Best practices for regression testing

Regression testing is one form of black box testing. It is used to verify that a software code modification has no effect on the product's current functionality. Regression testing verifies that the product functions properly with added features, bug fixes, or modifications to existing features.

Software testing includes regression testing. Re-running test cases ensures that the application's previous functionality continues to perform as intended and that the recent changes did not introduce any defects.

Regression testing can be done on a new build when the original functionality has undergone considerable alteration. It makes sure that the code continues to function while the changes are being made. Regression simply means to retest the application's unaltered components.

Regression tests are also called the Verification Method. Frequently, test cases are automated. The same test case must be run repeatedly, which takes time and is boring. It is necessary to run test scenarios several times.

When should regression testing be done?

Regression testing is necessary whenever new features or improvements are added to an existing application. It ensures that any new features or modifications to an existing programme work perfectly and without any issues. There is a high likelihood of code incompatibility problems because developers and testers frequently struggle to track down every thread of code. Regression testing their application allows companies to discover flaws earlier and release software with fewer risks as a result.

When a deployment takes longer than anticipated, it can be employed. The tester must run regression tests every day in this situation. Regression testing should always come first for weekly releases, then functional testing.

When a component is redesigned, regression testing becomes even more crucial because it may imperil the codebase's present functionality. Additionally, fixing one flaw can occasionally result in another. To make sure that everything functions as expected in this situation, a combination of regression testing and debugging might be used.

types of regression testing: 

• Corrective Regression Testing
• Retest-all Regression Testing
• Selective Regression Testing
• Progressive Regression Testing
• Complete Regression Testing
• Partial Regression Testing
• Unit Regression Testing

Advantages of Regression Testing 

If properly implemented, the testing team can benefit from its benefits throughout development cycles. Some significant benefits of regression testing are listed below:

identifies issues caused by additions or alterations to new code. This spurs teams to improve the calibre of the application as a whole.

expands the potential for automation because many regression testing types make excellent candidates for automation, which enhances testing efficiency and accuracy while finding defects faster.

complements integration testing nicely when new software feature divisions are added.

Verifies that previously patched problems and flaws don't recur.

Ensures that any changes to the application's code have not adversely affected previously checked code.

How to Make Regression Testing More Effective

Concentrate on the basics

Regression analyses are frequently simple and conclusive. The examinations are typically so straightforward that they seem unimportant. However, these features could be required to achieve the desired performance of the software as a whole.

Make a source that can be repaired

The availability of repeatable test data is a need for conducting periodic regression tests. The automation solution should include the generation and management of regression test data.

Control the testing's scope

It can be difficult to manage the scope of regression testing at first. This is mostly due to the short amount of time testers have to write, run, and evaluate regression tests. 

The wide range of applications for automated regression testing is another important factor.

Create effective regression tests

To achieve test case efficiency, which aims to achieve the most test scope from the fewest number of tests, testers must implement suitable test design methodologies. These could take the shape of pairwise test designs, decision tables, or another format.

Choose an approach that can be used repeatedly

Testing for regression heavily depends on precise repeatability. With a more thorough and highly repeatable testing technique, this level of reproducibility is possible. Two regression tests for the same operation must be launched as similarly as feasible when running and comparing them. The idea is to be as consistent as possible, while there might be variations because of differences in a recent version.

Implement Automation Tools

Regression tests must be executed accurately and precisely on a regular basis at any significant size. Errors are common during manual regression testing. When handling redundant test cases, it's simple to unintentionally lose focus. Automation is hence the suggested approach to carry out successful regression testing.

The extensive range of testing available with automated regression testing is another important consideration. Without test automation, there is a chance that the software's quality objectives would be overlooked, resulting in discrepancies between test versions.