Parallel Regression Testing for Modified Transaction Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex software systems, such as transaction processing systems, require extensive and resource-intensive regression testing to ensure modifications do not break existing functionality, leading to significant downtime and delays.
Innovation Solution
A method for parallel regression testing that compares the outputs of an unmodified and modified system on a subset of previously processed transactions to identify any unintended changes in functionality, eliminating the need for manual test development and reducing resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive regression testing is performed to ensure modifications do not break existing functionality, then system reliability is improved, but testing time and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the regression testing process by selecting and executing only a subset of previously processed transactions rather than running the entire test suite. This selective approach maintains reliability verification while significantly reducing testing time and resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing and reusing previously processed transactions as test cases. Instead of creating new tests for each modification, the system reuses historical transaction data that already represents the system's operational behavior, eliminating the need for manual test development and reducing overall testing time.
2Reliability
If manual test development and execution is performed for regression testing, then testing comprehensiveness is improved, but operational complexity and skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically selecting and executing transactions from historical data without requiring manual intervention. The automated selection process uses predefined criteria to identify relevant transactions, eliminating the need for manual test case creation and execution while maintaining comprehensive coverage through automated processing of historical transaction data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating historical transaction data as test cases. Instead of manually creating new tests, the system copies and reuses previously processed transactions, preserving the original test scenarios while reducing operational complexity through automated execution and comparison of system outputs.
3Reliability
If a large number of tests are executed to exhaustively test the system, then testing thoroughness is improved, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by executing only a subset of necessary tests rather than the complete test suite. The system selects transactions based on predefined criteria that ensure sufficient coverage of critical functionality, achieving adequate testing thoroughness without the excessive action of running all possible tests, thereby reducing system downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments relate to validation of prior system functionality subsequent to modification using parallel regression testing of the old, pre-modified system and new, modified system, based on the processing of a set of previously processed inputs known to have produced valid results. More particularly, the disclosed embodiments provide a system/method for validating a modified transaction processing system to determine whether the modification thereto altered unmodified and previously operational functionality by selecting a set of transactions, previously processed by the unmodified system and known to have produced acceptable results, process them using test instances of both the unmodified and modified versions of the system, and compare the results to determine any differences, aside from those which are expected as a result of the modification. Unexpected differences may be indicative of the modification compromising previously operational functionality of the system which was not intended to be modified.