Regression Test Optimization
Software regresses when existing functionality stops working upon the change of the program. Thus, the importance of automatic regression testing is increasing; this is especially true for fast-evolving systems and continuous delivery done right. To stress functional behavior, the regression test suite and its execution time is, in general, large. Moreover, by definition, regression test suites are executed recurrently, and thus, the number of test cases greatly influences the execution time. However, a change has only a partial impact on the system, so we can choose to execute only relevant test cases (test selection). Similarly, we can permanently remove test cases that are “irrelevant” (test minimization). Last but not least, the order of the test cases can reveal regression errors “faster” (test prioritization).
