Regression testing in an industrial environment

The article discusses the problems of test case revalidation, test execution, failure identification, fault identification, modification dependency and fault mitigation in applying regression testing and presents both management and technical techniques to address them. Some of these solutions are already being used by software developers, even though they may not be widely known. This article proposes a multilevel regression testing framework that can be easily adapted into a software development and maintenance process in which regression testing can play a key role in improving and ensuring consistent software quality. Observations are based on accumulated experience in software development and maintenance in the U.S. and Japan, including Hitachi Software Engineering Co. Regression testing has been extensively studied by researchers from a theoretical point of view. However, there has been little discussion on applying regression testing in industrial environments. While researchers are mostly concerned with reducing the number of test cases for retesting, there are other important issues in using regression testing in an industrial environment.