Regression test cases prioritization using Failure Pursuit Sampling

The necessity of lowering the execution of system tests´ cost is a consensual point in the software development community. The present study presents an optimization of the regression tests´ activity, by adapting a test cases prioritization technique called Failure Pursuit Sampling-previously used and validated for the prioritization of tests in general-improving its efficiency for the exclusive execution of regression test. For this purpose, the clustering and sampling phases of the original technique were modified, so that it becomes capable of receive information from tests made on the previous version of a program, and can use this information to drive de efficiency of the new developed technique, for tests made on a present version. The adapted technique was implemented and executed using the Schedule program, of the Siemens suit. By using Average of the Percentage of Faults Detected charts, the modified Failure Pursuit Sampling technique presented a high level of efficiency improvement.