Method level static source code analysis on behavioral change impact analysis in software regression testing.

Abstract

maintenance, behavioral changes carry the bulk of the reasons for software modifications. In assessing the impact of the changes made in the software, static source code analysis can be a little complex depending on the reason for the expedition. Despite the works done so far, little focus has been directed on the potential of changed methods during static source code analysis, in assessing the impact of the changes made in software. This study investigates a method-level static source code analysis technique that would generate information on the methods affected by changes made in the software. The work analyzed three Java projects. The results indicate an improvement in leveraging on the knowledge of edited methods in change impact assessment during regression testing. The approach enhances code review efforts in light of assessing operational behavior impacted by the changes made.