The objective of software testing is to identify and fix bugs. However, it frequently happens that after a bug is fixed, other bugs appear. Regression testing is then performed in this scenario. It makes sure that following a bug fix or code modification, new issues do not appear. Regression tests are thus carried out by all software product companies. The unified software development process necessitates regression testing, which is now more crucial than ever as continuous delivery is being adopted by so many businesses. This is all you need to know.
Regression testing is one of the most often used testing types in all software testing projects. A system generally regresses when it returns to a previous, less advanced, or more primitive condition.
Regression testing is essentially the practice of testing areas of an application that has already been tested after it has undergone any modifications, such as a new software addition, a feature update, a code change, a bug fix, etc.
If an application has three functionalities—A, B, and C—we simply modify functionality C. The best way to assess the entire application at this point would be to retest all three functionalities and the rest of the system. This is primarily since we must determine whether the change made to C has any effect on the other functions.
1. What exactly is software regression testing?
Regression testing is a type of software testing that makes sure an application continues to work as intended even after upgrades, modifications, or improvements to the code.
Regression testing oversees ensuring the overall stability and usability of the current features. Regression testing is used whenever a new change is made to the code to ensure that the system remains stable in the face of ongoing improvements.
Dependencies, defects, or malfunctions may be brought on by changes to the code. Regression testing seeks to reduce these risks in order to ensure that the previously produced and tested code continues to function even after fresh changes.
2. What is the purpose of regression testing?
It’s crucial to comprehend why we require it before going into further detail about what it is.
Software developers must alter the program code to correct bugs, add new features, or alter existing features and functionality. Numerous new issues will almost certainly appear as a result of even minor changes. A test engineer can identify and locate negative side effects in such a situation using regression tests. Regression testing needs to be done correctly. It is crucial that the original product continues to function following a bug fix.
3. How did the idea of regression testing develop?
Complex projects and systems used to take years to create and test back when the waterfall methodology was in use. Long development and fix cycles were necessary as a result of the faults and unmet requirements. The workload was also increased by numerous concurrent untracked changes and a breakdown in communication between the Dev and QA teams.
As a result, there was no evaluation of the potential effects at the company level, and the development process was exceedingly risky. The test approach was just obsessed with test cases and scripts and was slow to adapt to changes.
Regression testing stepped in as a result, saving a lot of time by executing tests that had already been identified.
4. Regression testing types
Regression tests can be carried out in a variety of methods. A few of these are:
4.1 Corrective regression testing
Regression testing done this way is straightforward and needs less work because it concentrates on using already written test cases without altering the testing situation.
4.2 Complete regression testing
This type of testing is used when the application’s core code has been modified and the system receives significant updates.
4.3 Selective regression testing
This sort of testing chooses particular test cases from a collection to assess the code affected areas.
4.4 Progressive regression testing
This method of testing is used when new test cases are created for updated and modified product specifications in order to accommodate changing test scenarios and requirements.
4.5 Retest-all regression testing
With this complex method, every component of the system, including the minute adjustments made at the beginning, must be tested from the ground up.
4.6 Unit regression testing
This straightforward method of regression testing concentrates on testing the code. Code-only testing misses the inbuilt dependencies, integrations, and interactions of the code.
4.7 Partial regression testing
This method involves testing individual code (module) blocks using the existing test cases before merging them into a shared code integration.
5. How do you run regression tests?
Both manual and automated methods can be used to carry out regression testing. Regression tests are mostly carried out by test engineers using specialized techniques and methods.
The steps in regression testing are as follows:
- Test Case Selection: A component with a significant number of code revisions will dictate which test cases are chosen. Testers can divide the tests into two groups: test cases that can be reused and test cases that should be retired. Future Regression test cycles will use reusable test cases, but they won’t consider test cases that are no longer relevant.
- Time Estimation: After choosing the test cases, the following step is to determine how long it will take to run the tests. Test execution time is influenced by test case production, evaluation, and other factors.
- Automate Test Cases: Depending on the quantity of test cases after time estimation, testers should choose between manual and automated Regression testing.
- Prioritizing Test Cases: In this step, testers rank test cases according to recently made code changes to cut down on Regression time and effort. Priority test cases are run first, then those with medium and low priority.
- Test Execution: To detect bugs and make sure the program is operating properly, all test cases are finally performed in the order of priority. You can shorten test execution times and automate your Regression test suites more quickly with automated Regression testing solutions like Selenium.
6. Challenges in regression testing and their solutions
Regression testing is a difficult task that necessitates comprehension of its complexities. Regression testing faces the following main difficulties:
6.1 A costly and time-consuming activity
Regression testing requires expensive testing resources, including time, money, and effort. The expectation is that testers will do thorough testing.
Solution: By utilizing test automation to conform to stringent time and budgetary limits, a QA manager can develop clever methods to establish a testing schedule that takes less time.
6.2 A difficult and complex process
Software products are flexible; when new functionality is added, the number of test cases keeps growing, which causes confusion.
Solution: Regression testing can be made simpler by prioritizing test cases, keeping an eye on the test suite, and getting rid of outdated test cases.
6.3 Evaluating the impact on business.
Given the time and money required to make constant regression testing effective, explaining its worth to stakeholders can be challenging. Its actual significance can only be understood by testers and developers.
Solution: keep all non-technical stakeholders informed and adhere to the timelines set forth in the regression test plan.
7. What Are the Best Practices for Efficient Regression Testing?
After understanding its significance, it is time to talk about some regression testing best practices that will enable you to create a fail-safe regression strategy and make your goods and services stand out.
7.1 Stay Updated with the Regression Suite
To keep up with the ever-shifting user expectations and technological improvements, your teams must stay current with the most recent regression test suites. They must carefully evaluate the functional and non-functional needs for this, then rank the test cases in accordance with those findings.
7.2 Update Your Regression Pack Frequently
When software is upgraded, test cases are gathered into regression packs. It is simple to use for integrating Ad-hoc or random tests. For getting rid of potential bugs in realistic, controlled scenarios, this pack must be kept current.
7.3 Pay Attention to Paths with Lots of Traffic
You’ll be able to include important capabilities and features in your application by keeping an eye out for heavily travelled routes. Understanding the target audience’s preferences for cooperation, common highlights, and other features is crucial.
7.4 Recurring Test Cases
It is worthwhile to include tests that discovered flaws and bugs in the past in your regression packs. Executing the tests that the program readily passes is another way to guarantee authenticity.
7.5 Be Data-Driven
To improve the effectiveness of your regression testing environment, make it a habit to rely on datasets. By doing so, you’ll be able to prevent duplication, write scripts with less code, store data in a manageable database, and more.
7.6 Closely Monitor Changes
In the world of software development, only change is constant. You must therefore pay great attention to any important changes or modifications. Work together with your developers, testers, and QA specialists to learn about the most recent upgrade and be informed of any new changes.
7.7 Utilize a comprehensive automation toolkit.
Utilize pertinent tools and technologies that will broaden testing capabilities, boost test coverage, and enable you to fully utilize your choice scripting language.
8. Tools for successful regression testing
Here are a few tools that may be used to write and run regression tests. Before choosing which products to utilize, it is important to carefully review their requirements.
8.1 Selenium
Selenium is an open-source web automation testing tool for evaluating websites and web applications. It is regarded as one of the best automated Regression testing solutions for web application testing. Selenium supports a variety of systems and browsers for automated browser testing.
8.2 Watir
Ruby-based Watir is a framework for testing web applications. For automating web browser tests, there is an open-source Ruby library. Watir is used to automate Regression test suites.
8.3 Serenity
You may create higher-quality automated Regression and acceptance tests using the open-source framework Serenity BDD. More adaptable and simple to manage tests are possible because of serenity. Additionally, it produces thorough test results and keeps you updated on how much of the application is being examined.
8.4 Silk Test
For enterprise software applications, Silk Test is a solution for automated functional and regression testing. All mobile application types, including web, native, and hybrid apps, can benefit from it for regression, cross-platform, and localization testing.
8.5 QA Wizard
QA Wizard Pro is used to load test online applications as well as automated functional and regression testing for Windows, Java, and web applications.
9. How can TestDel assist with regression testing?
TestDel, as a software testing company, can assist with regression testing in several ways:
9.1 Test Case Creation
TestDel can help create test cases for regression testing. This involves identifying the changes in the software and creating test cases to ensure that the changes do not negatively impact any existing functionalities.
9.2 Test Automation
TestDel can automate regression testing to ensure that the tests are executed accurately and efficiently. This can be done using various automation tools, which can save time and reduce the chances of human errors.
9.3 Test Execution
TestDel can execute regression tests to verify that the existing functionalities of the software are not affected by any new changes. This can involve running a suite of tests to ensure that everything is functioning as expected.
9.4 Defect Tracking
TestDel can track any defects found during regression testing and ensure that they are resolved in a timely manner. This can involve creating defect reports and working with the development team to fix any issues.
9.5 Continuous Regression Testing
TestDel can also assist in setting up continuous regression testing, where tests are run automatically every time new changes are made to the software. This ensures that any issues are caught early on and can be addressed before they become bigger problems.
Overall, TestDel can assist with regression testing by providing a range of services, from test case creation to test automation and defect tracking, to ensure that the software remains stable, and functions as expected.
10. Conclusion
Any time there is a change to the code, no matter how small, regression tests must be run. When done incorrectly, regression testing can lead to broken software. Developers frequently fail to plan or carry out complex regression testing procedures when there is no reliable regression testing provider available.
Regression testing is essential in Agile initiatives. Additionally, it is essential for brands and companies who wish to be technologically secure. Therefore, the importance of skilled software testing services, particularly a provider of test automation and regression testing, cannot be disputed. Selecting a reliable service will continuously result in improved performance and seamless functionalities.
Contact TestDel for more information if you need regression testing services or want to use technology to automate your regression testing procedures.