A cost model to compare regression test strategies

Abstract

A software test cost model which can be used to compare the retest-all strategy to a selective strategy is proposed. A test cost model is presented, and the conditions under which the selective strategy is more economical than the retest-all strategy are identified. Recently introduced regression testing strategies are reviewed. It is found that the relative cost depends on four factors: the selection, the execution, the checking cost, and the ratio of the size of the selected previous test to the size of the total previous test.<>