Published on October 4th, 2023
Regression testing can be used to make sure that the system functions correctly and that there aren’t modifications to performance that are not expected.
If you’re looking for best practices about the Regression testing make sure that your application is stable. A regression test could be the perfect solution. This article will provide in depth on regression testing and all the details related to it.
iTechnolabs is your trusted software testing partner when it comes to regression testing, a critical component of software development and maintenance. With our comprehensive suite of services, we can streamline and enhance your regression testing processes, ensuring the continued reliability and performance of your software.By partnering with iTechnolabs for regression testing, you can increase the efficiency of your software development process, reduce costs, and enhance the overall quality and reliability of your applications. Trust us to optimize your regression testing, so you can focus on delivering exceptional software to your users.
Regression Testing Overview
It is one of the kinds of software testing which guarantees that any new code changes won’t affect the functioning of current systems. It assures that the previous software will function even after the most recent changes are implemented.
The definition of regression testing
The fundamental concept of best practices about Regression testing is a process employed for software tests to confirm that the application continues to function exactly as it is intended, even after modifications or enhancements made to the program.
Regression testing is performed every time a change has been made to the program to make sure that the system functions correctly, even after every update.
The flaws, weaknesses or bugs could be the result of code changes.
Regression testing is a method to lessen these risks so that code that was already created and tested continues to function even after any modifications.
A typical application goes through several tests prior to being placed in the development branches. The final stage, regression testing, examines the general behavior of the application.
The general stability and efficacy of the features currently in use are guaranteed by regression testing.
What is the best time to consider Regression Testing?
Regression testing is commonly utilized in the following situations:
* A feature that exists already is modified to meet a new need
* There’s an introduction of a new function or feature
* To fix bugs the codebase has been fixed.
* Optimizing the source code to improve the performance
* Patch fix addition
* Changes to configuration
How do I Start Regression testing?
Different organizations have different methods for testing regression. However, there are some fundamental steps to follow:
- Recognize code source changes
Locate the modified modules or components and their impacts on the features currently in use. You can then identify the change and the optimizations in your source code. - Make those changes and requirements of the product in order of order of priority
After that, make these changes along with the specifications for the product to facilitate the testing process by using the correct testing cases and equipment. - Determine entry requirements and define the entry point.
Before you run the regression test, make sure your application is in line with qualifications for the test. - Select the exit location
Create an exit or endpoint point for the minimum requirements or eligibility requirements listed in step three. - Plan your tests
Make a final list of each test element and then set the proper time for execution.
Top Regression Testing Tools
- Katalon Studio
Katalon Studio is an automation solution that can be used to support Functional Testing and Regression. It’s an end-to-end automated tool that performs these basic tasks for testers. It is possible to use the Regression Testing software to test your site as well as online services and mobile apps by Katalon Studio.
The tool allows scripts to be executed in different contexts such as browsers, devices, and other contexts. The comprehensive and customizable test reports let you examine test results thoroughly and then send them out as email attachments in LOG HTML, CSV, and PDF formats.
2. Selenium
A variety of Selenium’s capabilities can be used to automate web-based applications. It remains one of the top browser- and cross-platform tests for regression. Selenium allows data-driven testing as well as automatized test programs that loop over different data sets. This is the best option for large-scale teams for quality assurance that have experienced testers. But, smaller and mid-sized teams are challenged by the steep learning curve.
3. Watir
Open-source Ruby library Watir or web-based testing of applications in Ruby is an open source Ruby library. With a light and flexible design, the user interface allows the creation of tests that are easy to comprehend and manage.
To test websites, Watir enables a range of interaction options for users that include clicking links, filling out forms, and validating text across multiple browsers.
4. Apache JMeter
Apache JMeter is an open source test automation tool that is used to load test tasks that are functional and measure the effectiveness of the content.
It’s capable of performing a wide variety of testing tasks, including testing performance and load across a variety of apps servers, protocols, or servers and also providing a complete regression test suite for users.
Regression Testing Techniques
There are three key and popular methods for Regression testing. It involves re-testing every test case, selecting tests and prioritizing tests.
- Total Regression
Regression testing is utilized for this approach on all test suites that are in use. Although it takes lots of time and effort, it is the most secure method to ensure that all errors are identified and rectified. So, if the program is altered to accommodate a new platform or language, or when the operating system is given an important upgrade and the entire regression method performs better.
2. Selected Regression Test (Regression)
Regression testing could be restricted to the specific elements that changes could have an impact on. You can employ fewer, less relevant tests by focusing on the areas that are connected. This will cut down on the time and effort needed to conduct testing regression.
3. Test Case Prioritization
It is important to prioritize the testing cases that should be run in the first place during the regression testing process. Based on these elements such as the failure rates, the business impact and the introduction of new functionalities gradually – you should prioritize these test cases. Also, a lot of attention is put on testing cases that test recently introduced capabilities and user-facing components.
Differentialities between Retesting and Testing
If you are new to automation, the terms Retesting vs. regression testing could be confusing. While they share the same sounds, they are different.
Retesting means “test again” to fulfill a specific purpose. Re-testing is a method to fix any flaws within the code source, or to test a particular situation, since it failed in the final test.
One of the main purposes that regression testing can be used for is to find out whether changes or upgrades caused any new problems that affect the functionality of existing software. This is a way to ensure that the software functions in a consistent manner.
Re-testing occurs prior to tests for regression in the typical process of software development.
Regression testing can be used to examine test scenarios that have been passed to find unanticipated issues, while re-testing concentrates on cases in which tests have failed. Re-testing, in contrast to regression testing, involves error verifications, a further important difference.
Automation is also an important aspect of regression testing because it lets you maximize the scope of the test case’s capabilities. Regression testing can also remove any negative side effects caused through code modifications in the most cost-effective manner feasible.
Different types of Regression testing
To make sure that the latest changes to programs won’t affect the functionality of an existing program, a variety of regression testing may be useful.
It’s interesting to know that in order to create quality software, it is necessary to use an amalgamation of regression testing and different types of software testing during the development of software.
Before enforcing them, however, it is crucial to know the specific differences in functional tests, regression testing or smoke testing. These are the various kinds of regression testing that are that exist:
- Unit Regression Testing
When unit testing is performed tests the entire code. It employs a constrained but robust approach to block complex dependencies and interactions that extend beyond the code unit being tested.
2. Partially Regression
This kind of regression testing is based on the impact analysis. The older code interacts with the more recent code in the test procedure. This confirms that the system continues to function in silos exactly as it was intended, even after the update of the code.
3. Complete regression
Regression testing is a common practice when software updates or code changes are absorbed into the firmament of the product. It’s also helpful if the code is undergoing multiple changes. It eliminates any unexpected issues and gives a complete review of what is happening to the code.
To verify whether the built (new line of code) doesn’t update for a period of time it is a type that is known as a “final” test for regression. The final consumers will then be accessible with the final version.
Configuration Management and Regression Testing
The management of configuration plays a crucial role when it comes to regression testing when working in an agile environment. Code is continuously and constantly altered in agile settings. To verify if a regression test is valid you must consider some of the steps below:
- During the testing phase for regression No modifications to the code will be permitted.
- The regression test should not affect the results due to the changes made by developers.
- Furthermore, changes to databases are not permitted.
- It is best to select an isolated database to conduct regression testing.
Regression Testing in an Agile Environment
As you know, incremental and iterative processes are the basis of the agile method. Sprints are brief iterations utilized to develop applications or products.
A lot of sprints are equivalent to several iterations. Multiple iterations indicate a change to the source code. It could be an update that includes new features or even an addition. Regression testing plays a crucial part in this.
The preparation for regression tests should start in the early stages of the development process and should continue until the time of deployment. Regression testing could be carried out with its execution carried out in two ways within the agile approach:
- Sprint Level Regression
This type of regression can be used to assess the impact of any new feature that was introduced or enhanced during the most recent sprint. You must select the test cases to use for this reason based on the latest feature that was added to the software. - End-to-End Regression
 In this way each test case that is completed is run again in order to confirm that the products’ essential features work as intended.
Short sprints are an essential part of the agile methodology which is why the implementation of regression tests must be scheduled. If you perform it manually, QA experts are likely to find it difficult.
Automated testing is used nowadays to aid in regression testing in a more efficient manner in lieu of. This allows you to discover the most common issues and speed up the execution process.
How do you select Regression Testing?
It has been observed that the testing team frequently is notified of issues well prior to the date of release.
Since the date of delivery may have to be extended in order to fix these major flaws which can give the customers negative impressions. This requires putting the test cases according to importance and duration prior to selecting those to be tested for regression.
Best Methods to Prioritize Test Case Recognition of Regression Testing Suite:
- Select test scenarios that are often prone to mistakes
It is possible to select cases of tests that often resulted in errors by taking into account the experience and knowledge gained from prior tests that were based on regression. - Select test cases that provide require critical functionality
Choose test cases that address the most important application functions.
We can choose cases to provide essential functionality for an application. For a banking mobile app such as this we will have features such as “Transfer the funds” “Bill payment,”” as well as “View the status of service request.” We could concentrate on testing these features in the beginning. - Test cases that undergo frequent code modifications
The mobile banking application’s “View Service Requests” module, we’ve added the option of adding numerous service requests to the ones already in place. This includes “Credit limit increase for cards,” “Check book request,”” “Account link request” and “Stop check payment request “
Let’s examine this through an example. Through this illustration it is clear how this code was changed multiple times to enable this ability. We need to prioritize and pick those test cases that are relevant to the capability. - Cover End-to-End Test Flows
Within this part, we will examine all end-to-end integration tests where the module’s joyous flows run through tests from beginning to finish. For example, testing from end to end to submit an application for cash transfer or adding a payee to the section for payments to bill. - Check out the field validation test cases
The program shows an error message, and stops the user from going to the next section in the event that we do not complete the necessary fields on a form. This is a list of negative test scenarios. - Select a risk-based method for testing
The risk-based approach for agile regression testing involves testing teams grading test cases based on their importance, which cut down on time and effort needed to conduct regression tests by incorporating tests that test the areas where recent code modifications were made. Test suites for regression are subdivided into three categories according to the test team
Priority: The test scenarios contain the most important features of the application and modules susceptible to errors and the most recent changes.
Mode priority Test scenarios that are negative in nature can be also included in these. Test scenarios for field validations as well as error message generation fall within this category.
Agile regression tests, which are available to be tested after each sprint, always consist of medium and high-priority test cases. Regression testing prior to the main release may include tests with low priority.
In the end, setting priorities allows agile teams to create better products and reduce the amount of time and effort that is spent on regression testing. - Take a look at a collaborative approach
This approach works best when testers and developers work in tandem. Both testers and developers can assist in determining the best regression cases to be tested according to their knowledge and experiences. The team members can collaborate during the sprint and work on a scrum board of regression which lists the areas that the team members worked on.
According to the expertise of the developer, new code changes can affect the user’s account summary. Then, he updates the board with the new information. The tester then has the option of choosing instances for testing”Accounts Summary,” the “Accounts Summary” module and deciding how long it will take to run this program by referring to the board. This means that testing becomes faster and more efficient.
Best Practices for Conducting Regression Testing
Regression testing is a reliable approach, yet it requires lots of time and cash. This is why it’s generally a good idea to arrange test suites that are compatible with the software’s modules.
The QAs will only be testing the modules affected by the update at every testing session. The only way is to eliminate testing by hand.
- Refresh your pack often The term “pack” refers to the collection of test cases you run as you upgrade the program. Test cases for regression should be updated. It requires a lot of time.
- Continue to run efficient test scenarios Re-run the tests as your regression test scenarios could have previously reported issues.
- Automate The ability to complete tasks more efficiently using automated technologies as compared to people. This is why automating is the best way for speeding up performance of the test. Since handling test cases can be tedious, automating regression testing can assist testers to focus on more difficult specific tests for the particular case.
Do you want to know about the benefits of Regression Testing?
iTechnolabs is a trusted software testing company when it comes to regression testing, a critical component of software development and maintenance. With our comprehensive suite of services, we can streamline and enhance your regression testing processes, ensuring the continued reliability and performance of your software.By partnering with iTechnolabs for regression testing, you can increase the efficiency of your software development process, reduce costs, and enhance the overall quality and reliability of your applications. Trust us to optimize your regression testing, so you can focus on delivering exceptional software to your users.
Frequently Asked Question on Regression Testing
1. Why do you need tests for regression?
Regression testing is required to ensure that software is maintained by the addition of new features or fixing bugs, improving existing ones, or removing older ones. These modifications could impact the performance and performance of your system. In this scenario the regression testing may become necessary for you.
2. Is regression testing conducted by hand or automated?
Regression testing can be either manual or automated. Experts in manual testing conduct manual regression testing. Regression testing, as such, is a matter of reporting tools. Testing engineers with at the very least one automated testing technique and a couple of specific programming languages perform automated testing.
3. What are the consequences of regression testing? What is An example?
Regression testing is a type of testing that permits you to ensure that any changes made to the codebase don’t have adverse effects on the functioning of the software. The changes to the codebase could be, for instance, the addition of new features and bug fixes as well as updates to features.
4. What are the three methods for regression tests?
Regression testing is a method of testing using these methods:
i. The Retesting All Method: It are able to conduct Regression testing in a variety of ways, such as Re-Testing. Every test case suit must be run again using this way.
ii. Selection for Regression tests This method runs only a portion of the test-case suits instead of the whole set.
iii. Test Case Prioritization prioritizes the test case by how important the function, its effect on the business and the frequency at which it is utilized.
- Which are the main steps to take in regression testing?
The Regression test is perhaps the most effective illustration of automation that yields more ROI.
Choose one of the tests for regression.
Choose the appropriate tool, and then automate the regression tests.
* Checkpoints Application Verification
 * Arrange the tests.
* Mix with the construction
* Examine the results - What kind of test does regression testing involve?
Regression testing is a vital kind of testing software. Rerunning tests that are functional and non-functional is the base of it. The goal of such tests is to verify that the program remains functional regardless of changes made to the system. - What are the advantages and disadvantages for regression tests?
The major benefit to regression testing is the fact it’s crucial in an agile setting. The growth of the market depends on the success of regression testing’s rate. It is vital to make sure that the application is stable throughout every stage of the sprint.
The most significant problem in regression tests is their stringent timeframes. When there is a change within the program, your team must ensure that the previous functions do not suffer from an issue. It is necessary to test several times within the lessened regression cycles within the sprint. - Which are the most important problems with Regression testing?
Regression testing involves repeatedly running the same test cases using automation. The process of regression takes lots of time to complete. Regression testing must be carried out more frequently every time a new feature is added. - How can you conquer problems with regression testing?
The most effective method to conquer any challenges with regression testing is making use of the insights that are generated and improving the use for regression testing.
Only test engineers and developers are able to create a meaningful regression test.
Develop simple ways for developers to transform regressions into tickets, and report tools for updating stakeholders. - What are the most effective techniques to conduct tests of regression?
These are the most effective practices to follow when it comes to Regression testing techniques:
• Sort all important regression test cases according to their importance.
* Automate the basic unit tests.
* Make sure you keep an updated and organized collection of the regression.