RCRCRC — A heuristic for regression testing
31 Jul 2025
In this moment:
Karen Johnson
Rahul Parwal
RCRCRC is a regression testing heuristic developed by Karen Johnson that helps identify areas that need testing when software changes.
Recent: new features, new areas of code are more vulnerable
Core: essential functions must continue to work
Risk: some areas of an application pose more risk
Configuration sensitive: code that’s dependent on environment settings can be vulnerable
Repaired: bug fixes can introduce new issues
Chronic: some areas in an application may be perpetually sensitive to breaking
Original source: http://karennicolejohnson.com/2009/11/a-heuristic-for-regression-testing/
Image is a screenshot from STEC from a lesson led by Rahul Parwal.
Recent: new features, new areas of code are more vulnerable
Core: essential functions must continue to work
Risk: some areas of an application pose more risk
Configuration sensitive: code that’s dependent on environment settings can be vulnerable
Repaired: bug fixes can introduce new issues
Chronic: some areas in an application may be perpetually sensitive to breaking
Original source: http://karennicolejohnson.com/2009/11/a-heuristic-for-regression-testing/
Image is a screenshot from STEC from a lesson led by Rahul Parwal.
Rosie Sherry
CEO & Founder at Ministry of Testing
She/Her
I've been working in the software testing and quality engineering space since the year 2000 whilst also combining it with my love for education and community. It turns out quality, community and education go nicely hand in hand.
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Simon Tomes
An absolute classic that every tester should be aware of!
Imma Six
The link goes to a page that is down. This page is not down: (not sure if I am allowed to post a link in a comment, you don't want me to put spam or worse here) https://www.techtarget.com/searchsoftwarequality/tip/A-software-experts-heuristic-for-regression-testing
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