Regression means returning to the previous state or reverse, which is the process that has to undergo repeatedly checking to ensure the product’s performance. When it involves a software solution, it’s essential to update regular improvements to the application’s functionality and features. This is where regression testing comes into the image, allowing it to line the proper balance between changes and performance.
Topics Covered
- What is Regression testing?
- Why do we need Regression testing?
- When do we need Regression testing?
- What are the different types of Regression Testing?
- Regression Testing Tools
- Benefits of doing Regression Testing
- Conclusion
What is Regression testing?
Regression testing is a testing type performed to validate that existing functionalities are working fine after code modification. It testing is one of the most common terms used in software testing and quality assurance.
Definition
Regression testing is the technique or the testing type performed to ensure that the existing functionality of the software or application works as expected if any new code is introduced or a new defect fix has been done, or any new functionality is added to the application. It is the task of a quality assurance engineer to check the already tested features after modifications and ensure that code changes have not impacted the existing features.
Why do we need Regression testing?
Regression doesn’t mean that software is rolled back to the previous version. Sometimes the change we make may have an unexpected impact on another part of the software. The features used to work just fine appear to have bugs, so the testing team needs to make sure that the software in its new state is working correctly. In other words, regression mitigates the risks of collateral damage.
When do we need Regression testing?
The need for Regression Testing could arise when there are changes as mentioned below:
- To fix the defect.
- When a new feature is added.
- When changes are made to the existing feature.
- To maintain the software product bug-free.
- Change in configuration/environment (hardware, software, network)
It focuses on minimising the risks of defects or dependencies due to any changes to the code. This testing is conducted after maintenance; changes to functionalities or enhancements are made to a product to make sure that there are not any unexpected outcomes. Check out this free course on Predictive Modeling And Analytics Regression.
What are the different types of Regression Testing?
The various types of regression testing are:
- Corrective
- Progressive
- Retest All
- Selective
- Complete
- Partial
- Unit
Corrective Regression Testing
The current test cases are tested when there is no change in code. It takes lesser time in detecting bugs. This type is suitable to reuse the test cases.
Progressive Regression Testing
Progressive regression testing can run properly when the products have undergone a couple of changes. It allows the testers to conduct the specified step within the updated version of the program without touching the present features.
Retest All Regression Testing
This is a comprehensive test conducted to see any bugs, even when code changes are made in just certain parts of the products. Due to this reason, it’s a time-consuming process.
It is scheduled to check each element of the products during a fixed period. It allows reusing all the test cases from the start. It is focused on monitoring each change or update which will be made within the previous testing process.
Selective Regression Testing
As the name suggests, only selected, test cases from a module are processed where there are changes within the code. There is no need for running the entire test. Based on the wants, new codes can replace it during the method. Selective regression testing is conducted more commonly due to its advantages.
It is often run to see the effect of both the new code and, therefore, the current code, both being present at an equivalent time. Functions, variables, and other common elements are included within the application whenever there are changes to the case. The process doesn’t get affected, and it’s possible to seek out quick results.
Complete Regression Testing
This type of regression testing is usually conducted when the present code undergoes many changes. It is beneficial for allowing you to revive any changes which will be done during the method.
Partial Regression Testing
This type of testing involves the choice of specific related modules that would are suffering from any changes within the code. It plays its role only during a tiny part of the method. It is usually recommended during a wide selection of scenarios.
It makes it easier to detect essential bugs within the present code.
The testers can check bugs in the present code without an impression of the products. This form of testing helps in saving time. Running partial regression testing is an important part of regressing testing. This is why it is commonly used.
Unit Regression Testing
This is also a crucial component of regression testing. Many software professionals consider it to be the foremost necessary sort of it. When code changes every time it runs and completes inside a unit, all the previous positive test cases are rerun by the testers. Because it focuses on the code during a single unit, it always conducts it in isolation.
While running the test, most of the dependencies and interactions will block by the tester. This is why it’s usually conducted in non-peak hours of low traffic hours. Based on the outcome of the testing conducted on the system is identified. Therefore it is performed by experienced testers. It makes it easier for them to plan the method because it allows you to work out the right procedure.
Regression Testing Tools
Regression testing could be a process that consumes time. The QA team should execute it in manual form. On the other hand, automation tools can help to save quite half the time for running tests. When it involves developing a top-quality application, It is usually recommend to implement automation tools mentioned as follows:
- Quick Test Professional
- IBM Rational Functional Tester
- Water
- Regression Tester
- Selenium
Benefits of doing Regression Testing
The key advantages are as follows:
- It makes it easier to detect and identify bugs that will have formed due to a code change.
- It allows you to find out about the consequences of creating any changes within the operating environment.
- It helps improve product quality.
- It helps in detecting bugs in the early phase of deployment, which saves both time and cost.
Conclusion
Regression testing plays a vital role as it allows you to identify the defects whenever new changes are made to an existing system. It seems that if changes are made to a code, those changes aren’t getting to make an impression on the present code, its features, or its functionality. It also allows you to determine the effect of the changes on the separate old modules where no changes are made. The choice of the mode eventually comes right down to the project specifications and requirements. The manual mode consumes more time, and lots of human effort is also needed. In automation mode, the selected tool will be checked if it can update the test scenarios. This is an essential consideration in this type of testing. Hence it is a crucial component of the testing process in the development of a product. At the same time, the above outline the methods. The experience of a test team is also needed to determine what to check, the way to test, and how much to check in determining the proper and optimal testing strategy.
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