1.1. What's the purpose of this test framework?

The test framework described here is intended primarily for unit and regression tests. It can also be used for functional tests, and even simple product tests -- in other words, just about any type of test except a conformance test. (Conformance tests belong in a Technology Compatibility Kit (TCK), such as the Java Compatibility Kit (JCK)). Tests can often be written as small standalone Java programs, although in some cases an applet or a shell-script might be required.