What is Regression Testing?
What is regression testing?
Regression testing is software testing that ensures that an application continues to perform as expected after any code changes, updates, or upgrades.
Regression test is in charge of ensuring the general stability and functionality of current features. It is used whenever a new modification is added to the code to ensure that the system is sustainable under continual improvement after each update.
Code changes may introduce dependencies, flaws, or malfunctions. Regression test seeks to mitigate these risks by ensuring that previously produced and tested code continues to function after new changes.
Generally, an application is subjected to several tests before the modifications are incorporated into the main development branch. The final step is regression test, which validates the overall product behavior.
When should regression testing be used?
Regression test is typically used in the following situations:
- A new requirement is added to an existing feature.
- A new feature or functionality is added.
- The codebase is fixed to solve defects.
- The source code is optimized to improve performance.
- Patch fixes are added.
- Changes in configuration
Why is regression testing important?
Test automation is an essential component of software development techniques. Similarly, automated regression test is seen as an important puzzle piece.
Product teams can receive more informative feedback and respond quickly with a rapid regression testing methodology. It detects new flaws early in the deployment cycle, saving firms money and time spent on maintenance to correct built-up defects. A seemingly little change can sometimes have a cascading effect on the product’s major functionality.
That is why developers and testers must not leave any change outside their control scope, no matter how minor.
Functional tests solely examine the behaviours of new features and capabilities while ignoring their compatibility with current ones. As a result, it is more difficult and time consuming to analyze the root cause and product architecture without regression test.
In other words, if your product is frequently modified, regression test will serve as a filter to assure quality as the product improves.
How to Conduct Regression Testing
Organizational strategies for regression testing differ. However, there are a few fundamental measures to take:
Identify Source Code Changes
Detect changes and optimizations in the source code; then identify the altered components or modules and the effects on existing functionality.
Prioritize Those Changes and Product Requirements
Then, prioritize these changes and product needs to streamline the testing process with the relevant test cases and tools.
Determine Entry Point and Entry Criteria
Before running the regression test, ensure your application meets the eligibility requirements.
Identify the Exit Point
Determine an exit or final point for the eligibility or minimum conditions established in step three.
Schedule Tests
Finally, identify all test components and plan the proper execution time.
Tools for Regression Testing
Katalon Studio
Katalon Studio is an end-to-end automation tool that enables functional and regression test, making these procedures quick and simple for testers to perform.
Katalon Studio is a one-stop shop for regression testing your website, web services, and mobile applications. The program also allows scripts to execute on multiple devices, browsers, and contexts.
In-depth, you can review test results using the extensive and configurable test reports in LOG, HTML, CSV, and PDF formats and send them as email attachments.
Selenium
Selenium provides a set of features for automating web applications. It is still regarded as one of the best browser-based and cross-platform regression testing tools. Selenium provides data-driven tests and automated test scripts that cycle over data sets. This is an appropriate solution for large-scale quality assurance teams of advanced testers. On the other hand, its steep learning curve becomes a challenge for small and mid-sized groups.
Watir
Watir, for Web Application Testing in Ruby, is a free and open-source library written in the Ruby programming language. It allows you to write tests that are simple to read and manage using a lightweight and adaptable user interface.
Watir enables a wide range of user interaction capabilities for website testing, including clicking links, filling out forms, and verifying text across browsers.
IBM Rational Functional Tester
IBM Rational Functional Tester, or RFT, is a software test automation tool. RFT can be used for various software testing types, such as functional, regression, GUI, and data-driven testing, as well as applications (web-based,.Net, Java, Siebel, SAP, and others).
Apache JMeter
Apache JMeter is a free, open-source test automation tool for loading functional test behaviours and measuring test performance. It has a wide range of testing capabilities, including support for load and performance tests on various apps, servers, and protocols and a full regression test suite for end users.
Read more: Automation Testing Tools – How to Choose The Right One
Regression testing techniques
The three most common implementation approaches for regression test are re-test all, regression test selection, and test case prioritization.
Retest All
Regression testing is done on all current test suites in this technique. Although it is the most secure approach to ensuring all problems are found and resolved, it takes significant time and money.
As a result, the complete regression strategy works better in certain situations, such as when the application is adapted for a new platform or language or when the operating system is updated significantly.
Regression Test Selection
You can choose the relevant portions affected by the modifications and run regression test exclusively on these areas. By focusing on the relevant regions, you may apply fewer and more applicable test cases, reducing the time and effort spent on regression test.
Test Case Prioritization
You can prioritize the test cases that must be included and completed in the regression testing process. The following criteria should be utilized to prioritize these test cases: failure rate, business impact, and gradually used functionalities.
Test cases relating to customer-facing features and newly added functionalities are also considered.
Differences Between Re-testing and Regression Testing
For automation newcomers, the words re-testing and regression test can be perplexing. They may sound similar, yet they are pretty different.
Re-testing means “testing again” for a specific reason. Re-testing occurs when a bug in the source code is fixed or when a specific test case fails in the final execution and must be re-run.
Regression testing determines whether updates or changes produced new faults in existing functions. This step would secure the software’s unity.
Re-testing comes before regression test in a typical software development cycle. Re-testing focuses entirely on failed test cases, whereas regression test examines those that have passed to look for unanticipated new flaws. Another major distinction is that, unlike regression test, re-testing includes error verifications.
Furthermore, automation is an important aspect of regression test since it allows you to make the most of your test case capabilities. Regression test also eliminates all underlying side effects induced by code modifications in the most cost-effectively.
Regression Testing in Agile
Teams can receive several benefits and values from the Agile development strategy, including expedited time-to-market, ROI, customer support, and product upgrades. However, balancing sprint development and iterative testing to avoid conflicts as the product evolves is a huge problem.
Agile regression testing implementation is critical for synchronizing existing and upgraded capabilities and preventing future rework. Agile regression test ensures the stability and sustainability of business functions.
In addition, regression test allows developers to focus on developing new features for the application rather than returning to check for problems in existing features. Regression test identifies unanticipated hazards in software builds, allowing developers to respond more swiftly and efficiently.
Conclusion
Regression testing is critical for improving overall product quality and user experience. The correct regression testing tools can considerably uncover and eliminate all surfaced faults early in the pipeline.
Furthermore, regression testing in Agile provides a slew of technical and financial benefits. As a result, the more your organization invests in planning and implementing regression testi, the more control you will have over your product’s budget, process, and mistake mitigation.
Enhance Your Product Quality With Our Software Testing Services
At Bestarion, we understand that the success of your software project depends not only on its functionality but also on its reliability, performance, and overall quality. That’s why we offer a comprehensive suite of software testing services designed to address every challenge and ensure your product meets the highest standards. Our approach is tailored to your specific needs, providing custom quality assurance management plans that guarantee speed, precision, and excellence throughout the development lifecycle.
Our Comprehensive Testing Services
Bestarion provides a broad range of software testing services to cover all aspects of your project. Whether you’re developing a web application, mobile app, or desktop software, our testing services are designed to meet your needs.
1. Functional Testing
Functional testing focuses on verifying that your software performs its intended functions correctly. We test individual components and entire systems to ensure they meet the specified requirements. Our functional testing includes:
- Unit Testing: Examines individual components or modules for correctness.
- Integration Testing: Assesses the interactions between integrated modules or systems.
- System Testing: Validates the complete and integrated software system to ensure it meets all requirements.
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Ensures the software meets the end-user requirements and expectations.
2. Performance Testing
Performance testing evaluates how your software performs under various conditions. It helps identify bottlenecks and ensures your application can handle the expected load. Our performance testing services include:
- Load Testing: Determines how the system performs under expected load conditions.
- Stress Testing: Assesses the system’s behavior under extreme conditions or overloads.
- Scalability Testing: Evaluates how well the software can scale with increasing data volume or user load.
- Endurance Testing: Checks the system’s stability and performance over an extended period.
3. Security Testing
Security testing is essential to protect your software from vulnerabilities and potential threats. Our security testing services include:
- Penetration Testing: Simulates attacks to identify vulnerabilities and assess the system’s defenses.
- Vulnerability Assessment: Identifies and evaluates security weaknesses in the application.
- Security Code Review: Examines the source code for security flaws and vulnerabilities.
- Compliance Testing: Ensures the software meets industry standards and regulatory requirements.
4. Compatibility Testing
Compatibility testing ensures your software functions correctly across different environments, including various operating systems, browsers, and devices. We test for:
- Cross-Browser Compatibility: Verifies that web applications work across different browsers.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensures applications perform consistently on various operating systems.
- Device Compatibility: Tests the application on different devices to ensure proper functionality.
5. Usability Testing
Usability testing focuses on the user experience, ensuring the software is intuitive, user-friendly, and meets the needs of its target audience. Our usability testing services include:
- User Interface (UI) Testing: Evaluates the software’s interface for ease of use and aesthetic appeal.
- User Experience (UX) Testing: Assesses the overall experience of using the software, including navigation, interaction, and satisfaction.
6. Regression Testing
Regression testing is performed to ensure that recent changes or enhancements do not adversely affect the existing functionality of the software. We re-test the software to confirm that it continues to perform as expected after modifications.
7. Automation Testing
Automation testing utilizes tools and scripts to perform repetitive testing tasks efficiently. It accelerates the testing process and improves accuracy. Our automation services include:
- Test Script Development: Creating and maintaining automated test scripts.
- Test Automation Frameworks: Implementing frameworks to support automated testing processes.
- Continuous Integration Testing: Integrating automated tests into the development pipeline for ongoing quality assurance.
Custom Quality Assurance Management Plans
At Bestarion, we recognize that every project is unique. That’s why we create custom quality assurance management plans tailored to your specific needs. Our plans include:
- Defining Testing Objectives: Establishing clear goals and criteria for testing based on your project requirements.
- Developing Test Strategies: Crafting comprehensive strategies that outline the testing approach, methodologies, and tools.
- Creating Test Cases: Designing detailed test cases to ensure thorough coverage of all functionalities.
- Executing Tests: Conducting tests according to the plan and documenting the results.
- Reporting and Feedback: Providing detailed reports on testing outcomes, defects, and recommendations for improvements.
Supporting Your Evolving Platforms
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, platforms are constantly evolving. Bestarion is committed to supporting your software as it grows and adapts. Our ongoing support includes:
- Regular Testing Updates: Continuously updating and executing tests as your software evolves.
- Monitoring and Maintenance: Monitoring the performance and security of your software and performing maintenance as needed.
- Adapting to Changes: Adjusting our testing approach to accommodate new features, updates, and changes in technology.
Why Choose Bestarion?
- Expertise: Our team of experienced testers brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project.
- Customized Solutions: We tailor our testing services to meet your specific needs and objectives.
- Advanced Tools and Techniques: We utilize the latest testing tools and techniques to deliver accurate and efficient results.
- Commitment to Quality: Our focus is on ensuring the highest quality of your software, from development through deployment.
Ready to enhance your product quality? Contact Bestarion today to discover how our tailored software testing solutions can drive your project’s success!