REGRESSION TESTING

What is Regression Testing? Definition, Tools & How to Get Started

What is regression testing?

Regression testing is a software testing practice that ensures an application still functions as expected after any code changes, updates, or improvements.

Regression testing is responsible for the overall stability and functionality of the existing features. Whenever a new modification is added to the code, regression testing is applied to guarantee that after each update, the system stays sustainable under continuous improvements.?

Changes in the code may involve dependencies, defects, or malfunctions. Regression testing targets to mitigate these risks, so that the previously developed and tested code remains operational after new changes.

Generally, an application goes through multiple tests before the changes are integrated into the main development branch. Regression testing is the final step, as it verifies the product behaviors as a whole.

When to apply regression testing

Typically, regression testing is applied under these circumstances:

• A new requirement is added to an existing feature
• A new feature or functionality is added
• The codebase is fixed to solve defects
• The source code is optimized to improve performance
• Patch fixes are added
• Changes in configuration

Why is regression testing important?

Test automation?is a necessary element in software development practices. Similarly, automated regression testing is also considered a critical puzzle piece.

With a rapid regression testing process, product teams can receive more informative feedback and respond instantly. Regression testing detects new bugs early in the deployment cycle so that businesses do not have to invest in costs and maintenance efforts to resolve the built-up defects. Sometimes a seemingly mild modification might cause a domino effect on the product’s key functions.

That’s why developers and testers must not leave any alteration, even the smallest, that goes out of their control scope.

Functional tests only inspect behaviors of the new features and capabilities, yet dismiss how compatible they are with the existing ones. Therefore, without regression testing, it is more difficult and time-consuming to investigate the root cause and the architecture of the product.

In other words, if your product undergoes frequent modification, regression testing will be the filter that ensures quality as the product is improved.

How to perform regression testing

Regression testing practices vary among organizations. However, there are a few basic steps:?

Detect Changes in the Source Code

Detect the modification and optimization in the source code; then identify the components or modules that were changed, as well as their impacts on the existing features.

Prioritize Those Changes and Product Requirements

Next, prioritize these modifications and product requirements to streamline the testing process with the corresponding test cases and testing tools.?

Determine Entry Point and Entry Criteria

Ensure whether your application meets the preset eligibility before the regression test execution.

Determine Exit Point

Determine an exit or final point for the required eligibility or minimum conditions set in step three.

Schedule Tests

Finally, identify all test components and schedule the appropriate time to execute.

Is time-based execution to test constant changes one of your priorities in testing? If so, learn how to easily manage and set up time-based tests orchestration

Tools for Regression Testing

Katalon Studio

Katalon Studio is an?end-to-end?automation solution that supports functional and regression testing, transforming these processes into easy and simple tasks for testers.?

Katalon Studio?provides an all-in-one regression testing tool for your website, web services, and mobile application. The tool also supports running scripts on multiple devices, browsers, and environments.?

In detail, you can review test results with the comprehensive and customizable test reports in LOG, HTML, CSV, and PDF formats, and forward them as email attachments.

Selenium

Selenium offers a set of features used to automate web applications. It remains among the top tools for browser-based and cross-platform regression testing. Selenium supports automated test scripts that cycle through data sets and data-driven tests. This is a proper solution for large-scale quality assurance teams with advanced testers. However, its steep learning curve becomes a hindrance for small and mid-size teams.