Regression testing method based on XML schema for GUI components

Abstract

Today XML (extensible Mark-up Language) is being accepted as an effective medium in data exchange over the web due to its modeling ability to support multiple inheritance and querying capabilities. In this study, we extend XML Schema based approach for testing software components. Component based software development emphasizes the design and construction of software using reusable components. The reliability and robustness of the software depends on testing the functional correctness of components. However, due to lack of information about the externally developed components, system testers generally can't perform effective testing (especially regression testing). It involves testing the modified program with some test cases in order to re-establish confidence that the program will perform according to the new specifications. The new version should behave exactly as the old except where new behavior is intended. In today's scenario, Graphical User Interface (GUI) is by far the most popular means used to interact with software. An important aspect in GUI testing is specification of system behavior and generation of test scripts. We have proposed XML schema based formalization approach for specifying and testing GUI components; as they combine the great potential of describing input data in open and standard form, with testing activity. We have worked upon specification of GUI component in XML which is validated. A Regression Testing Engine based on XML schema has been designed that generates test sequences based on specific coverage criteria, compares the two schemas for different versions of component and finally generates the regression test suite. Results have been validated for different case studies. © 2010 Academic Journals Inc.