The invention relates to methods for generating data structures for use with an environment based data driven test engine for computer programs which have a graphical user interface (GUI). The methods are used in connection with a scriptable GUI test tool. The tool generates a GUI map (or includes a utility which generates a GUI map), at least one environment definition (parameter) file, at least one test data (driver) file, and an automated test engine. A separate environment definition file is provided for each feature of the GUI. The automated test engine (ATE) is composed of a plurality of library modules written in the scripting language of the scriptable GUI test tool. The ATE is driven by the test data file and calls upon the GUI map and environment definition file.