call
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self.period = self._prms.getParam("period", required=True)
             self.file_name = self._prms.getParam("file", required=True)
             self.func_name = self._prms.getParam("func_name", required=True)
             self.params = self._prms.getParamAll("param")
             self.post_eval = self._prms.getParam("eval", default="")
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' 'periodic' action settings syntax error",
-                self.seqFilename(),
-            )
 
     @test_run
     def execute(self):

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_sleep.py

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ from interpreter.test_items.test_item import (TestItem, test_run)
 from interpreter.test_items.test_result import (TestValue)
 from interpreter.test_items.dialog_sleep_files import dialog_sleep
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError, ETUMRuntimeError
+from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError, ETUMRuntimeError, item_load_context
 
 class TestItemSleep(TestItem):
     """sleep item usage.
@@ -19,14 +19,9 @@ class TestItemSleep(TestItem):
         super().__init__(dict_item, parent, status_queue, filename=filename)
         self._type = cst.TYPE_SLEEP
         self.is_container = False
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self._timeout = self._prms.getParam('timeout', required=True)
             self._has_dialog = self._prms.getParam('dialog', default=False)
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' has a missing or wrong parameter",
-                self.seqFilename(),
-            )
 
     @test_run
     def execute(self):

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_tested_references.py

@@ -1,45 +1,31 @@
-import os
-import sys
-from multiprocessing import Process, Pipe
-
-from interpreter.test_items.test_item import (TestItem, test_run)
-from interpreter.test_items.test_result import (TestResult, TestValue)
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item import test_run
+from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestValue
 from interpreter.test_items.tested_references_files import tested_refs_dialog
-import libs.testium as tm
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item_dialog_base import TestItemDialogBase
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst
+from lib.tum_except import item_load_context
+import libs.testium as tm
 
-class TestItemTestedRefsDialog(TestItem):
+
+class TestItemTestedRefsDialog(TestItemDialogBase):
     def __init__(self, dict_item, parent=None, status_queue=None, filename=""):
         self._name = cst.TYPE_REFERENCE_DLG.item_name
         super().__init__(dict_item, parent, status_queue, filename=filename)
         self._type = cst.TYPE_REFERENCE_DLG
         self.is_container = False
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self._question = self._prms.getParam('question', required=True)
             self._init_values = self._prms.getParamAll('reference', required=False, processed=True)
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' has a missing or wrong parameter",
-                self.seqFilename(),
-            )
 
     @test_run
     def execute(self):
-        ourpath=__file__
-        test_file=os.path.join(os.path.dirname(ourpath),
-                                 'tested_references_files',
-                                 'tested_refs_dialog.py')
-
         q = self._prms.expanse(self._question)
-        parent_conn, child_conn=Pipe()
         init_values = ','.join(self._init_values)
-        p=Process(target=tested_refs_dialog.main,
-                    args=([self.name(), q, init_values],
-                        child_conn))
-        p.start()
-        val, succ=parent_conn.recv()
-        p.join()
+        result = self._run_dialog_with_result(tested_refs_dialog.main, [self.name(), q, init_values])
+        if result is None:
+            self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE, "Dialog subprocess exited without returning a result")
+            return
+        val, succ = result
 
         titems = []
         if len(val) > 0:
@@ -53,7 +39,7 @@ class TestItemTestedRefsDialog(TestItem):
                 print("Identification:\n" + str(titem))
                 titems.append(titem)
                 self.result.reported = {'reference_{}'.format(i): titem}
-                i = i + 1
+                i += 1
         self.result.value = titems
         tm.setgd('tested_items', titems)
         if len(val) > 0:
@@ -63,15 +49,3 @@ class TestItemTestedRefsDialog(TestItem):
                 self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE, val)
         else:
             self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE, 'The dialog did not return any value')
-
-def mypath():
-    if hasattr(sys, "frozen"):
-        return os.path.dirname(sys.executable)
-    return os.path.dirname(__file__)
-
-from multiprocessing import Process
-
-if __name__ == '__main__':
-    p=Process(target=test_dialog.main,  args=(['bob', 'bab'],))
-    p.start()
-    p.join()

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_value_dialog.py

@@ -1,15 +1,13 @@
-import os
-import sys
-from multiprocessing import Process, Pipe
-
-from interpreter.test_items.test_item import (TestItem, test_run)
-from interpreter.test_items.test_result import (TestResult, TestValue)
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item import test_run
+from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestValue
 from interpreter.test_items.dialog_value_files import test_dialog
-import libs.testium as tm
-from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError
+from interpreter.test_items.test_item_dialog_base import TestItemDialogBase
 from interpreter.utils.constants import TestItemType as cst
+from lib.tum_except import item_load_context
+import libs.testium as tm
 
-class TestItemValueDialog(TestItem):
+
+class TestItemValueDialog(TestItemDialogBase):
     """dialog_value item usage.
     dialog_value name: Enter value, question: "Which value did you measure?"
     """
@@ -18,30 +16,20 @@ class TestItemValueDialog(TestItem):
         super().__init__(dict_item, parent, status_queue, filename=filename)
         self._type = cst.TYPE_VALUE_DLG
         self.is_container = False
-        try:
+        with item_load_context(self.cmd(), self.name(), self.seqFilename()):
             self._question = self._prms.getParam('question', required=True)
             self._default = self._prms.getParam('default', '')
-        except:
-            raise ETUMSyntaxError(
-                f"The '{self.cmd()}' test item named '{self.name()}' has a missing or wrong parameter",
-                self.seqFilename(),
-            )
 
     @test_run
     def execute(self):
-        ourpath = __file__
-        test_file = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(ourpath),
-                                 'dialog_value_files',
-                                 'test_dialog.py')
-
         q = self._prms.expanse(self._question)
         d = self._prms.expanse(self._default)
         print("Question:\n" + q)
-        parent_conn, child_conn = Pipe()
-        p=Process(target=test_dialog.main,  args=([self.name(), q, d],child_conn))
-        p.start()
-        val, succ = parent_conn.recv()
-        p.join()
+        result = self._run_dialog_with_result(test_dialog.main, [self.name(), q, d])
+        if result is None:
+            self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE, "Dialog subprocess exited without returning a result")
+            return
+        val, succ = result
         tm.setgd(self.name(), val)
         print("Answer: " + val)
         if len(val) > 0:
@@ -53,15 +41,3 @@ class TestItemValueDialog(TestItem):
                 self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE, val)
         else:
             self.result.set(TestValue.FAILURE, 'The dialog did not return any value')
-
-def mypath():
-    if hasattr(sys, "frozen"):
-        return os.path.dirname(sys.executable)
-    return os.path.dirname(__file__)
-
-from multiprocessing import Process
-
-if __name__=='__main__':
-    p=Process(target=test_dialog.main,  args=(['bob', 'bab'],))
-    p.start()
-    p.join()

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/tested_references_files/tested_refs_dialog.py

@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 import sys
-import os
 from multiprocessing import freeze_support
 
 from PySide6.QtWidgets import (QApplication, QDialog, QTableWidgetItem)
@@ -20,7 +19,9 @@ def main(args, conn=None):
     SettingsApplication = 'testium_ref_item'
     SettingsLastReference = 'lastReference'
     success = True
-    app = QApplication(args)
+    from interpreter.test_items import dialog_env
+    dialog_env.setup()
+    app = QApplication(['testium'])
     d = TestedRefsWindow()
     d.setFixedSize(481,386)
     d.setWindowFlags(Qt.WindowStaysOnTopHint)

src/testium/interpreter/test_set.py

@@ -3,9 +3,7 @@ import datetime
 from queue import Queue
 from interpreter.utils.params import expanse
 import libs.testium as tm
-from lib.tum_except import (
-    ETUMSyntaxError,
-)
+from lib.tum_except import ETUMSyntaxError
 import interpreter.utils.settings as prefs
 from interpreter.test_report.test_report import TestReport
 from interpreter.utils.py_func_exec import PyFuncExecEngine
@@ -19,6 +17,17 @@ from interpreter.test_items.item_actions import TestItemActions
 from interpreter.test_items.test_result import TestValue
 
 
+def _build_item_path(item) -> str:
+    """Build a breadcrumb path like 'main > Group > sub-group' from an item to root."""
+    parts = []
+    current = item
+    while current is not None:
+        name = current.name()
+        parts.append(name if name else f"[{current.type()}]")
+        current = current.parent()
+    return " > ".join(reversed(parts))
+
+
 class TestSet:
     def __init__(
         self,
@@ -479,12 +488,19 @@ class TestSet:
                         action_name = cst.FOLDED_CHAR + it.item_cmd
 
                     seq_filename = action[action_name]["seq_filename"]
+                    try:
                         item = (it.item_class)(
                             action[action_name],
                             tree_parent,
                             self.status_queue,
                             filename=seq_filename
                         )
+                    except ETUMSyntaxError as e:
+                        path = _build_item_path(tree_parent)
+                        raise ETUMSyntaxError(
+                            f"In: {path}\n{e._message}",
+                            e._file or seq_filename,
+                        ) from e
                     item.is_folded = is_folded
                     child = {}
                     # case where the test item loads itself its descendants

src/testium/interpreter/utils/globdict.py

@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import json
 from threading import Lock
 
 
@@ -5,6 +6,30 @@ global_dict = {}
 
 global_dict_lock = Lock()
 
+_update_queue = None
+
+
+def set_update_queue(q):
+    global _update_queue
+    _update_queue = q
+
+
+def _push_update(key, value):
+    if _update_queue is None or key.startswith("_"):
+        return
+    try:
+        json.dumps(value)
+        _update_queue.put({"type": "gd_update", "key": key, "value": value})
+    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+        pass
+
+
+def _push_delete(key):
+    if _update_queue is None or key.startswith("_"):
+        return
+    _update_queue.put({"type": "gd_delete", "key": key})
+
+
 # Global dictionnary helper functions
 def gd(name, default=None):
     ''' Function which returns a variable from the global dictionary of testium
@@ -31,6 +56,7 @@ def setgd(name, value):
     '''
     with global_dict_lock:
         global_dict.update({name: value})
+    _push_update(name, value)
 
 def delgd(name):
     ''' Function which removes a variable from the global dictionary of testium
@@ -44,6 +70,7 @@ def delgd(name):
             del global_dict[name]
         except:
             pass
+    _push_delete(name)
 
 def cleargd():
     with global_dict_lock:

src/testium/interpreter/utils/lua_process.py

@@ -221,6 +221,11 @@ class LuaProcessBase:
             return self._rpc.wait_ready(timeout)
         return False
 
+    def is_alive(self):
+        if self._rpc is not None:
+            return self._rpc.is_alive()
+        return False
+
     def stop(self):
         """
         Stops the RPC client.

src/testium/main_win/f1_win/d_f1_win.py

@@ -1,11 +1,16 @@
+import ast
+import json
 import os
-import sys
-import subprocess
 import re
+import subprocess
+import sys
 
-from PySide6.QtWidgets import QDialog
+from PySide6.QtWidgets import (
+    QDialog, QDialogButtonBox, QHeaderView, QMenu, QMessageBox,
+    QPushButton, QTextEdit, QVBoxLayout,
+)
 from PySide6.QtGui import QSyntaxHighlighter, QTextCharFormat, QColor, QFont, QDesktopServices
-from PySide6.QtCore import Qt, QUrl
+from PySide6.QtCore import Qt, QUrl, Slot
 
 from main_win.f1_win.f1_win_core import Ui_F1Dialog
 
@@ -16,58 +21,253 @@ class YamlHighlighter(QSyntaxHighlighter):
 
         self.highlightingRules = []
 
-        # --- KEY formatting (before colon) ---
         key_format = QTextCharFormat()
-        key_format.setForeground(QColor("#268bd2"))  # Solarized blue
+        key_format.setForeground(QColor("#268bd2"))
         key_format.setFontWeight(QFont.Bold)
         self.highlightingRules.append((r"^\s*[^:]+(?=:)", key_format))
 
-        # --- VALUE formatting (strings) ---
         value_format = QTextCharFormat()
-        value_format.setForeground(QColor("#2aa198"))  # teal
+        value_format.setForeground(QColor("#2aa198"))
         self.highlightingRules.append((r":\s*[^#\n]+", value_format))
 
-        # --- Booleans (true/false) ---
         bool_format = QTextCharFormat()
-        bool_format.setForeground(QColor("#b58900"))  # yellow
+        bool_format.setForeground(QColor("#b58900"))
         bool_format.setFontWeight(QFont.Bold)
         self.highlightingRules.append((r"\b(true|false)\b", bool_format))
 
-        # --- Numbers ---
         num_format = QTextCharFormat()
-        num_format.setForeground(QColor("#d33682"))  # magenta
+        num_format.setForeground(QColor("#d33682"))
         self.highlightingRules.append((r"\b[0-9]+\b", num_format))
 
-        # --- Comments (# ...) ---
         comment_format = QTextCharFormat()
-        comment_format.setForeground(QColor("#586e75"))  # gray
+        comment_format.setForeground(QColor("#586e75"))
         self.highlightingRules.append((r"#.*", comment_format))
 
     def highlightBlock(self, text):
         for pattern, fmt in self.highlightingRules:
-
             for match in re.finditer(pattern, text):
                 start, end = match.span()
                 self.setFormat(start, end - start, fmt)
 
 
+class GdVarEditDialog(QDialog):
+    """JSON editor dialog for dict/list values."""
+
+    def __init__(self, key, value, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.setWindowTitle(f"Edit: {key}")
+        self.result_value = None
+
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+
+        self._edit = QTextEdit()
+        self._edit.setPlainText(json.dumps(value, indent=2))
+        font = QFont("Monospace")
+        font.setStyleHint(QFont.StyleHint.TypeWriter)
+        font.setPointSize(9)
+        self._edit.setFont(font)
+        layout.addWidget(self._edit)
+
+        buttons = QDialogButtonBox(QDialogButtonBox.StandardButton.Ok | QDialogButtonBox.StandardButton.Cancel)
+        buttons.accepted.connect(self._on_ok)
+        buttons.rejected.connect(self.reject)
+        layout.addWidget(buttons)
+
+        self.resize(400, 300)
+
+    def _on_ok(self):
+        try:
+            self.result_value = json.loads(self._edit.toPlainText())
+            self.accept()
+        except json.JSONDecodeError as e:
+            QMessageBox.warning(self, "Invalid JSON", str(e))
+
+
 class DialogF1(QDialog):
     def __init__(self, parent=None):
         super().__init__(parent)
         self.ui = Ui_F1Dialog()
         self.ui.setupUi(self)
         self.highlighter = YamlHighlighter(self.ui.TestContentEdit.document())
-        self.setWindowFlags(
-            Qt.Window | Qt.WindowStaysOnTopHint | Qt.Tool
-        )
+        self.setWindowFlags(Qt.Window | Qt.WindowStaysOnTopHint | Qt.Tool)
+
         self.ui.ButtLocOpen.clicked.connect(self.on_butlocopen_click)
         self.ui.ButtClose.clicked.connect(self.close)
 
+        self._service = None
+        self._key_rows = {}
+        self._updating = False
+        self._mono_font = QFont("Monospace")
+        self._mono_font.setStyleHint(QFont.StyleHint.TypeWriter)
+        self._mono_bold_font = QFont("Monospace")
+        self._mono_bold_font.setStyleHint(QFont.StyleHint.TypeWriter)
+        self._mono_bold_font.setBold(True)
+
+        self._setup_vars_tab()
+
+    def _setup_vars_tab(self):
+        table = self.ui.varsTable
+        table.horizontalHeader().setSectionResizeMode(0, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.ResizeToContents)
+        table.horizontalHeader().setSectionResizeMode(1, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.Stretch)
+        table.horizontalHeader().setSectionResizeMode(2, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.Fixed)
+        table.setColumnWidth(2, 36)
+        table.verticalHeader().setVisible(False)
+        table.setContextMenuPolicy(Qt.ContextMenuPolicy.CustomContextMenu)
+        table.customContextMenuRequested.connect(self._on_context_menu)
+        table.cellChanged.connect(self._on_cell_changed)
+        table.setEnabled(False)
+        self.ui.addVarButton.setEnabled(False)
+        self.ui.addVarButton.clicked.connect(self._on_add_var)
+
+    def load_initial_vars(self, vars_dict: dict):
+        for key, value in vars_dict.items():
+            self.gd_var_updated(key, value)
+
+    def set_service(self, service):
+        self._service = service
+        enabled = service is not None
+        self.ui.varsTable.setEnabled(enabled)
+        self.ui.addVarButton.setEnabled(enabled)
+        if not enabled:
+            self._updating = True
+            try:
+                self.ui.varsTable.setRowCount(0)
+            finally:
+                self._updating = False
+            self._key_rows.clear()
+
+    @Slot(str, object)
+    def gd_var_updated(self, key, value):
+        if key in self._key_rows:
+            self._refresh_row(self._key_rows[key], key, value)
+        else:
+            self._updating = True
+            try:
+                row = self.ui.varsTable.rowCount()
+                self.ui.varsTable.insertRow(row)
+            finally:
+                self._updating = False
+            self._key_rows[key] = row
+            self._refresh_row(row, key, value)
+
+    @Slot(str)
+    def gd_var_deleted(self, key):
+        if key not in self._key_rows:
+            return
+        row = self._key_rows.pop(key)
+        self._updating = True
+        try:
+            self.ui.varsTable.removeRow(row)
+        finally:
+            self._updating = False
+        self._key_rows = {k: (r - 1 if r > row else r) for k, r in self._key_rows.items()}
+
+    def _refresh_row(self, row, key, value):
+        from PySide6.QtWidgets import QTableWidgetItem
+        self._updating = True
+        try:
+            table = self.ui.varsTable
+
+            key_item = QTableWidgetItem(key)
+            key_item.setFlags(key_item.flags() & ~Qt.ItemFlag.ItemIsEditable)
+            key_item.setFont(self._mono_bold_font)
+            table.setItem(row, 0, key_item)
+
+            display = self._display_value(value)
+            val_item = QTableWidgetItem(display)
+            val_item.setData(Qt.ItemDataRole.UserRole, value)
+            val_item.setToolTip(self._full_tooltip(value))
+            val_item.setFont(self._mono_font)
+            if self._is_complex(value):
+                val_item.setFlags(val_item.flags() & ~Qt.ItemFlag.ItemIsEditable)
+            table.setItem(row, 1, val_item)
+
+            if self._is_complex(value):
+                btn = QPushButton("[…]")
+                captured_key = key
+                btn.clicked.connect(lambda: self._on_edit_complex(captured_key))
+                table.setCellWidget(row, 2, btn)
+            else:
+                table.setCellWidget(row, 2, None)
+                table.setItem(row, 2, QTableWidgetItem())
+        finally:
+            self._updating = False
+
+    def _is_complex(self, value):
+        return isinstance(value, (dict, list))
+
+    def _display_value(self, value):
+        if self._is_complex(value):
+            text = repr(value)
+            return (text[:60] + "…") if len(text) > 60 else text
+        return repr(value)
+
+    def _full_tooltip(self, value):
+        try:
+            text = json.dumps(value, indent=2)
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            text = repr(value)
+        escaped = text.replace("&", "&amp;").replace("<", "&lt;").replace(">", "&gt;")
+        return f"<pre>{escaped}</pre>"
+
+    def _on_cell_changed(self, row, col):
+        if self._updating or col != 1 or self._service is None:
+            return
+        from PySide6.QtWidgets import QTableWidgetItem
+        key_item = self.ui.varsTable.item(row, 0)
+        val_item = self.ui.varsTable.item(row, 1)
+        if key_item is None or val_item is None:
+            return
+        key = key_item.text()
+        text = val_item.text()
+        try:
+            value = ast.literal_eval(text)
+        except (ValueError, SyntaxError):
+            value = text
+        self._service.set_gd_var(key, value)
+
+    def _on_edit_complex(self, key):
+        if key not in self._key_rows:
+            return
+        val_item = self.ui.varsTable.item(self._key_rows[key], 1)
+        if val_item is None:
+            return
+        value = val_item.data(Qt.ItemDataRole.UserRole)
+        dlg = GdVarEditDialog(key, value, self)
+        if dlg.exec() == QDialog.DialogCode.Accepted and self._service is not None:
+            self._service.set_gd_var(key, dlg.result_value)
+
+    def _on_add_var(self):
+        key = self.ui.newKeyEdit.text().strip()
+        value_text = self.ui.newValueEdit.text().strip()
+        if not key or self._service is None:
+            return
+        try:
+            value = ast.literal_eval(value_text)
+        except (ValueError, SyntaxError):
+            value = value_text
+        self._service.set_gd_var(key, value)
+        self.ui.newKeyEdit.clear()
+        self.ui.newValueEdit.clear()
+
+    def _on_context_menu(self, pos):
+        row = self.ui.varsTable.rowAt(pos.y())
+        if row < 0:
+            return
+        key_item = self.ui.varsTable.item(row, 0)
+        if key_item is None or self._service is None:
+            return
+        key = key_item.text()
+        menu = QMenu(self)
+        delete_action = menu.addAction("Delete")
+        if menu.exec(self.ui.varsTable.mapToGlobal(pos)) == delete_action:
+            self._service.del_gd_var(key)
+
     def on_butlocopen_click(self):
         file = self.ui.sequenceFileNameLineEdit.text()
         if os.path.exists(file):
-            if sys.platform.startswith("win"):      # Windows
+            if sys.platform.startswith("win"):
                 subprocess.Popen(f'explorer "{file}"')
-            else:                                   # Linux / autres
+            else:
                 subprocess.Popen(["xdg-open", file])
             QDesktopServices.openUrl(QUrl.fromLocalFile(file))

src/testium/main_win/f1_win/f1_win_core.py

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 ################################################################################
 ## Form generated from reading UI file 'f1_win_core.ui'
 ##
-## Created by: Qt User Interface Compiler version 6.10.1
+## Created by: Qt User Interface Compiler version 6.11.0
 ##
 ## WARNING! All changes made in this file will be lost when recompiling UI file!
 ################################################################################
@@ -16,8 +16,9 @@ from PySide6.QtGui import (QBrush, QColor, QConicalGradient, QCursor,
     QImage, QKeySequence, QLinearGradient, QPainter,
     QPalette, QPixmap, QRadialGradient, QTransform)
 from PySide6.QtWidgets import (QApplication, QDialog, QFormLayout, QHBoxLayout,
-    QLabel, QLineEdit, QPushButton, QSizePolicy,
-    QSpacerItem, QTextEdit, QToolButton, QVBoxLayout,
+    QHeaderView, QLabel, QLineEdit, QPushButton,
+    QSizePolicy, QSpacerItem, QTabWidget, QTableWidget,
+    QTableWidgetItem, QTextEdit, QToolButton, QVBoxLayout,
     QWidget)
 import f1_win_rc
 
@@ -25,7 +26,7 @@ class Ui_F1Dialog(object):
     def setupUi(self, F1Dialog):
         if not F1Dialog.objectName():
             F1Dialog.setObjectName(u"F1Dialog")
-        F1Dialog.resize(400, 300)
+        F1Dialog.resize(550, 450)
         icon = QIcon()
         if QIcon.hasThemeIcon(QIcon.ThemeIcon.HelpAbout):
             icon = QIcon.fromTheme(QIcon.ThemeIcon.HelpAbout)
@@ -36,19 +37,20 @@ class Ui_F1Dialog(object):
         F1Dialog.setLayoutDirection(Qt.LayoutDirection.LeftToRight)
         self.verticalLayout_2 = QVBoxLayout(F1Dialog)
         self.verticalLayout_2.setObjectName(u"verticalLayout_2")
-        self.horizontalLayout_2 = QHBoxLayout()
-        self.horizontalLayout_2.setObjectName(u"horizontalLayout_2")
-
-        self.verticalLayout_2.addLayout(self.horizontalLayout_2)
-
+        self.tabWidget = QTabWidget(F1Dialog)
+        self.tabWidget.setObjectName(u"tabWidget")
+        self.tabTestItem = QWidget()
+        self.tabTestItem.setObjectName(u"tabTestItem")
+        self.verticalLayout_tab0 = QVBoxLayout(self.tabTestItem)
+        self.verticalLayout_tab0.setObjectName(u"verticalLayout_tab0")
         self.formLayout = QFormLayout()
         self.formLayout.setObjectName(u"formLayout")
-        self.typeLabel = QLabel(F1Dialog)
+        self.typeLabel = QLabel(self.tabTestItem)
         self.typeLabel.setObjectName(u"typeLabel")
 
         self.formLayout.setWidget(0, QFormLayout.ItemRole.LabelRole, self.typeLabel)
 
-        self.typeLineEdit = QLineEdit(F1Dialog)
+        self.typeLineEdit = QLineEdit(self.tabTestItem)
         self.typeLineEdit.setObjectName(u"typeLineEdit")
         sizePolicy = QSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
         sizePolicy.setHorizontalStretch(0)
@@ -59,20 +61,20 @@ class Ui_F1Dialog(object):
 
         self.formLayout.setWidget(0, QFormLayout.ItemRole.FieldRole, self.typeLineEdit)
 
-        self.sequenceFileNameLabel = QLabel(F1Dialog)
+        self.sequenceFileNameLabel = QLabel(self.tabTestItem)
         self.sequenceFileNameLabel.setObjectName(u"sequenceFileNameLabel")
 
         self.formLayout.setWidget(1, QFormLayout.ItemRole.LabelRole, self.sequenceFileNameLabel)
 
         self.horizontalLayout_3 = QHBoxLayout()
         self.horizontalLayout_3.setObjectName(u"horizontalLayout_3")
-        self.sequenceFileNameLineEdit = QLineEdit(F1Dialog)
+        self.sequenceFileNameLineEdit = QLineEdit(self.tabTestItem)
         self.sequenceFileNameLineEdit.setObjectName(u"sequenceFileNameLineEdit")
         self.sequenceFileNameLineEdit.setReadOnly(True)
 
         self.horizontalLayout_3.addWidget(self.sequenceFileNameLineEdit)
 
-        self.ButtLocOpen = QToolButton(F1Dialog)
+        self.ButtLocOpen = QToolButton(self.tabTestItem)
         self.ButtLocOpen.setObjectName(u"ButtLocOpen")
 
         self.horizontalLayout_3.addWidget(self.ButtLocOpen)
@@ -81,18 +83,61 @@ class Ui_F1Dialog(object):
         self.formLayout.setLayout(1, QFormLayout.ItemRole.FieldRole, self.horizontalLayout_3)
 
 
-        self.verticalLayout_2.addLayout(self.formLayout)
+        self.verticalLayout_tab0.addLayout(self.formLayout)
 
-        self.label = QLabel(F1Dialog)
+        self.label = QLabel(self.tabTestItem)
         self.label.setObjectName(u"label")
 
-        self.verticalLayout_2.addWidget(self.label)
+        self.verticalLayout_tab0.addWidget(self.label)
 
-        self.TestContentEdit = QTextEdit(F1Dialog)
+        self.TestContentEdit = QTextEdit(self.tabTestItem)
         self.TestContentEdit.setObjectName(u"TestContentEdit")
         self.TestContentEdit.setReadOnly(True)
 
-        self.verticalLayout_2.addWidget(self.TestContentEdit)
+        self.verticalLayout_tab0.addWidget(self.TestContentEdit)
+
+        self.tabWidget.addTab(self.tabTestItem, "")
+        self.tabVariables = QWidget()
+        self.tabVariables.setObjectName(u"tabVariables")
+        self.verticalLayout_tab1 = QVBoxLayout(self.tabVariables)
+        self.verticalLayout_tab1.setObjectName(u"verticalLayout_tab1")
+        self.varsTable = QTableWidget(self.tabVariables)
+        if (self.varsTable.columnCount() < 3):
+            self.varsTable.setColumnCount(3)
+        __qtablewidgetitem = QTableWidgetItem()
+        self.varsTable.setHorizontalHeaderItem(0, __qtablewidgetitem)
+        __qtablewidgetitem1 = QTableWidgetItem()
+        self.varsTable.setHorizontalHeaderItem(1, __qtablewidgetitem1)
+        __qtablewidgetitem2 = QTableWidgetItem()
+        self.varsTable.setHorizontalHeaderItem(2, __qtablewidgetitem2)
+        self.varsTable.setObjectName(u"varsTable")
+
+        self.verticalLayout_tab1.addWidget(self.varsTable)
+
+        self.addVarLayout = QHBoxLayout()
+        self.addVarLayout.setObjectName(u"addVarLayout")
+        self.newKeyEdit = QLineEdit(self.tabVariables)
+        self.newKeyEdit.setObjectName(u"newKeyEdit")
+
+        self.addVarLayout.addWidget(self.newKeyEdit)
+
+        self.newValueEdit = QLineEdit(self.tabVariables)
+        self.newValueEdit.setObjectName(u"newValueEdit")
+
+        self.addVarLayout.addWidget(self.newValueEdit)
+
+        self.addVarButton = QPushButton(self.tabVariables)
+        self.addVarButton.setObjectName(u"addVarButton")
+        self.addVarButton.setMaximumSize(QSize(30, 16777215))
+
+        self.addVarLayout.addWidget(self.addVarButton)
+
+
+        self.verticalLayout_tab1.addLayout(self.addVarLayout)
+
+        self.tabWidget.addTab(self.tabVariables, "")
+
+        self.verticalLayout_2.addWidget(self.tabWidget)
 
         self.horizontalLayout = QHBoxLayout()
         self.horizontalLayout.setObjectName(u"horizontalLayout")
@@ -113,6 +158,9 @@ class Ui_F1Dialog(object):
 
         self.retranslateUi(F1Dialog)
 
+        self.tabWidget.setCurrentIndex(0)
+
+
         QMetaObject.connectSlotsByName(F1Dialog)
     # setupUi
 
@@ -122,6 +170,15 @@ class Ui_F1Dialog(object):
         self.sequenceFileNameLabel.setText(QCoreApplication.translate("F1Dialog", u"Test file name", None))
         self.ButtLocOpen.setText(QCoreApplication.translate("F1Dialog", u"...", None))
         self.label.setText(QCoreApplication.translate("F1Dialog", u"Test content:", None))
+        self.tabWidget.setTabText(self.tabWidget.indexOf(self.tabTestItem), QCoreApplication.translate("F1Dialog", u"Test item", None))
+        ___qtablewidgetitem = self.varsTable.horizontalHeaderItem(0)
+        ___qtablewidgetitem.setText(QCoreApplication.translate("F1Dialog", u"Key", None))
+        ___qtablewidgetitem1 = self.varsTable.horizontalHeaderItem(1)
+        ___qtablewidgetitem1.setText(QCoreApplication.translate("F1Dialog", u"Value", None))
+        self.newKeyEdit.setPlaceholderText(QCoreApplication.translate("F1Dialog", u"New key", None))
+        self.newValueEdit.setPlaceholderText(QCoreApplication.translate("F1Dialog", u"Value", None))
+        self.addVarButton.setText(QCoreApplication.translate("F1Dialog", u"+", None))
+        self.tabWidget.setTabText(self.tabWidget.indexOf(self.tabVariables), QCoreApplication.translate("F1Dialog", u"Variables", None))
         self.ButtClose.setText(QCoreApplication.translate("F1Dialog", u"Close", None))
     # retranslateUi
 

src/testium/main_win/f1_win/f1_win_core.ui

@@ -6,8 +6,8 @@
    <rect>
     <x>0</x>
     <y>0</y>
-    <width>400</width>
-    <height>300</height>
+    <width>550</width>
+    <height>450</height>
    </rect>
   </property>
   <property name="windowTitle">
@@ -22,8 +22,16 @@
   </property>
   <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout_2">
    <item>
-    <layout class="QHBoxLayout" name="horizontalLayout_2"/>
-   </item>
+    <widget class="QTabWidget" name="tabWidget">
+     <property name="currentIndex">
+      <number>0</number>
+     </property>
+     <!-- Tab 0: Test item -->
+     <widget class="QWidget" name="tabTestItem">
+      <attribute name="title">
+       <string>Test item</string>
+      </attribute>
+      <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout_tab0">
        <item>
         <layout class="QFormLayout" name="formLayout">
          <item row="0" column="0">
@@ -87,6 +95,68 @@
          </property>
         </widget>
        </item>
+      </layout>
+     </widget>
+     <!-- Tab 1: Variables -->
+     <widget class="QWidget" name="tabVariables">
+      <attribute name="title">
+       <string>Variables</string>
+      </attribute>
+      <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout_tab1">
+       <item>
+        <widget class="QTableWidget" name="varsTable">
+         <column>
+          <property name="text">
+           <string>Key</string>
+          </property>
+         </column>
+         <column>
+          <property name="text">
+           <string>Value</string>
+          </property>
+         </column>
+         <column>
+          <property name="text">
+           <string/>
+          </property>
+         </column>
+        </widget>
+       </item>
+       <item>
+        <layout class="QHBoxLayout" name="addVarLayout">
+         <item>
+          <widget class="QLineEdit" name="newKeyEdit">
+           <property name="placeholderText">
+            <string>New key</string>
+           </property>
+          </widget>
+         </item>
+         <item>
+          <widget class="QLineEdit" name="newValueEdit">
+           <property name="placeholderText">
+            <string>Value</string>
+           </property>
+          </widget>
+         </item>
+         <item>
+          <widget class="QPushButton" name="addVarButton">
+           <property name="text">
+            <string>+</string>
+           </property>
+           <property name="maximumSize">
+            <size>
+             <width>30</width>
+             <height>16777215</height>
+            </size>
+           </property>
+          </widget>
+         </item>
+        </layout>
+       </item>
+      </layout>
+     </widget>
+    </widget>
+   </item>
    <item>
     <layout class="QHBoxLayout" name="horizontalLayout">
      <item>

src/testium/main_win/test_controller_service.py

@@ -69,3 +69,12 @@ class TestControllerService:
 
     def set_test_outputs(self, outputs: list) -> None:
         self._ctrl.control("set_test_outputs", outputs=outputs)
+
+    def get_gd_vars(self) -> dict:
+        return self._ctrl.control("get_gd_vars")
+
+    def set_gd_var(self, name: str, value) -> None:
+        self._ctrl.control("set_gd_var", name=name, value=value)
+
+    def del_gd_var(self, name: str) -> None:
+        self._ctrl.control("del_gd_var", name=name)

src/testium/main_win/test_file_manager.py

@@ -3,7 +3,8 @@ import sys
 import traceback
 from queue import Empty
 
-from PySide6.QtWidgets import QApplication, QFileDialog
+from PySide6.QtCore import Qt
+from PySide6.QtWidgets import QApplication, QFileDialog, QProgressDialog
 
 from interpreter.process import TestProcess
 from interpreter.utils.test_ctrl import TestSetController
@@ -29,11 +30,18 @@ class TestFileManager:
         ):
             w.test_service.stop()
             w.test_service.close()
+            w.test_proc.join(timeout=5)
+            if w.test_proc.is_alive():
+                w.test_proc.terminate()
+                w.test_proc.join(timeout=2)
+            if w.test_proc.is_alive():
+                w.test_proc.kill()
                 w.test_proc.join()
             del w.test_proc
             w.test_proc = None
             del w.test_service
             w.test_service = None
+            w.d_f1_win.set_service(None)
             del w.ts_controller
             w.ts_controller = None
 
@@ -44,9 +52,25 @@ class TestFileManager:
         self.load(file_name)
         w.reconnect_signals()
 
+    def _make_progress(self, w):
+        progress = QProgressDialog("Starting test process…", None, 0, 0, w)
+        progress.setWindowTitle("Loading")
+        progress.setWindowFlags(Qt.Dialog | Qt.CustomizeWindowHint | Qt.WindowTitleHint)
+        progress.setWindowModality(Qt.WindowModal)
+        progress.setMinimumDuration(0)
+        progress.setMinimumWidth(320)
+        progress._force_close = False
+        progress.closeEvent = lambda e: e.accept() if progress._force_close else e.ignore()
+        return progress
+
+    def _close_progress(self, progress):
+        progress._force_close = True
+        progress.close()
+
     def load(self, file_name: str) -> bool:
         """Load a test file. Returns True on success, False otherwise."""
         w = self._win
+        progress = None
         try:
             if not file_name:
                 raise ETUMFileError("No file to load")
@@ -59,9 +83,14 @@ class TestFileManager:
             if not os.path.isfile(file_name):
                 raise ETUMFileError("Could not find %s file" % file_name)
 
+            progress = self._make_progress(w)
+            progress.show()
+            QApplication.processEvents()
+
             w.testFile = None
             w.ts_controller = TestSetController()
             w.test_service = TestControllerService(w.ts_controller)
+            w.d_f1_win.set_service(w.test_service)
             w.test_proc = TestProcess(
                 file_name,
                 w.status_queue,
@@ -71,29 +100,38 @@ class TestFileManager:
                 self._defaults_for_process(),
             )
             w.test_proc.start()
+            progress.setLabelText("Loading test file…")
             while w.test_proc.is_alive():
                 try:
-                    if w.test_service.loaded(timeout=1.0):
+                    if w.test_service.loaded(timeout=0.05):
                         break
                 except Empty:
                     w.test_service.clear()
+                QApplication.processEvents()
 
             if not w.test_proc.is_alive():
                 del w.test_proc
                 w.test_proc = None
                 del w.test_service
                 w.test_service = None
+                w.d_f1_win.set_service(None)
                 del w.ts_controller
                 w.ts_controller = None
                 raise ETUMRuntimeError(
                     "Test could not be loaded (test process crashed for any reason)"
                 )
 
+            progress.setLabelText("Building test tree…")
+            QApplication.processEvents()
             test_data = w.test_service.tree()
             w.treeTests.clear()
+            QApplication.processEvents()
             w.treeTests.loadTestRecursively(w.treeTests.invisibleRootItem(), test_data)
+            self._close_progress(progress)
+            progress = None
             w.treeTests.setFoldDefault()
             w.treeTests.updateTreeSkipState(w.test_service)
+            w.d_f1_win.load_initial_vars(w.test_service.get_gd_vars())
 
             w.checkSelect.setChecked(True)
             w.testFile = file_name
@@ -109,6 +147,8 @@ class TestFileManager:
             w.show_checkboxes()
             return True
         except:
+            if progress is not None:
+                self._close_progress(progress)
             w.statusBar().showMessage("No test file could be loaded", 10000)
             w.treeTests.clear()
             print(traceback.format_exc())

src/testium/main_win/test_run/test_run.py

@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ from PySide6.QtCore import (Signal, QThread)
 class ThreadTestStatus(QThread):
     statusToBeUpdated = Signal(dict)
     testSetIsFinished = Signal()
+    gdUpdated = Signal(str, object)
+    gdDeleted = Signal(str)
 
     def __init__(self, status_queue, parent=None, debug=False):
         super().__init__(parent)
@@ -21,7 +23,12 @@ class ThreadTestStatus(QThread):
             while True:
                 while not self._status_queue.empty():
                     m = self._status_queue.get()
-                    if m.get("id", None) is None:
+                    msg_type = m.get("type")
+                    if msg_type == "gd_update":
+                        self.gdUpdated.emit(m["key"], m["value"])
+                    elif msg_type == "gd_delete":
+                        self.gdDeleted.emit(m["key"])
+                    elif m.get("id", None) is None:
                         self.testSetIsFinished.emit()
                     else:
                         self.statusToBeUpdated.emit(m)

src/testium/main_win/testium_win.py

@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ from multiprocessing import Queue
 from queue import Empty
 from threading import Thread
 import shutil
-import ast
 
 # Qt
 from PySide6 import QtGui, QtWidgets
@@ -248,6 +247,8 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow, Ui_MainWindow):
 
         self.threadTestStatus.testSetIsFinished.connect(self.runner.on_run_finished)
         self.threadTestStatus.statusToBeUpdated.connect(self.treeTests.updateStatus)
+        self.threadTestStatus.gdUpdated.connect(self.d_f1_win.gd_var_updated)
+        self.threadTestStatus.gdDeleted.connect(self.d_f1_win.gd_var_deleted)
         self.reconnect_signals()
 
         if runandclose:
@@ -471,21 +472,8 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow, Ui_MainWindow):
 
     @Slot()
     def on_actionRefresh_test_triggered(self):
-        self.on_exiting()
-        args = []
-        if not hasattr(sys, "frozen"):
-            args += [sys.executable]
-        args += [sys.argv[0]]
-        if len(self.defines) > 0:
-            for k, v in self.defines.items():
-                try:
-                    val = ast.literal_eval(v)
-                except:
-                    val = v
-                args += ["-d", f"{k}={val}"]
-        if (self.testFile is not None) and (isinstance(self.testFile, str)):
-            args += [self.testFile]
-        os.execv(sys.executable, args)
+        if self.testFile:
+            self.file_manager.reload(self.testFile)
 
     @Slot()
     def on_actionSave_report_triggered(self):
@@ -553,6 +541,8 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow, Ui_MainWindow):
             self.reconnect_signals()
 
     def on_testChecked(self, item, index):
+        if index != self.treeTests.cols['name']['index']:
+            return
         self.checkSelect.setCheckState(Qt.PartiallyChecked)
         self.disconnect_signals()
         try:

test/validation/items/common/results/test.tum

@@ -92,13 +92,14 @@
             func_name: echo
             param: [ $(str_example) ]
             process_result: "'44' in '$(result)'"
+            expected_result: True
         - py_func:
             name: Save the result in a global variable
             key: $(test)_PASS
             file: $(test_path)$(psep)results$(psep)results.py
             func_name: echo
             param: [ 44 ]
-            process_result: "tm.setgd('process_result_value', $(result))"
+            store_result: process_result_value
         - py_func:
             name: Check the saved global variable
             key: $(test)_PASS
@@ -107,6 +108,68 @@
             param: [ 44 ]
             expected_result: $(process_result_value)
 
+        - py_func:
+            name: store_result with process_result
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)results$(psep)results.py
+            func_name: echo
+            param: [ $(str_example) ]
+            process_result: "'$(result)'.upper()"
+            store_result: upper_str_example
+        - py_func:
+            name: Check store_result with process_result
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)results$(psep)results.py
+            func_name: echo
+            param: [ $(str_example) ]
+            process_result: "'$(result)'.upper()"
+            expected_result: $(upper_str_example)
+
+        - let:
+            name: store_result on let item (None value → stores PASS)
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            values:
+                - dummy: 0
+            store_result: let_store_result
+        - py_func:
+            name: Check store_result on let stores PASS
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)results$(psep)results.py
+            func_name: echo
+            param: [PASS]
+            expected_result: $(let_store_result)
+
+        - py_func:
+            name: store_result on failing test (None value → stores FAIL)
+            key: $(test)_FAIL
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)results$(psep)results.py
+            func_name: return_none
+            expected_result: FAIL
+            store_result: none_fail_store_result
+        - py_func:
+            name: Check store_result on failing test stores FAIL
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)results$(psep)results.py
+            func_name: echo
+            param: [FAIL]
+            expected_result: $(none_fail_store_result)
+
+        - py_func:
+            name: store_result with no_fail (None value → stores real FAIL, not forced PASS)
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)results$(psep)results.py
+            func_name: return_none
+            expected_result: FAIL
+            no_fail: True
+            store_result: none_nofail_store_result
+        - py_func:
+            name: Check store_result with no_fail stores real FAIL
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)results$(psep)results.py
+            func_name: echo
+            param: [FAIL]
+            expected_result: $(none_nofail_store_result)
+
         - py_func:
             name: Process result when result is None (must fail)
             key: $(test)_FAIL

test/validation/items/jsonrpc/jrpc_echo_server.py

@@ -0,0 +1,134 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""JSON-RPC echo server for the testium validation suite.
+
+Listens on TCP (newline-delimited JSON) and UDP.
+Supports JSON-RPC 1.0 and 2.0.
+
+Handlers:
+  echo(*args)  -> [args, {}]
+  <unknown>    -> error {code: -32000, message: "function not found"}
+
+Usage:
+  python3 jrpc_echo_server.py -c jrpces.ini
+"""
+import argparse
+import configparser
+import json
+import socket
+import sys
+import threading
+
+
+def _dispatch(method, params):
+    if method == "echo":
+        if not isinstance(params, list):
+            params = [params]
+        return True, [params, {}]
+    return False, {"code": -32000, "message": "function not found"}
+
+
+def _build_response(req, success, data):
+    req_id = req.get("id", None)
+    if req.get("jsonrpc") == "2.0":
+        if success:
+            return {"jsonrpc": "2.0", "result": data, "id": req_id}
+        else:
+            return {"jsonrpc": "2.0", "error": data, "id": req_id}
+    else:
+        if success:
+            return {"result": data, "error": None, "id": req_id}
+        else:
+            return {"result": None, "error": data, "id": req_id}
+
+
+def handle(raw: str) -> str:
+    try:
+        req = json.loads(raw)
+        method = req.get("method", "")
+        params = req.get("params", [])
+        success, data = _dispatch(method, params)
+        return json.dumps(_build_response(req, success, data))
+    except Exception as exc:
+        return json.dumps({"result": None, "error": {"code": -32700, "message": str(exc)}, "id": None})
+
+
+# ── TCP ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def _handle_tcp_client(conn):
+    buf = b""
+    with conn:
+        conn.settimeout(5.0)
+        while True:
+            try:
+                chunk = conn.recv(4096)
+            except (socket.timeout, ConnectionResetError, OSError):
+                break
+            if not chunk:
+                break
+            buf += chunk
+            while b"\n" in buf:
+                line, buf = buf.split(b"\n", 1)
+                line = line.strip()
+                if line:
+                    resp = handle(line.decode())
+                    conn.sendall((resp + "\n").encode())
+
+
+def _tcp_server(host, port):
+    srv = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
+    srv.setsockopt(socket.SOL_SOCKET, socket.SO_REUSEADDR, 1)
+    srv.bind((host, port))
+    srv.listen(5)
+    srv.settimeout(1.0)
+    print(f"TCP listening on {host}:{port}", flush=True)
+    while True:
+        try:
+            conn, _ = srv.accept()
+        except socket.timeout:
+            continue
+        threading.Thread(target=_handle_tcp_client, args=(conn,), daemon=True).start()
+
+
+# ── UDP ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def _udp_server(host, port):
+    srv = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_DGRAM)
+    srv.setsockopt(socket.SOL_SOCKET, socket.SO_REUSEADDR, 1)
+    srv.bind((host, port))
+    print(f"UDP listening on {host}:{port}", flush=True)
+    while True:
+        data, addr = srv.recvfrom(65535)
+        resp = handle(data.decode())
+        srv.sendto(resp.encode(), addr)
+
+
+# ── Main ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def main():
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="JSON-RPC echo server")
+    parser.add_argument("-c", "--config", required=True, help="Path to .ini config file")
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+
+    cfg = configparser.ConfigParser()
+    cfg.read(args.config)
+
+    tcp_host = cfg.get("jsonrpc_tcp", "host", fallback="0.0.0.0")
+    tcp_port = cfg.getint("jsonrpc_tcp", "port", fallback=4321)
+    udp_host = cfg.get("jsonrpc_udp", "host", fallback="0.0.0.0")
+    udp_port = cfg.getint("jsonrpc_udp", "port", fallback=4323)
+
+    tcp_thread = threading.Thread(target=_tcp_server, args=(tcp_host, tcp_port), daemon=True)
+    udp_thread = threading.Thread(target=_udp_server, args=(udp_host, udp_port), daemon=True)
+    tcp_thread.start()
+    udp_thread.start()
+
+    print("JSON-RPC echo server ready", flush=True)
+
+    try:
+        tcp_thread.join()
+    except KeyboardInterrupt:
+        sys.exit(0)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()

test/validation/items/jsonrpc/test.tum

@@ -1,27 +1,27 @@
 
 - console:
     name: json rpc echo server
-    doc: check if the jsonrpc echo server is installed
+    doc: check if jrpc_echo_server.py is available
     console_name: jrpces
     key: $(test)_PASS
     steps:
         - open:
             protocol: terminal
         - read_until: {expected: $(terminal_prompt), timeout: 1, no_fail: True}
-        - writeln: which jrpces
-        - read_until: {expected: jrpces, timeout: 2}
+        - writeln: test -f {{include_directory}}/jrpc_echo_server.py && echo JRPC_OK
+        - read_until: {expected: JRPC_OK, timeout: 2, no_fail: True}
 
 - group:
     name: jsonrpc tests
-    condition: <| '/jrpces' in r'''$(cn_json rpc echo server)''' |>
+    condition: <| 'JRPC_OK' in r'''$(cn_json rpc echo server)''' |>
     steps:
         - console:
             name: Start the json rpc echo server
             console_name: jrpces
             key: $(test)_PASS
             steps:
-                - writeln: jrpces -c {{include_directory}}/jrpces.ini
-                - read_until: {expected: $(terminal_prompt), timeout: 1, no_fail: True}
+                - writeln: python3 {{include_directory}}/jrpc_echo_server.py -c {{include_directory}}/jrpces.ini
+                - read_until: {expected: ready, timeout: 5}
 
         - console:
             name: Open the raw tcp Console

test/validation/items/lua_func/lua_func.lua

@@ -32,5 +32,13 @@ function module.tuple_return(first, second)
     return first, second
 end
 
+function module.set_context_value(val)
+    tm.setgd("_lua_ctx_test_value", val)
+    return val
+end
+
+function module.get_context_value()
+    return tm.gd("_lua_ctx_test_value")
+end
 
 return module

test/validation/items/lua_func/test.tum

@@ -179,3 +179,36 @@
                     file: $(test_path)$(psep)lua_func.lua
                     func_name: tuple_return
                     param: [ 0, "OK" ]
+
+- group:
+    name: context_id tests
+    steps:
+        - lua_func:
+            name: set context value
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)lua_func.lua
+            func_name: set_context_value
+            context_id: lua_ctx_test
+            param:
+                - hello lua
+            expected_result: hello lua
+        - lua_func:
+            name: get context value (same context_id)
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)lua_func.lua
+            func_name: get_context_value
+            context_id: lua_ctx_test
+            expected_result: hello lua
+        - lua_func:
+            name: get context value (no context_id, from main gd)
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)lua_func.lua
+            func_name: get_context_value
+            expected_result: hello lua
+        - lua_func:
+            name: get context value (different context_id)
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)lua_func.lua
+            func_name: get_context_value
+            context_id: lua_ctx_other
+            expected_result: hello lua

test/validation/items/py_func/py_func.py

@@ -27,3 +27,23 @@ def echo(param):
 
 def tuple_return(first, second):
     return first, second
+
+def set_context_value(val):
+    tm.setgd("_py_ctx_test_value", val)
+    return val
+
+def get_context_value():
+    return tm.gd("_py_ctx_test_value", None)
+
+
+class _NotSerializable:
+    def __init__(self, val):
+        self.val = val
+
+def set_ns_value(val):
+    tm.setgd("_py_ctx_ns_value", _NotSerializable(val))
+    return val
+
+def get_ns_value():
+    obj = tm.gd("_py_ctx_ns_value", None)
+    return obj.val if obj is not None else None

test/validation/items/py_func/test.tum

@@ -189,3 +189,51 @@
                     func_name: tuple_return
                     param: [ 0, "OK" ]
                     expected_result: [0, "OK"]
+
+- group:
+    name: context_id tests
+    steps:
+        - py_func:
+            name: set serializable value
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)py_func.py
+            func_name: set_context_value
+            param:
+                - hello context
+            expected_result: hello context
+        - py_func:
+            name: get serializable value (same context_id)
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)py_func.py
+            func_name: get_context_value
+            context_id: ctx_test
+            expected_result: hello context
+        - py_func:
+            name: get serializable value (no context_id, from main gd)
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)py_func.py
+            func_name: get_context_value
+            expected_result: hello context
+        - py_func:
+            name: get serializable value (different context_id)
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)py_func.py
+            func_name: get_context_value
+            context_id: ctx_other
+            expected_result: hello context
+        - py_func:
+            name: set non-serializable value
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)py_func.py
+            func_name: set_ns_value
+            context_id: ctx_ns_test
+            param:
+                - hello ns
+            expected_result: hello ns
+        - py_func:
+            name: get non-serializable value (same context_id)
+            key: $(test)_PASS
+            file: $(test_path)$(psep)py_func.py
+            func_name: get_ns_value
+            context_id: ctx_ns_test
+            expected_result: hello ns

test/validation/param.yaml

@@ -30,8 +30,10 @@ linux_prompt: "$ "
 inc_no_template: "inc no template"
 inc_with_template: "inc with template"
 
-LUA_PATH_Linux: /usr/share/lua/5.4/?.lua;/usr/local/share/lua/5.4/?.lua;/usr/local/share/lua/5.4/?/init.lua;/usr/share/lua/5.4/?/init.lua;/usr/local/lib/lua/5.4/?.lua;/usr/local/lib/lua/5.4/?/init.lua;/usr/lib/lua/5.4/?.lua;/usr/lib/lua/5.4/?/init.lua;./?.lua;./?/init.lua;/home/francois/.luarocks/share/lua/5.4/?.lua;/home/francois/.luarocks/share/lua/5.4/?/init.lua
-LUA_CPATH_Linux: /usr/local/lib/lua/5.4/?.so;/usr/lib/lua/5.4/?.so;/usr/local/lib/lua/5.4/loadall.so;/usr/lib/lua/5.4/loadall.so;./?.so;/home/francois/.luarocks/lib/lua/5.4/?.so
+lua_rev: 5.5
+
+LUA_PATH_Linux: /usr/share/lua/$(lua_rev)/?.lua;/usr/local/share/lua/$(lua_rev)/?.lua;/usr/local/share/lua/$(lua_rev)/?/init.lua;/usr/share/lua/$(lua_rev)/?/init.lua;/usr/local/lib/lua/$(lua_rev)/?.lua;/usr/local/lib/lua/$(lua_rev)/?/init.lua;/usr/lib/lua/$(lua_rev)/?.lua;/usr/lib/lua/$(lua_rev)/?/init.lua;./?.lua;./?/init.lua;/home/francois/.luarocks/share/lua/$(lua_rev)/?.lua;/home/francois/.luarocks/share/lua/$(lua_rev)/?/init.lua
+LUA_CPATH_Linux: /usr/local/lib/lua/$(lua_rev)/?.so;/usr/lib/lua/$(lua_rev)/?.so;/usr/local/lib/lua/$(lua_rev)/loadall.so;/usr/lib/lua/$(lua_rev)/loadall.so;./?.so;/home/francois/.luarocks/lib/lua/$(lua_rev)/?.so
 PATH_Linux:
 
 LUA_PATH_Windows: ;.\?.lua;C:\Lua\5.1\lua\?.lua;C:\Lua\5.1\lua\?\init.lua;C:\Lua\5.1\?.lua;C:\Lua\5.1\?\init.lua;C:\Lua\5.1\lua\?.luac