Methodology for Effective Regression Testing
Srinivasan Desikan

Concepts

Regression testing is very important for the quality of the product, as this is the testing which ensures the exact product/build that is tested reaches the customer. The idea of regression is not only to test the bug fixes but also to ensure there are no side effects because of bug fixes. Testing for side effects becomes critical, as this needs several skills on product domain and testing technologies. A methodology for an effective regression testing requires several steps to select test cases properly as one can't decide the scope based on number of bug fixes or criticality of defect fixed. Selection of test cases for regression testing depends more on the criticality of bug fixes than the criticality of the defect itself. A minor defect can result in major side effect and a bug fix for an Extreme defect can have no or a minor side effect. It is a good approach to plan and act for regression testing from the beginning of project before the test cycles and that leaves only selection of specific test cases just before regression test cycles. Having a constant set of test cases for regression testing may not be a good idea. A good approach also involves the test cases categorized in to different priorities and resetting the results of test cases at different times. The presentation is aimed at explaining the planning, designing test cases and concluding results of regression testing.

Objectives

• Types of regression testing
• How to select test cases for regression testing
• What does Resetting of a test case mean and how effectively this can be used in regression testing
• How to conclude the results of regression testing

Biography

Srinivasan is working as Senior Manager & Architect in the System testing team at NovellŪ, India. He has more than 13 years experience in testing the products that have several million customers worldwide. He has good experience in the areas of test automation, test management, test processes and in setting up test teams from scratch. He has delivered talks on testing in the international testing conferences (QAI-India, ASIASTAR-2002), educational institutes and at several companies in India. He also took part in the international exhibitions COMDEX and NetWorld+Interop and exhibited several NovellŪ products & technology. Several of his papers were also published at sites such as Stckyminds.com.