Test Reuse

Definition

Test reuse is the testing task during which the reusable test work products are reused on the endeavor.

Objectives

The typical objectives of test reuse are to:

• Minimize the creation of redundant work products.
• Improve the productivity of the various testing teams.
• Improve the quality of the testing work products by reusing work products that have been testing

Preconditions

Test reuse can typically begin when the following preconditions hold:

• The initiation phase has begun.
• The independent test team is adequately staffed and trained in test planning.

Completion Criteria

Test reuse is typically complete when the following postconditions hold:

• Testing work products have been successfully reused.

Steps

Test reuse typically involves the performing the following steps in an iterative, incremental, parallel, and time-boxed manner:

• Identify potentially reusable test work products (e.g., test suites of cases) in the reuse repository.
• Evaluate the potentially reusable test work products for fitness for reuse.
• Modify reusable test work products (if necessary) for use on the project.
• Reuse the test work products.

Techniques

Test reuse can typically be performed using the following techniques:

• Reuse
• Reuse Repository

Work Products

Test reuse typically results in the reuse of parts of the following testing work products:

• Documentation:
  • Project Test Plan
  • Master Test List
  • Test Procedure
  • Test Report
  • Test Summary Report
  • Usability Test Screening Questionnaire
  • Usability Test Orientation Script
  • Usability Test Observations Form
  • Usability Pretest Questionnaire
  • Usability Posttest Questionnaire
• Software and Data:
  • Test Harness
  • Test Script
  • Test Suite
  • Test Case
  • Test Data

Guidelines

• Consider reusing test documentation as well as test software.