When we have a large code base, making changes to it becomes tricky. An enhancement or bug fix can often lead to disruption. This is in the existing functionalities of the app, etc. You may see a lot of companies using automated methods like unit tests. However, even that method leaves some gaps leading to improper user experience. This is where regression testing in software testing is helpful. It is a comprehensive route to ensure premium quality and experience every time.
Hence, in this blog, we will look at what it is, when to use it, how to use it, challenges, and much more. So let’s get started.
What is Regression Testing in Software Testing?
Regression testing is the process of re-testing a program or application in software testing. This is after changes are made to the code. These modifications might include new features, bug patches, or upgrades. The objective is to ensure the changes do not inadvertently break any current functionality. Consider it a safety trap to capture any unanticipated consequences that the adjustments may have caused.
This form of testing is critical because even little modifications in the code might have far-reaching consequences. As a result, other sections of the software may have problems. You may uncover these issues early by taking regression testing services. You may also confirm that the program continues to function normally. As a result, the software is of higher quality overall. Furthermore, the different types of regression testing ensure that new alterations have not affected old functional elements.
Let’s look at when to perform regression testing in software testing.
When to Perform Regression Testing in Software Testing?
Regression testing should be performed at specific points in the software development lifecycle. Here are the critical scenarios when you should consider performing regression testing.
1. After code changes
Whenever you make modifications to the code-base, regression testing is required. As a result, to ensure the latest changes have not accidentally impacted other portions of the software.
2. During iterations or sprints
Regression testing is a continuous process in Agile development that occurs with each iteration or sprint. These tests are done when new features are developed and incorporated. This ensures that the new code hasn’t produced any regressions in the old code.
3. When external dependencies change
Is your program dependent on third-party libraries, APIs, or services? Any modifications to these dependencies may impact how your software operates. Hence, to ensure compatibility, regression testing is required.
4. After infrastructure changes
Regression testing is helpful when repositioning software to a new server environment, database, or platform. This ensures that the program works as intended under the new arrangement.
5. Significant code refactoring
Regression testing is required after an extensive code restructuring. This is in which the underlying structure of the software is dramatically altered. This is to ensure that the adjustments have not caused any problems.
6. User reported issues
Regression testing is recommended if users report new issues or bugs following a release or upgrade. This ensures that the reported difficulties are indeed due to the recent modifications.
7. Periodic maintenance
Regression testing should be performed regularly, even if no immediate modifications are made. This can assist in identifying possible concerns that were previously overlooked.
Now that we know when to do it, let us see how to perform regression testing in software testing.
How to Perform Regression Testing in Software Testing?
Regression testing in software testing is a systematic procedure. One that assures that recent code modifications do not unintentionally break current functionality. To carry out successful regression testing, first, identify the test cases that are relevant to the modifications. Create a regression test suite. One that incorporates both the updated components and the associated current functions.
Thus, to provide complete coverage, this suite should include a combination of human and automated regression testing. The testing process entails running the test cases from the regression suite on the modified codebase. The goal is to expose any unforeseen repercussions caused by the adjustments.
Prioritize test cases based on necessary functionality and impacted locations. This aids in the optimization of testing efforts. Automation is essential in regression testing, especially for repetitive tests. Integrating these tests into a pipeline ensures a prompt receipt of feedback. This is also true after each code modification.
Comparing current test results with past results facilitates the detection of regressions. The ones caused by recent modifications. You should record any concerns discovered in your issue tracking system. This enables engineers to resolve them as soon as possible.
Rerun the regression tests once the issues have been rectified. This is to ensure that the fixes did not cause any new problems. As the product changes, the team must regularly update the regression test suite. Its purpose is to accommodate new features and adjustments.
Documenting test cases, findings, and faults discovered during regression testing facilitates information exchange. When following these measures, regression testing establishes a solid safety trap. It also protects your software’s stability and quality. This is as it progresses through development cycles.
Now while implementing regression testing in software testing, we might encounter some challenges. Let us see what they are.
What are The Challenges of Regression Testing in Software Testing?
Regression testing is crucial for maintaining software quality. Despite this, it does come with its own set of challenges. Let’s take a look at them.
1. Complexity
As software becomes complex, it becomes more challenging to discover related functionality. To ensure thorough testing coverage, developers need to pay serious attention.
2. Prioritization
It might be challenging to balance thorough test coverage and efficient testing. This is when you prioritize test cases for execution. This may result in coverage gaps.
3. Manual testing
Manual regression testing takes time and is prone to human mistakes. It impacts testing accuracy and efficiency, especially for repetitive operations.
4. Test automation
While automation increases productivity, it needs skill and resources to perform automated tests. Hence, some teams might find this problematic.
5. Environment consistency
It is critical to ensure that the test environment reflects the production environment. Developers do this to prevent false positives and negatives. However, it can occur as a result of environmental differences.
6. Test suite maintenance
The ever-changing nature of software development necessitates frequent modifications. This is due to introducing new features and updates, which require persistent maintenance efforts.
7. False positives and negatives
Managing false positives and false negatives can have an impact on the dependability of regression testing results. Hence, one must be very cautious.
Moving forward, we will talk about some real-world examples to make the concept of regression testing in software testing more clear.
Real-Life Examples of Regression Testing in Software Testing
In this section, we will explore some real-world scenarios where software testing frequently observes regression testing.
1. Web browser updates
Regression testing guarantees that current websites continue to work correctly. This is when web browsers such as Chrome or Firefox receive upgrades. This is due to the latest browser version, which eliminates compatibility difficulties.
2. Mobile app enhancements
As mobile apps add new features, regression testing ensures these changes do not interfere with the current functionality. Adding a payment option to a retail app, for example, should not disrupt the core search capability.
3. E-commerce platform changes
Regression testing in e-commerce ensures that changes do not cause unforeseen problems, as this impacts the user experience.
Conclusion
Regression testing stands out as a software quality guardian in the large realm of software testing. As we come to a close, we’ve looked at its significance, implementation, and obstacles. Real-world examples demonstrate the prevalence of regression testing in software testing. It has guaranteed the reliability of software. This ranges from web browsers to financial programs.
You can either execute it flawlessly with our guide or hire the best regression testing services to make sure you hit the right spot in the first go. So what are you waiting for? Start your journey now
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