A test method executor is an object designed to execute a test method. The test method executor typically implements a simple state engine that is used to process the data presented by each smart test attribute. The test method executor invokes particular test methods in response to the processed data. The test method executor then condenses the results from all the attributes typically into a simple return value, which is designed to be interpreted by the test harness. The return value indicates, for example, whether the executed test method was a success, failure, or if the test method was "skipped." Additionally, the test method executor is used to gather data about the method being invoked (such as the method name, which attributes are present, and the like.)