As a software developer, there’s nothing worse than making a small change to code, only to have bugs pop up or, even worse, end up breaking the application. When it comes to developing software, even small tweaks or modifications can have unforeseen consequences that might set a project back days or weeks.

To avoid this disruption, implementing periodic regression testing procedures in a work sequence can truly be a lifesaver, catching accidentally-introduced bugs and ensuring existing functionality without unanticipated side effects.

What Exactly is Regression Testing?

Think of regression testing as the software version of routine car maintenance, diagnostic tests run to determine the overall health of the vehicle’s many functions.

In short, regression testing is a software practice that involves a re-execution of a full or partial selection of test cases on unchanged parts of the application to check for new bugs when changes or additions are made and to establish that previously eliminated bugs stay eliminated.

This fast-growing industry practice is responsible for the overall functionality and stability of a program or feature. If applied after each update, regression testing is an excellent way of making sure that existing software functions work exactly as they were meant to, without any nasty surprises.

Types of Regression Testing

The good news is that regression testing is not dependent on any programming language like Java, C++, C#, etc. that verifies that any modification in a product does not affect the existing modules of the product. It is a testing method that is used to test the product for modifications or for any updates being done and it comes in 5 different flavours.

1. Selective: Also known as test case re-execution, selective regression testing focuses on a select group of test cases from already tried test suites.
2. Partial: Partial regression testing is usually performed after the impact analysis, which is the process of reviewing how particular changes in the software affect the rest of the system.
3. Complete: In complete regression testing, the entire system is regressed, identifying uncertainties after multiple or significant changes to the code.
4. Progressive: Similar to partial regression testing, the progressive variant is used when new test cases are built or when test requirements have been modified in order to determine whether or not older functions have been compromised.
5. Corrective: Corrective regression testing is mainly used to test existing test cases when no new code or modifications have been implemented.

The Best Tools for Regression Testing

There are a number of excellent tools for regression testing at any level, such as Selenium, Ranorex Studio, TestDrive, AdventNet, QEngine, TestingWhiz, WebKing, and Subject7, just to name a few.

The most important things to look for in regression testing tools are the functions that work in tandem with a products’ specifications. From cloud-based to keyword-based, open-source, scripted or non-scripted, web-app integration, and all-platform support, the variety of options is vast.

How to do Regression Testing

On a smaller scale, regression testing can be done manually, giving precise control over every step of the process.

Step 1: Triage Modifications

Take a look at any changes that have been made and prioritize the necessary test cases based on overall impact, the frequency used, and critical functionalities.

Step 2: Select Most Important Modifications for Testing

Next, select the priority test cases that require regression based on features and effects.

Step 3: Perform the Test

Launch the test using manual and automated testing tools, executing all planned test case scenarios. Be sure to use the best testing tools that will make all changes, errors, anomalies, or uncertainties easily visible.

Step 4: Evaluate Outcomes

With testing complete, the next step is to build a report containing all of the test cases and their success or fail score. Be sure to also make note of any invalid/defective data to include in the overall analysis.

Automation

Once you’ve performed a manual regression test and selected the high-priority test cases, all cases in the test suite can then be automated. It can be tough to keep up with new requirements, feedback, and ongoing software changes. Automating your regression testing ensures continued coverage and accuracy as your software and testing suites grow.

Are you ready to get started with Regression Testing?

Building dynamic and effective software requires a lot of trial and error. Regression testing is a key tactic in achieving exceptional quality assurance, improving the overall quality of your product and user experience.

Get in touch with us for cost-effective software maintenance solutions for any project in any stage of development. Our experts utilize the best regression tools to detect all defects and eliminate them before they cause issues down the line. The advantages of investing in regression testing will pay dividends in budget, process, and error mitigation in the future.