As a leading Software Testing Company, we perform all types of software testing to deliver the desired product to our clients. One of the most common types of software testing that we perform is Regression testing. The need for Regression Testing arises whenever we get a requirement to change the existing code and we need to test if the modified code has an impact on the other parts of the software application. Regression Testing is also needed when a new feature is integrated with the application and when defects and performance issues need to be fixed. In this Regression Testing guide, we will discuss all regression testing – Definition, Process, Tools, and Test Cases. Let’s have a look!
What is Regression Testing?
Regression Testing is a type of software testing technique to verify if a recent change made to the program or code does not adversely affect existing features of the software application. It is basically a full or partial selection of already executed test cases that are executed again to make sure that your existing functionalities work optimally.
This testing technique ensures that new code changes should not have adverse effects on the existing functionalities. It is done to make sure that old code works properly after the recent code changes are made.
Regression Testing Process
To perform the Regression Testing, we need to first do code debugging to identify the bugs. After identifying the bugs, required changes are done to fix them. Then, the regression testing is performed by selecting relevant test cases from the test suite that includes modified as well as affected parts of the code.
Software maintenance is a process that includes improvisations, enhancements, error fixations, optimizations, and removal of unnecessary removal features. These changes may affect the present performance of the system. Therefore, regression testing is important to check the performance of the system after the modifications are done.
The process of regression testing involves the following steps:
- Retest All
In this phase, we re-execute all the tests in the existing test suite. This method is very expensive because it consumes a lot of time and resources.
- Regression Test Selection
The Regression Test Selection method involves the selection of test cases from the test suite that is needed to be executed to verify if the modified code has an impact on the software application. Test cases are divided into two parts, reusable test cases, and obsolete test cases. Reusable test cases can be used in further regression cycles while obsolete test cases can’t be used in subsequent cycles.
- Prioritization of Test Cases
Now, we prioritize the test cases based on business impact as well as important and frequently used functionalities. Priority-based selection of test cases will significantly reduce the regression test suite.
Selection of Test Cases for Regression Testing
It was discovered from industry data that many defects reported by customers were because of last-minute bug fixes which create side effects on the software. Therefore, the selection of relevant test cases is essential; however, it is not an easy task. By selecting the following test cases, we can ensure effective regression tests:
- Essential software functionalities that are more visible to the users
- Test cases that contain frequent defects
- Test cases of Functionalities that get modified frequently
- Test cases that validate key features of the product
- All Complex Test Cases
- All Integration Test Cases
- Boundary value test cases
- Samples of Successful as well as Failure test cases
Regression Testing Tools
If your product undergoes frequent modification, then the cost of regression testing will be higher. In that case, manual execution of test cases will increase the time and cost of test execution
In such a scenario, automated retesting is the best choice. The extent of automated testing will depend on the number of test cases that can be reused for successive regression cycles.
Below are some of the essential tools that are used for functional as well as regression testing:
- Selenium: This open-source tool is to automate web apps. Selenium proves too effective in-browser-based regression testing.
- Quick Test Professional (QTP): HP Quick Test Professional is an automated tool used for automating both functional and regression test cases. This software is a data-driven and keyword-based tool that uses VBScript language for automation.
- Rational Functional Tester (RFT): Rational functional tester is a Java tool by IBM. This tool is used for automating the test cases of applications. RFT is mainly used for automating regression test cases. It also seamlessly integrates with Rational Test Manager.
Configuration ManagementDuringRegression Testing
Managing configurations during regression testing is crucial in Agile Environments where a code is constantly being changed. We observe the following to ensure effective regression tests.
- The code on which regressing testing will be done should be under a configuration management tool.
- No change should be done during the regression test process.
- The database used for regression testing should be separated. No changes to the database should be made during the process.
Looking for a Professional Software Testing Company?
As a professional software testing company, we take all the necessary measures to ensure effective regression testing software engineering. We create an effective regression testing strategy to save both time and money for our clients. If you’re looking for a reliable software testing company for regression testing services, you may contact us right away!
FAQs
Q.1. What is the difference between retesting and regression testing?
Ans. Retesting is a method in which the functionality or bug is tested again to ensure that the code is fixed. If it hasn’t, the defect is re-opened, fixed again, and then closed.
Regression testing is a type of software testing method in which the software application is tested when it undergoes a code change to make sure that the recent code change does not affect the other existing parts of the software.
Q.2. What are the challenges faced in Regression testing?
Ans. Here are some of the major challenges that are encountered during testing:
- Test suites tend to grow with successive regression runs. The entire regression test suite cannot be executed due to limited time and budget.
- Reducing the test suite while ensuring maximum test coverage is a major challenge.
- Deciding on the optimal number of regression tests that need to be performed, that is, once every modification or build update or a bunch of bug fixes is done is another challenge.
Q.3. How much time will it take to complete regression testing?
Ans. As Regression Testing is a short-time process, it will take 1-2 hours to complete the test. However, the time taken for regression testing may depend on the number of test cases in a test suite and the complexity of your application.
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