Regression testing is a type of software testing used to verify that no new defects have been introduced following a code update or modification. Moreover, It helps confirm that the recent changes haven’t negatively impacted the existing features, and the software continues to function as expected. Also, it frequently comes up when companies want to prioritize scalability. Aside from growth potential, why is regression testing so important? From definition to application, this article will act as a beginner’s guide to regression testing. Read on.
What is Regression Testing?
Regression testing is a type of software testing that occurs following an update to the code to ensure that no new defects have been introduced. This is because new code may include logic that contradicts the old code, resulting in problems. QA teams typically have a set of regression test cases for essential features that they will re-run each time these code changes occur in order to save time and maximize test efficiency.
If the project does not have a version control system, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact component that causes the bug. However, with regression testing, we can pinpoint the source of the bug, allowing for more effective troubleshooting. It’s simply a software health check. Because of its high repetition rate, regression testing is an excellent choice for automation testing.
Examples of Regression Testing
Remember that regression testing is a practice and process. There is no testing tool for regression testing. Any test prepared during the first launch of a specific feature and brought up to run in subsequent releases is already a regression test. Regression tests can be performed based on application attributes and types.
- Attributes: visual, functional, performance, security
- Application layer: UI and API.
- Application types: web, mobile, API, and desktop.
- Granularity: end-to-end, integration, and unit testing (test pyramid)
To perform regular checks on existing code, regression testing primarily involves:
- Testers write and create automated test suites
- Release-specific tests are filtered out by testers and business analysts so they can be rerun on affected sections of new releases.
Consider this simple scenario. We have a community-style mobile app where users may submit their own ideas in the form of short posts that other users can remark on and interact with. A software engineer wants to implement a tailored post-recommendation tool based on user interests and previous activity to boost UX even more.
After the new feature has been created, regression testing is performed to ensure that the new recommendation feature does not interfere with the existing functionality. The test plan may include executing manual or automated regression tests to ensure that the existing code functions properly and that there are no conflicts between the two versions. If any bugs are found, they are corrected, and the regression test is repeated until all tests pass.
On a bigger scale, organizations whose business model is based on digital products require regression testing on a regular basis to ensure that their primary features are functioning properly. Automation testing technologies are frequently used to increase efficiency during regression testing.
Why is regression testing important?
Consider how often your most commonly used applications are updated. Assume that each time these updates occurred, essential features failed. Why is regression testing important? Because it enables developers to make constant updates to programs while preserving the end-user experience. It not only validates the functionality of new code, but also guarantees that it is compatible with current features. Therefore, we can blindly say that regression testing is a highly important aspect of QA automation, and it should be definitely practiced throughout the software development lifecycle to ensure the continued reliability and stability of the application.
When is regression testing performed?
Typically, regression testing is applied under the following circumstances:
- An additional need is added to an existing feature
- A new feature or function is added
- The codebase is fixed to solve defects
- The source code is optimized for performance
- Patch fixes were added
- The software was updated and made readily accessible
- When modifications to the user interface are made
- Changes in configuration
- A new third-party system is integrated with the existing system
Regression testing is crucial since all of these scenarios involve alteration or changing the current code, which could lead to unexpected behavior.
How To Perform Regression Testing?
Regression testing is required when software maintenance includes upgrades, error fixes, optimization, and the removal of current functionalities. These adjustments may have an impact on system functionality. Regression testing becomes important in this situation.
Regression testing can be done using the following techniques:
1. Re-test all
Re-Test is one way to do regression testing. In this manner, all test case suits must be re-executed. Re-testing occurs when a test fails and the source of the failure is determined to be a software issue. The error has been reported, and we can expect a new version of the software with the defect rectified. In this instance, we will need to run the test again to ensure that the problem has been rectified. This is referred to as retesting. Some will call this confirmation testing.
The re-test is quite expensive because it demands a lot of time and resources.
2. Regression test selection
In this technique, a specific test-case suit is executed rather than the full test-case suite.
- The selected test cases are grouped into two cases.
- Reusable test cases.
- Obsolete test cases.
- Test cases that are reusable can be employed in further regression cycles.
- Test cases that are out of date cannot be utilized in later regression cycles.
3. Prioritizing test cases
Sort the test cases according to the importance of functionality, business impact, and frequency of use. The selection of test cases will lower the regression test suite.
Parting Thoughts
Regression testing is essential for enhancing the overall product quality and user experience. Early in the process, with the right regression testing tools, all surfaced flaws may be efficiently found and fixed.
Furthermore, regression testing in Agile provides numerous technical and business benefits. As a result, the more your firm invests in planning and implementing regression testing, the more your control over your product’s budget, process, and error mitigation.
