Unsealing the latest trends in automated regression testing in 2021

 

Regression testing plays a vital role in the process of software development. The products or applications built and released into the market should be stable and work seamlessly. It is the responsibility of the developers to ensure that any new changes made in the existing software program must not affect its present features while adding new features/functionalities. 

In short, regression testing helps developers to improve the current version of the software or application. If you’re looking for world-class automated regression testing services then, Sun Technologies helps you improve app performance by ensuring the software is free from bugs and errors. In this article, let us analyze the importance of regression testing and when to execute it?

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What is Regression Testing in Software Testing?

Regression testing is the process of testing that is performed on software that undergoes a change in the code and to ensure no functionalities added to the software will affect its existing features.  In general, it means the old bugs won’t haunt you back.

Types of Regression Testing

Regression testing is carried out in numerous ways depending upon the factors such as the type of changes rolled out and fixing the bugs. Right below, we have listed seven different types of regression testing.

Corrective regression testing

Corrective regression testing is performed when no changes take place in the specification of the product. Additionally, the existing test cases can be reused while conducting tests.

Retest-all regression testing

Retest-all regression testing is considered a tedious task which also wastes a lot of time. In this testing, no matter whether the modifications were performed or not. Anyways, testing is done through the whole process by reusing all test cases.

Selective regression testing

Selective regression testing is done to know the real impact of the new code which is added to the existing code of that software. In this testing, a subset from the test cases reduces the extra efforts involved in the process of retesting.

Progressive regression testing

Progressive regression testing works most effectively when specific changes are done in the software specification. In this process, the new test cases are designed too.

Complete regression testing

Complete regression testing is performed when multiple changes were made to the already existing code. Most importantly, this testing helps to identify how the new code shows an impact on the root code of that particular software.

Partial regression testing

Partial regression testing is carried out to test issues when the new code is added to the existing code. The main aim of this partial regression testing is to make sure that the software is performing as same even after adding the new code.  

Unit regression testing

Unit regression testing is performed in isolation that mainly focuses on code unit where all dependencies and interactions are blocked initially during the test time. In the end, software should deliver functionality, better performance without any bugs.

Why is Regression Testing Important?

Regression testing is a way to improve the quality of an application's code before it is released. Regression testing is usually performed in a period of time before the release date unless it is continuous. Regression testing is used to verify that the new code works well with the existing code. If the application functions as before, the regression testing suite validates the code and is approved for distribution to customers.

Continual changes can cause code to become broken and lead to defects. Regression testing ensures that customers do not receive defective codes. This can lead to poor customer experience and loss of revenue.

It's difficult, if not impossible, to win back customers' trust when you release flawed applications. To ensure higher quality code releases, invest in regression testing.

Automated Regression Testing in Agile

Regression testing can be integrated into Agile workflows by QA teams. This requires them to streamline and prioritize tests through a risk-based, collaborative approach. Automation is also a must to ensure that the tests are completed in a timely manner, which will allow them to be aligned with Agile timelines.

Check out some techniques to test for regression in agile processes

Risk-based approach: QA team selects test cases for software modules most affected recently by changes. They rank them according to the risk level and then conduct tests. High-risk test cases include software functions that are critical to the overall functionality of the system, and which are visible to end-users or defect-prone. Medium-risk cases cover exceptional situations. Low-priority testing covers all aspects and is usually included in the final regression before major product releases.

Collaborative approach: The QA Team covers all changes made during a sprint. By prioritizing tests, they allow other members of the team to make suggestions for changes. In this instance, developers will discuss whether recent features could affect critical functions. This helps to keep QA structures and scripts in line and efficient.

Regression Suite

There are several ways to make a regression test suite. Here are some options that will allow you to maximize efficiency and effectiveness while reducing the time it takes to execute your regression test suite. Regression testing can be done using groups. This allows you to implement all the features of an application. You can group regression tests by features, functions, or any other logical area. 

You execute a group of regression tests for each release during a rotation. You can group four regression testing cycles together and then execute one set per release. This would mean that you need four releases to complete the entire regression test suite. You can also simply execute the groups of regression tests that apply to the current release. For example, payment functionality is updated when the cart checkout features are changed.

You might also consider continuous testing. Continuous testing means that testing does

not stop at release deadlines. The QA team conducts testing of new features and bugs. Manual regression testing is then performed when it is possible. Automated regression tests are available at any time that is convenient for

you, including overnight and weekends. The regression test suite will continue to run as normal.

When creating a regression testing suite, these are the 5 essential steps to follow:

1.      1^st give importance to high-priority tests

2.      Build and automate your smoke tests

3.      Perform basic functional test suites

4.      Test and validate the integrations

5.      In-depth performance testing is necessary

 

Regression Testing Strategy

Regression testing is the process of testing an app's unchanged components again and again. This ensures that all functionality in an app is functioning as it should and that any new features don't introduce new bugs or errors. It is essentially a verification process.

Best Regression Testing Automation Tools

Here is a curated list of the top 10 regression test automation tools.

1.      Subject7

2.      Cerberus

3.      Testimony

4.      Digivante

5.      Testsigma

6.      TimeShiftX

7.      Appsurify TestBrain

8.      Sahi Pro

9.      Selenium

10.   Watir

 

Best Practices of Regression Testing

·        Regression testing is essential in agile environments where every sprint requires the integration of all previous releases. Regression ensures continuity in business operations.

·        Regression testing is a method to find bugs in software. It catches undefined integrations between modules within an application. Regression tests make the software more resistant to discrepancies. This supports the testing teams in releasing the product quicker with quality assurance.

·        Regression testing assures that the application remains intact and integrated, even when there are constant additions. Automated regression test generates quicker results, and permits repeated testing for similar releases. This makes it possible to identify any type of error in an app on a consistent basis.

·        Automated regression tests significantly improve the testing process and reduce the testing time. These scripts can run simultaneously on different machines and over the internet. After the automated regression test suite can be used for execution, test resources will be able to focus on other areas of the application that are in need of their expertise.

·        It builds customer confidence and helps you achieve higher CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index), which can then be used as a reason to grow your business.

·        Regression testing assures that the fix does not negatively impact existing functionality. This team not only pushes new software into production but also ensures that existing features are unaffected.

·        Regression testing reduces the need for production issues and helps to avoid unnecessary costs. Software testing automation can reduce the overall cost of the project.

·        Regression testing can also be used to implement continuous integration. A build is initiated when a developer pushes a file. Then, the regressions test suites are automatically executed to ensure that the software runs smoothly.

·        It saves a lot of time because the same automated scripts can be used for testing.

·        It encourages product quality improvement and verifies that any modifications have not adversely affected the core functions that have already been proven and tested.

·        Manual and automated regression testing are both possible. It is important to establish a process for updating regression tests scripts in accordance with business objectives. Automating regression testing can reduce project costs to a large extent. Automation is the most important benefit of regression testing.

·        Regression testing is better than skipping it.

·        Regression testing can be used to find and fix bugs before the software is released to the public.

 

Conclusion

In the software industry, regression testing plays a crucial role in finding and fixing the new types of bugs in a software or application when a new update is rolled out. The issue arises due to the action of any update, code modification, or patching that is involved in the software. The main aim of performing regression testing is to make sure that the new features don't impact the existing features.

Directly, business success depends upon the quality of products and services enterprises offer to the consumers. The better the quality the more chances for building brand trustworthiness among customers that leads to higher ROI in the future. 

Contact us today for the best Automated Regression Testing Services.