Regression Test Suite for Payment Switch using jPOS
Atharv Sardesai, Hatim Piplodwala, Sidhant Hargunani, Swarnim Sonawane, Pranjali Joshi, Vikram Mohite
TL;DR
The paper tackles the challenge of regression testing for ISO8583-based payment switches, specifically addressing limitations of the NPCI simulator such as lack of an API, manual test-case entry, slow performance under load, and offline inaccessibility. It proposes a jPOS Q2-based regression testing framework that automates test-case generation from JSON templates, supports multi-channel ISO messaging, and provides automated test execution and reporting in both GUI and CLI modes, operable locally without internet access. Key contributions include a modular system with Message Generator, Server, Client, and a Java Swing UI, enabling asynchronous, server-client testing and comprehensive report generation. The approach promises significant improvements in testing speed and developer productivity, offering a practical tool to validate both issuer and acquirer roles in payment switches, suitable for local deployment and potential open-source use in the fintech testing ecosystem.
Abstract
The Payment Switch is an integral component of all modern payment and banking systems in India. The NPCI currently provides a simulator to test payment switches. However, this system has a few disadvantages viz. it lacks an API, it requires manual generation of each test case and during high server loads, the testing process may take a long time. Currently there aren't any open source alternatives to the NPCI simulator. We propose a system which solves these shortcomings. Our proposed system simulates the NPCI system. It allows connection with switches that are to be tested and automates the process of generation and execution of test cases. It also has the capability to generate test reports and can be run locally.