As you create variables and computation scripts in your templates, you can test them to make sure they produce the desired result. Likewise, you can test dialogs to see how the information will be presented to users during document assembly.
As you test these different components, HotDocs displays the HotDocs test assembly window. If you find that you must edit the variable, script, or dialog, you can leave the assembly window open, bring the component editor to the front, and make the required changes. Then, to continue testing, you can click the Update button to review your changes. (Note, however, that these changes aren't saved to the component file until you click OK or Save at the component editor.)
At any point during template development, you can test all or part of the template to make sure it is assembling correctly. Test assembling a document can help you pinpoint trouble spots in the template without requiring you to close the template and assemble it from the library.
When you test assemble a document, HotDocs displays the same HotDocs assembly window users will see. At any time during test assembly, you can return to the template, make the desired changes, and test assemble the document again. The test assembly window will adjust to show your changes.
As you test, you may find problems with your automation. For example, HotDocs may display a syntax error or warning you must fix before the template or script can be properly tested. To help you resolve syntax errors, HotDocs displays error messages that contain information about the specific error as well as a command for going to the error in the template.