This topic explains when and how project files that were created or modified in one version of SOAtest, Load Test, or Virtualize can be opened in an earlier version of the product. It applies to the following types of project files:

• .pva
• .pvn
• .tst
• .lt
• .changetemplate

In this chapter: 

Understanding the Available Project File Formats

Project files can be saved in three formats—XML, binary, and compressed XML. The following table outlines the key differences between the formats:

File Format	Readable/Searchable	Size	Performance	Forward Compatible
Compressed XML†		Smallest	Faster than XML
XML		Significantly larger than Compressed XML
Binary		Somewhat larger than Compressed XML	Faster save and read times than XML and Compressed XML

† Compressed XML is the default format unless it was previously set to binary or XML.
To change the file format used:

1. Choose Parasoft> Preferences.
2. Open Parasoft> Misc.
3. In the Save Settings area, select the desired option.
    

XML and Compressed XML Files - Forward Compatibility

If an XML or compressed XML project file was created (or opened and saved with minor changes) in a newer version of the product, it can still be opened in earlier subminor versions. Changes involving a feature that was modified or added in a newer version of the product are not considered minor changes. 

For example, if version 2020.x provides new options in a certain tool and you change the default values for these options, you will not longer be able to open the related file in earlier versions. If you opened a 9.10.x file in 2020.x, modified options common to both versions and resaved the file, you would still be able to open the file in 9.10.x. 

In some cases, an XML or compressed XML project file that was created (or opened and saved with minor changes) in a newer version of the product can still be opened in earlier major versions (e.g., a file from 2020.x can be opened in 9.10.x); however, this forward compatibility across major versions is not guaranteed.

Binary Files - Forward Compatibility

If a binary project file was created or modified in a newer version of the product, it cannot be opened in an earlier version—unless you first convert it to an XML or compressed XML file as outlined below.

Making Your Existing Binary Files Forward Compatible 

If you have a binary-format project file that you want to open in an earlier version, first save it in compressed XML format or XML format (for details on the available file formats, see Understanding the Available Project File Formats):

1. Open the project file in the newer version of the product.
2. Configure the preferences to save the project file as either Compressed XML or XML as follows:
   1. Choose Parasoft> Preferences.
   2. Open Parasoft> Misc.
   3. In the Save Settings area, select either Compressed XML or XML.
3. Re-save the project file.

You can then open the file in an earlier version of the product—provided that the associated product functionality was not added or modified in the newer version. 

Data Repositories - Forward Compatibility

Certain product releases may change the data format used when adding data to the Data Repository Server. In these cases, data repositories from earlier version need to be migrated as described in Migrating Data Repository Servers from Version 9.8.3 and Earlier. The new-format data repositories (newly-created or migrated) cannot be opened in product versions that expect the older-format data repositories.

Backward Compatibility

Project files created in one version of the product can always be opened in newer versions of the product. For example, a suite created in version 9.10.x can be opened in version 2020.x.