Cost Analysis and Tradeoffs in Regression Testing using FSMWeb

Web applications have become software commodities of choice due to advances in internet, and wireless communications. Web applications need to be tested during new development, and thereafter during maintenance when presented with changes. Models can be used to represent the desired behavior or to represent the desired testing strategies and testing environment. FSMWeb is a black box model-based testing, and regression testing approach for web applications. This paper elaborates, extends the previous works on FSMWeb’s features, and introduces patching as a regression testing technique in which test cases are repaired (patched) versus being fully regenerated. Patching may lead to cost saving when regression testing. These enhancements lead to construction, and analysis of cost models used to compare various regression testing approaches resulting to selection of a regression testing approach that achieves a favorable (reduced) cost. The determination of favorable cost is subject to number of assumptions, and tradeoffs.