Target-based test path prioritization for UML activity diagram using weight assignment methods

Abstract

The benefit of exploratory testing and ad hoc testing by tester’s experience is that crucial bugs are found quickly. Regression testing and test case prioritization are important processes of software testing when software functions have been changed. We propose a test path prioritization method to generate a sequence of test paths that would match the testers’ interests and focuses on the target area of interest or on the changed area. We generate test paths form the activity diagrams and survey the test path prioritization from testers. We define node and edge weight to the symbols of activity diagrams by applying Time management, Pareto, Buffett, Binary, and Bipolar method. Then we propose a test path score equation to prioritize test paths. We also propose evaluation methods i.e., the difference and the similarity of test path prioritization to testers’ interests. Our proposed method had the least average of the difference and the most average of the similarity compare with the tester’s prioritization of test paths. The Bipolar method was the most suitable for assigning weights to match test path rank by the tester. Our proposed method also has given the affected path by changing area higher priority than the other test path.