Regression testing is a necessary measure to detect defects in the tested areas of the app. In addition, this is necessary to check for regression bugs detection.
Regression errors are just like other bugs, but they can appear not when writing a program but when adding a new program section to an existing build or fixing other bugs which caused new defects in an already tested product.
But over time, any app will get change and grow, which will lead to an increase in the set of regression tests. Thus, there may be a need for hundreds or even thousands of such checks. Logically, you will need automation of such tests.
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Regression Testing and Its Essence
The main essence and purpose of regression testing lie in rechecking for bugs. More precisely, it helps determine if the fixing of some bugs has led to the appearance of others. There are also cases where a build update creates new defects in already tested code.
We can distinguish several types of software regression testing:
- Corrective. This kind of regression testing where you haven’t changed your source code. You just want to test how your current system’s operation works correctly without writing new functions and test systems.
- Retest-all. It lies in the repeated testing of all test cases, which allows you to make sure that there are no errors associated with changing the application’s source code.
- Selective. This type of testing is useful when testing a specific group of already created test cases.
- Progressive. It checks the fixes of an open or previously discovered bug.
- Complete. This type of testing is necessary to check the entire system at once. It is held immediately before the release of the product.
- Partial. It is needed when you add a new row to the system. Unlike sample testing, new features are tested alongside old ones in this type.
- Unit. It is useful for testing a single code or component and is the opposite of smoke testing.
What You Need to Know About Testing
Some points about how to perform regression testing:
- This type of testing is carried out in each new build.
- You need to start with version verification (build and smoke testing).
- Stage of checking the checked bugs.
- Regression testing, in general, does not cover the entire app but only those areas that, in one way or another, “are in contact” with changes in the build.
Further, bugs already closed earlier are tested.
- Regression testing is needed for several times of running: (3-5). Therefore, to save precious time (and, perhaps, to get rid of “routine”), the power of test automation is actively used in regression tests.
- Carrying out the final regression testing, for which tests are selected according to the priority determined by the founded number of errors.
What Can Test Automation Give You?
A large number of required tests is a common reason we need to automate regression testing. Of course, manual testing can take too much time when you have to test about a thousand cases. Also, automated regression testing may have other goals.
Consistency and infallibility
Sometimes it is difficult to test under the same scenario and conditions. Monotony has never been natural for a person. Moreover, not every test step is performed in the same way as it was performed in the previous one.
This can confuse the tester and lead to errors. Even small errors can lead to tangible consequences in the script. At the same time, automated regression testing helps to systematize the process and avoid the human factor.
Time optimization
Optimization is one of the most crucial factors, especially when it comes to the use of time. The situation is ideal when testers can execute the script immediately and automatically. They can then analyze the selected test, run it again, and interpret the results.
So, it makes it possible to perform more extensive tests, reduce lead time, speed up the time to market, and increase product quality.
End product high quality
Since manually executing regression tests can be a routine and monotonous job for testers, there is a high possibility of errors in the execution and, accordingly, in the results.
This can lead to poor quality of the produced software, an effect that can be easily eliminated with the help of automated regression testing.
Universal Approach to Regression Automated Testing
Test automation can be incredibly effective if you use it consistently and effectively. The fact is that such testing has some pitfalls that need to be taken into account. And to do it as efficiently and correctly as possible, we recommend that you follow a few important steps.
Choosing the Right Performer
Although automated regression testing tools will perform the job, they cannot be high quality without a good specialist.
This person has significant experience in testing and development and planning skills. It should be someone who can only deal with this task without spraying and not being distracted by others.
Choosing the Effective Tool
There are hundreds of tools designed to automate test execution, from simple free web-based automation tools to very complex, multi-platform and multi-technology tools (record and playback tools, scripting tools, etc.).
This is one of the key success factors in testing, so we recommend that you be as careful as possible in this matter. So, when choosing automated regression testing tools, determine the main criteria and requirements for this software testing tool.
Test Case Formatting
If you want to set up test automation in a versatile way, you should focus on test case design on one side and test case automation on the other one.
There must be a generic way to create new test cases so that they can be generic input for test automation scripts.
Before Setting up the Automated Regression Testing
It is worth noting that regression testing does not always have to be only automatic or manual. It can even be partially automated, especially if it contains repetitive scripts.
One way or another, you must prioritize when setting up automated tests. For example, you can do this by analyzing a few basic questions:
- Which feature is critical to check?
- Will the test case check test critical features?
- Will the test case check example check the function for users?
- How often does a test case check make mistakes?
- Can the test case check test the changes if the function has changed?
- Can the new feature be tested with a test case?
- Can test case check test integration?
Be also prepared that automated regression testing will not always be configured correctly and correctly. Given that your team will always learn and adapt, you will receive new test cases, which will cause the need to change the tools and approach to testing.
In any case, regression testing requires a balanced strategy and approach. If you use test automation as your main focus, you can ensure that your projects run smoothly, save budget, and have the best user experience. The key condition is the correct use of skills, the absence of errors in the software and suitable automated regression testing tools.
Zappletech is a professional team specializing in automated testing, including software regression testing. We apply a full-cycle approach to increase QA efficiency, including implementing best practices and developing customized solutions for your business. Contact us to automate your path to success.
