Regression testing with UML software designs: A survey

  • Authors:

  • Alireza Mahdian;Anneliese Amschler Andrews;Orest Jacob Pilskalns

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of Computer Science, University of Denver, 2360, S. Gaylord St., Denver, CO 80208, U.S.A.;Department of Computer Science, University of Denver, 2360, S. Gaylord St., Denver, CO 80208, U.S.A.;School of Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University Vancouver, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98686, U.S.A.

  • Venue:
  • Journal of Software Maintenance and Evolution: Research and Practice
  • Year:
  • 2009

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Abstract

The unified modeling language (UML) designs come in a variety of different notations. UML designs can be quite large and interactions between various notations and the models they define can be difficult to assess. During the design phase, and between successive releases of systems, designs change. The impact of such changes and the resulting effect on behavior can be non-obvious and difficult to assess. This survey article explores techniques for such re-evaluation that can be classified as regression testing and suggests regression testing criteria for designs. These might vary depending on testing objectives and include both selective and regenerative regression testing approaches. The article provides a concise overview of regression testing approaches related to various UML design notations including use cases, class diagrams, sequence diagrams, activity diagrams, and statecharts, as well as combinations of these models. It discusses UML-related techniques involving cost and prioritization during selective regression testing. Finally, it evaluates these techniques with respect to inclusiveness, precision, efficiency, generality, accountability, and safety. An example is used throughout to illustrate how the techniques work. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This survey article explores techniques for regression testing with UML designs and suggests regression testing criteria for designs. These might vary depending on testing objectives and include both selective and regenerative regression testing approaches. The article provides a concise overview of regression testing approaches related to various UML design notations including use cases, class diagrams, sequence diagrams, activity diagrams, and statecharts, as well as combinations of these models. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.