Efficient regression test selection and recommendation approach for component based software

Abstract

Component-based software system may contain external components as well as in-house built components. During the maintenance phase the components get altered or modified very often. The type of testing which not only ensures that the modified component is working fine but also ensures that the changes have no adverse or effects on the rest of the system is called as regression testing. But due to lack of the knowledge about the third party components and the modifications done in the components, it is difficult for the component users or testers to do an appropriate selection of the test cases from the original test suite for testing the altered system. Thus there is a need of an efficient regression test selection approach which results in a reduced and effective regression test suite. The paper proposes an approach 'Regression Test Selection and Recommendation' which uses UML state chart diagrams and sequence diagrams to identify the changes which are further used for classification of initial test suite, selection and recommendation of test cases and development of a regression test suite. The aim is to reduce the size of the test suite effectively and also adhere to the quality of regression testing. The approach is validated using case study of Automated Teller Machine.