What is a regression test
Regression Testing is an integral part of the testing process. This technique ensures that an existing product will work with any new features, bug fixes, or changes. After the functionality check of recent changes, regression testing begins.
The test cases are all re-executed to verify that the application’s functionality is still working and that the changes have not caused any bugs. Look at the cycle of regression testing:
When is it appropriate to perform regression testing
Every time the code for production is modified, we perform regression tests. It is important to:
When new features are added
A mobile application, for example, has a login feature that allows users to log in ONLY using their email. Adding a new login option to use your email or mobile number.
When there is a request for a change (e.g., if you want to change existing functionality)
Remove the “Remember Password” functionality on the login screen.
When the defect has been fixed, or the code refactored
For example, suppose a tester finds a bug on a webpage where the login function does not work. The tester will test the functionality of the login once the developers have fixed the bug. Similarly, the tester checks that other functions like forget password, login from mobile, and login via SSO (all related to login) are working properly.
Fix the performance problem
For example, Loading the application screen containing training videos takes 7 seconds. This can be reduced to 3 seconds.
There is a change in the environment
In SDLC, there are usually five environments: (1) development instance, (2) staging instance, (3) beta instance, (4) alpha instance, and (5) production instance. Regression testing ensures that software products perform flawlessly in each environment. For example, we test functionality on production instances when releasing the product.
What is a Regression Testing Strategy
Regression testing may be done manually or automatically. The regression test cases should be prioritized based on the critical and most frequently used functionality. Automating the test cases is a better option for regression testing.
Manual Regression
Manual regression testing will be the most thorough form of precautionary testing that you can perform before moving on to the next stage of your product journey.
Manual regression strategy
Create a checklist of functionality. Checklists can be multiple depending on webpage/mobile/screen-wise/feature-wise/etc.
Gather all the test cases that you plan to run, including but not only:
All Integration Test Cases
All complex test cases
Test cases for boundary value
Sample of successful test cases
Sample failure test cases
Prioritize your test cases. Prioritizing test cases will reduce the number of regression tests.
Automated Regression
Nitor Infotech’s automation team is progressing in automating test cases for web and mobile applications. Agile paradigms require frequent software releases and revisions. This requires a rapid regression test process, which allows product teams to receive more information and respond immediately. It may be necessary to run regression tests again. You can do this quickly and efficiently with automated tools.
A strategy for automated regression
Automating regression is the automation of workflows and plans.
What can be automated?
Gather all the test cases that you plan to run, including but not only:
All Integration Test Cases
All complex test cases
Test cases for boundary value
Sample of successful test cases
Sample failure test cases
Calculate the time required to execute the test cases.
Concentrate on improving the test cases.
Automating regression tests has business benefits
Faster operations than a manual: Automated operations are usually completed faster and with better results when compared to manual ones.
Open source is free. The time needed to run all the tests will also reduce costly delays.
Shorter Regression Cycles: Manual execution always costs more, but automating it gradually reduces minor maintenance. Automation has reduced resource effort in executing regression test cycles by 70-80%.
Extended Test Coverage: According to our case study, after four weeks of using an automation tool, the automated regression coverage was five times greater than the manual regression cover after using the automation tool.
Why is it important to perform regression tests
Functionality testing is limited to examining the behavior of new features and functionality. It is still necessary to test their compatibility. It is, therefore, more time-consuming and difficult to investigate the cause of the problem and the architecture.
For this reason, developers and testers should not let even the smallest detail go unchecked.
Please email Nitor Tech if you have any feedback on this blog or would like to know more about our Quality Engineering Services. You may also want to read This blog which will teach you everything you need to know about user acceptance testing.