Regression testing of database applications

Abstract

Database applications features such as SQL, exception programming, integrity constraints, and table triggers pose some difficulties for maintenance activities, especially for regression testing that follows modifications to database applications. In this work, we address these difficulties and propose a two-phase regression testing methodology. In Phase 1, we explore control flow and data flow analysis issues of database applications. Then, we propose an impact analysis technique that is based on dependencies that exist among the components of database applications. This analysis leads to selecting test cases from the initial test suite for regression testing the modified application. In Phase 2, further reduction in the regression test cases is performed by using reduction algorithms. We present two such algorithms. Finally, a maintenance environment for database applications is described. Our experience with the environment prototype shows promising results.