Regression Testing of Component-Based Software: A Systematic Practise Based on State Testing

Component-based software systems consist of various components, such as third-party components and in-house built components. Component changes frequently occur in software maintenance, which refers to regression testing. When changes made to a component, the component could be affected, moreover, the changes could bring impacts on the entire system. Related existing research did not address the issue of systematic regression testing of component-based software, especially at system level. This paper proposes a systematic regression testing method from components to system, including analysis of change, impact and test suite refreshment. The paper also reports a case study based on a realistic component-based software system using a state-based testing practice, which shows that the approach is feasible and effective.