Imagine having perfect software which is used by millions. Now, you are planning to deploy new features to your software. However, the new features make the existing features unusable, leading to a reduction in the user base. The reason why this happened is the lack of testing on the software. Several organizations overlook the testing phase or do not conduct testing as required. Regression testing is performed on software whenever a new feature is deployed in the software. This article will elaborate on all the factors of regression testing including its benefits, challenges, types, and best practices.
What Is Regression Testing?
Regression testing is done on software after making any modification or change to the code to ensure that the newly added changes do not influence the existing functionality of the software. These changes could be the addition of a new feature, updating an existing feature, or fixing a bug.
Unlike other testing types where only the newly added features are tested, regression testing is about testing the entire system again after adding new features. It involves conducting a series of tests rather than just a single test to ensure that the system remains functional at all times.
Benefits Of Regression Testing
Understanding the benefits of regression testing will help in knowing how it will help in making your software better and your organization reliable. With that in mind, here are the major benefits of regression testing.
- Identify Bugs In Early StageThere is nothing more frustrating for a developer to identify bugs in their software after its release. As regression testing includes testing the entire software thoroughly, it allows the testing team to identify the bugs before the software is released so that it does not hamper the overall user experience.
- StabilityNewly introduced features in the software may bring new bugs with them. Regression testing ensures that the existing features remain functional along with the new features so that the software remains stable at all times.
- Reduces Testing LifecycleOne of the reasons why certain organizations overlook testing is due to the long process that may or may not be required. As regression testing includes a series of tests and it focuses on the entire software rather than a single area, it drastically reduces the testing lifecycle.
Types Of Regression Testing
Regression testing in software testing is of five types; corrective, progressive, selective, partial, and complete. The different types of regression testing are explained below.
- CorrectiveCorrective regression testing is performed to determine whether the system is working correctly or not and is only applied when no change is applied to the source code. In this testing type, only the existing functionalities are tested.
- ProgressiveProgressive regression testing is performed when a new feature or component is added to the software. In most cases, new test cases are built to perform this testing. It is a preferred type of regression testing as it helps in ensuring that the newly added components do not hinder the performance of the existing features.
- SelectiveIn selective regression testing, only certain groups of already created test cases are used. Rather than testing the entire system, only the specific components are considered for final testing.
- PartialPartial testing is one of the most widely utilized regression testing types as it is used when new features are added to the source code. Not just the newly added components, but the existing features of the software are tested in partial regression testing. With this testing, the testers can understand the influence of the new features on the existing ones.
- CompleteAs the name suggests, the testers perform regression testing on the entire system. Whether it is a new feature or an old feature, it will be thoroughly tested in complete regression testing. Due to this reason, certain organizations have set complete regression testing as standard practice before the launch of new software or a new feature to their existing software.
How To Do Regression Testing?
Regression testing requires a predetermined strategy in the early development stage to minimize unplanned obstacles in the release process. Though the same process may not work for every software, it can be used as a blueprint and personalized as the software demands. With that in mind, here is the process of how regression testing is performed.
- Step 1: Collect Tests CasesThe foremost step is to gather all the test cases from the program that will be executed. In this step, you need to add complex test cases, cases that authenticate the primary features of the software, and cases that are vulnerable to errors. Including all these test cases in the regression testing strategy ensures that you cover all essential areas of the program.
- Step 2: Determine The Approximate Time To Execute The TestThe next step in this process is to estimate the time needed to test the desired features of the software. While calculating the estimated time, it is essential to keep certain factors in mind including the time needed for creating the test data, planning the test, and reviewing the test cases. Sometimes, you may have new testers on the team. All these testers may need some additional training to become familiar with the tools which can also increase the approximate time to execute the tests.
- Step 3: Find Out The Tests That Can Be AutomatedAutomation is proven to be a great help in regression testing as it is more reliable and faster than manual testing. Furthermore, automation eradicates the possibility of human errors which can consume more time. Certain tests in regression testing can be done through automation, minimizing manual tests. In this step, you need to segregate manual and automated tests into two groups so that miscommunication can be avoided between different teams.
- Step 4: Prioritize Test CasesOne of the best practices to ensure that the right tests are performed at the right time is by prioritizing them. Following this practice also helps in managing the test sessions, enhancing the overall test productivity. The below-explained blueprint can be followed to prioritize the test cases.
- Priority 0: The first priority is 0 where all the features that provide the most value to the engineers, as well as the users, are tested. In most cases, the basic functionality and features of the system and the software are tested to ensure that the software is capable of performing the desired functionalities.
- Priority 1: Certain software comes with additional features that boost its overall productivity. However, these features are not essential and the software may still accomplish its goal without these features (ineffectively). All these features are categorized under Priority 1 and these test cases should be executed only after checking the Priority 0 test cases.
- Priority 2: All those test cases that may be required to eradicate complex situations for the developers or help in avoiding technical debt fall under this category. These test cases may not offer any significant value to the project.
- Step 5: Use The Right ToolsOne of the best ways to reduce testing time is by using the right regression testing tools. Whether it is planning or reporting, there is a tool specifically made to help the testers in every step of the process. Furthermore, using the right toolset with compatible tools allows the teams to speed up the process even further for a better outcome.
Tools For Regression Testing
Regression testing can be done with utmost effectiveness if the right set of tools is used. Below are some of the best regression testing tools that are used by legions of organizations.
- Selenium: Selenium is a browser-based regression testing tool that offers automated test scripts. Being one of the most renowned names in regression testing, this tool is often the choice of major enterprises.
- High test coverage
- Multi-browser support
- Unsophisticated framework
- Better test running efficiency
- Parallel test case execution
- Easy integration with other tools
- Watir: Watir is an open-source regression testing tool developed using Ruby. It supports all the major web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. In-built features like iframes test, browser windows, and easy downloads make this tool easy to use.
- Location web elements
- Test page performance
- Test alerts
- Headless testing
- Page objects to reuse code
- Apache JMeter: Developed by Apache, JMeter is another open-source automation testing software that also helps in measuring the load and performance of the software. Other features of this tool are:
- Java Scripted
- Data Analysis and Visualization
- HTTP, HTTPS, REST, IMAP, and SMTP compatibility
- GUI Design and Interface
- Regression testing suite for users
- Testsigma: Testsigma provides scriptless test cases which makes the entire testing less complicated. Furthermore, it is compatible with other tools like Slack, Jenkins, and JIRA. With this tool, you can plan, develop, execute, report, and maintain the tests easily.
- Schedule tests execution
- Manage multiple projects seamlessly
- Create custom test case types
- Prioritize test cases
- Cross-device testing
- Test suite results
Regression Testing VS Retesting
Regression testing and retesting have led to confusion among new testers. Both may sound similar and may even help in making the software more stable, there are several differences between the two. Below are the major dissimilarities between regression testing and retesting that every tester should know.
Regression Testing
- The purpose of regression testing is to ensure that new changes in the source code do not hamper the functionality of the existing features.
- Depending on the available resources and the project requirements, regression testing and retesting can be done simultaneously.
- Test cases in regression testing can be automated.
- Only passed test cases can qualify for regression testing.
- Another goal of regression testing is to check unwanted side effects on the software.
Retesting
- Retesting is the process to test the failed tests to ensure that they pass after the issues are resolved.
- Due to its high priority, retesting is always done before regression testing.
- Test cases in retesting cannot be automated.
- Retesting is performed on failed test cases only.
- Regression testing is performed to ensure that the existing issue in the software is fixed.
Challenges During Regression Testing
Though it may sound easy to perform, still regression testing comes with several challenges that the tester has to tackle. Preparing for these challenges beforehand allows the tester to handle these challenges and perform the testing process seamlessly.
- Becomes Complex with Time: Initially, regression testing may not seem too complex. However, as new software versions are released and new features are launched, regression testing will start to become extremely complex. With every release, you will have to test new and old test cases and with each release, the number of test cases will increase.
- Time and Money Consuming: Regression testing consumes a lot of time and effort, especially when done manually. Though time consumption can be minimized through automation and the right tools, it will eventually increase the overall cost.
- Maintenance: Test cases in regression testing will increase significantly with every new release. After new releases, the current test cases need to be altered by adding, eradicating, or modifying existing test cases. This entire task needs to be accomplished before the testing deadline, hence posing an additional challenge for the regression testing team.
Best Practices For Regression Testing
Even though regression testing is a bit challenging, with the right practices, all these challenges can be handled effectively. Considering that fact, here are the best practices that will make regression testing easier and more effective.
- Automate Tests: Automation is one of the best practices for regression testing. Automation can be achieved with the right tools. All you have to do is shortlist the test cases that you need to automate and leave behind those cases that cannot be automated. Automating tests will save a lot of your time, and efforts, and will also provide your organization with a competitive advantage.
- Know about Every Change: Developing and managing software is all about bringing changes to the code. In regression testing, you need to make sure that you have hands-on information on every change that has ever happened to the code. Knowing about the changes will help you plan the testing and manage it efficiently.
- Track ROI: One of the key factors that help in understanding the success of regression testing is its ROI. Tracking the ROI on the produced reports and advanced analytics to identify the areas where testing is showcasing results and the areas where improvements are required.
- Prioritize Test Cases: Though it should always be a part of the regression testing process, still certain organizations tend to overlook this crucial practice. By prioritizing the test cases, you are ensuring that the test cases that require immediate attention are being tested before any other test cases. Not only will it make sure that your software remains stable, but also identifies and eradicates testing roadblocks.
Conclusion:
Regression testing may surely require significant effort and time, but it also ensures that your software remains functional after any new change in the code. The key is to use the best practices and tools to make sure that the tests are completed successfully. Getting professional assistance in regression testing is another excellent approach to getting stable software.
ThinkSys Inc. has a talent pool of professional and qualified regression testing specialists who can provide you with the best regression testing services. Our experts will analyze your software for existing test cases and ensure that the existing and new features in your software are functional. With ThinkSys Inc. by your side, you can stay assured that your software releases will not hinder the existing features. Here are the regression testing services that ThinkSys Inc. offers.
1. Automated Regression Testing
- Our team uses industry-leading tools and practices for automated regression testing.
- Automated tools for UI tests after every change in source code.
- Boost the release of your software with ThinkSys automated regression testing.
2. Test Case Management
- The experienced talent pool for excellent regression test case management services.
- Great bandwidth to provide services quickly to global clients.
3. Application Testing
- Identify and fix issues in the application with the application testing service.
- Our ISO-certified systematic approach for efficient testing ensures minimal resource consumption.
- Time entry and exit criteria correctly for the right outcome.
4. Corrective Testing
- Best-in-class infrastructure for corrective testing.
- Fix the existing issues through our services.
5. Progressive Testing
- Validate the functionality of the system with progressive testing.
- Designing new test cases for newly added specifications.
- Ensure that progressive testing is successfully completed with no bugs.
6. Functional Regression Testing
- Make sure that your system remains stable with our functional regression testing service.
- We recommend fixes and patches that will improve the software.
- Create a systematic plan to fix the bugs in the program.
7. End-To-End Regression Testing
- Our professionals will handle the entire regression testing process for your software.
- Maintain top-notch performance of your software with effective testing.
- Manage the testing process from planning to its execution.
- We offer industry-leading tools for the best test results.
FAQ
What is Automated Regression Testing?
Automated regression testing is a regression testing technique that uses automation tools and techniques to ensure that existing features work after modifying the source code of the software. It includes automating the entire workflow while following the regression testing methodologies.
What are the differences between Regression testing and UAT?
Both regression and user acceptance testing are essential for software, but they are not alike. Regression testing is about testing the software to make sure that all the existing features are working as before after a change in the source code. On the other hand, UAT is testing the software to determine whether it can perform in real-world situations or not.
Regression Testing vs. Unit Testing
When it comes to differences between unit and regression testing, the biggest dissimilarity lies within their purpose. Unit testing is done to make sure that the software performs as expected by testing different individual code components. However, regression testing is when the testers perform tests on the code to ensure that the new changes do not alter the existing features.
Unit testing is done after the changes are implemented to the software and to check that the new features function as desired. Regression testing is not performed in the development phase but before the final launch of the new version.
In most cases, unit testing is done before regression testing to ensure that the software works as anticipated.
Smoke Testing vs. Regression Testing
Smoke testing is about checking the software to understand whether it is stable or not whereas regression testing is about testing the software after a new change in the software to ensure that it does not influence existing features. In most cases, regression tests are followed by smoke testing to decide whether to keep the build or not. However, regression tests are done to determine whether to further perform tests on the build or not.
Regression Testing in Agile
Agile follows an iterative and incremental approach. An iteration is also called a sprint which lasts for two to four weeks. Preparation for regression testing in agile begins in the early stage and is updated as the process moves forward. It also has two different categories: sprint level and end-to-end regression.
- Sprint Level Regression: Sprint level regression is performed on any new functionality added in the most recent sprint. Here, the test cases are picked based on the added feature or any modification in the code.
- End-to-End Regression: This category of regression check includes test cases that will be re-executed. The software will be tested entirely, covering all the features of the software and components of the code.