Discussion on regression testing, its types, benefits, and when to conduct regression testing. Also, a brief discussion on regression testing agile and in DevOps, advantages of regression testing, advantages of automating regression testing, and strategy to implement. Then we have discussed how we can develop a solid regression strategy for our business and the benefits we obtain from it.
Introduction
Our digital landscape evolves dramatically, posing new challenges to previous advancements and attracting sophisticated and dynamic solutions. For you to provide a great client experience, today's businesses require high-quality software. These hint at the need for regression testing and strategies for your business.
Any company frequently allows adjustments to software features/functionalities depending on user needs to offer desired software to clients. Because of these frequent code changes, current program functionality may be affected accidentally, or new defects may appear.
As a result, organizations should use end-to-end regression testing agile and DevOps adoptions to verify that software continues to perform well even after rapid code changes. Firms should have an effective regression testing plan to offer high-quality software to clients.
Regression Testing
Regression analysis is a method for calculating a regression as a straight line or regression function. The regression tells us about the linear dependent relationship between two or more variables. Regression testing is a black-box software testing technique that involves rerunning functional and non-functional tests.
This testing approach is used in both agile and DevOps contexts to guarantee that any changes to the program do not disrupt the existing functions of the software. As a result, organizations may use various regression testing methodologies to ensure that their software/product stays bug-free and performs as intended, even after repeated code changes.
Focus areas of testing for mobile applications from 2013-17(Regression Testing)
Types:
- Corrective Regression Testing:This regression testing is executed when there are no substantial changes to the program. For regression testing, testers might leverage pre-existing test cases.
- Progressive Regression Testing:This testing approach comes into effect when the product's program specifications change. It is advised to run this test while developing new test cases.
- Selective Regression Testing: This testing approach helps determine the impact of new code on old code. This testing approach uses a subset of current test cases to decrease the work necessary to retest the product while lowering the cost.
- Complete Regression Testing: This testing is conducted when several modifications are implemented to the current code. Furthermore, this testing approach is utilized when new changes significantly influence the software's underlying code.
- Testing for Partial Regression: This testing approach is frequently used after an effect analysis when modest code modifications are incorporated into the current code.
- Testing for Unit Regression: This testing approach is primarily utilized during the unit or first testing phase and is focused on the software's unit code.
Ideal Moments To Take Up Regression Testing
Regression testing should be used when:
- A bug/error in the software is fixed
- New features/functionalities are added to the software
- The prevalent system is integrated with a new module or component
- Requirement changes are initiated; and
- UI changes are made in the software.
Significance of Regression Testing in Agile
The regression testing agile technique emphasizes rapid and iterative development, with the product built-in sprints and features released in each cycle. In an agile ecosystem, developers release features quicker, so regression testing must go hand in hand with feature deployment. Testing cycles should be maintained short to maintain a suitable balance between sprint development and iterative testing cycles.
In an agile environment, developers create new features or make additions or improvements to the code while also doing regression testing on all new and old parts. This regression testing approach is used in an agile context: partial (iteration) regression testing and complete (central) regression testing. In an agile context, this black-box software testing approach guarantees improved defect resolution because the product is tested in parts to ensure defect-free software.
Regression Testing in Devops
DevOps is an agile technique evolution that includes several stages, including Continuous Development, Continuous Integration, Continuous Delivery, Continuous Testing, Continuous Monitoring, and Continuous Feedback. DevOps guarantees that software is generated and tested and that faults are swiftly repaired, resulting in quicker delivery of bug-free software.
Regression testing is performed in the DevOps environment at each level of the DevOps cycle and after each change. When software changes, regression testing guarantees that the current functionality and new code modifications continue to work with perfection. In DevOps, a quicker feedback loop aids in the resolution of defects at each level before proceeding to the final production stage.
As a result, regression testing is essential in the DevOps context since it enables the delivery of stable and high-quality software even after frequent modifications.
Advantages of Regression Testing
The notable advantages of regression testing are given as follows:
Ensures product stability: In today's agile context, regression testing is done in sprints, allowing testers to ensure build stability. The product features and capabilities are regularly tested after each modification in the DevOps environment, assuring the software's reliability.
Allows for faster defect resolution: Regression software testing in agile and DevOps contexts helps detect and address errors early, improving product quality.
Improves User Experience (UX):
Faster problem resolution and improved test coverage enabled by agile and DevOps regression testing make the product more reliable, eventually improving the UX.
Reduces re-work and free testers: Automation regression testing and regression testing agile and DevOps frees testers while reducing manual work. It saves the testers time, which they may use for more tasks.
Advantages to Automate Regression Testing:
| QUANTIFIABLE | NON-QUANTIFIABLE |
| Ensures faster testing cycles | Improves software quality |
| Ensures coverage of more applications | It helps in maintaining a good reputation |
| Helps to deliver at a low cost per test | It helps in delivering quick reaction time |
| It helps in retaining control and consistency. | |
| Allows less error |
Firms must establish and adhere to an effective regression testing plan to obtain substantial results when using regression testing agile and DevOps.
Strategy to Implement Regression Testing
A regression testing strategy is an action plan or set of activities to be followed to achieve effective software testing. The regression testing strategy provides information about test objectives, testing time, resources, methodologies, testing environment, steps to include regression testing into the vision, release process specifics, checkpoints, definitions, automated testing process, RACI, suggested tools, and more.
However, careful preparation and the appropriate selection of software testing methodologies are essential to guarantee that the regression testing process progresses in the right direction to yield meaningful outcomes.
How to Create a Sollid Regression Testing Strategt for a Business?
A regression testing technique is required to examine the general operation of the application following a recent modification.
- Determine the necessity of software regression testing: The first step is to identify the need for software regression testing. The regression testing approach should be used as soon as a software change occurs. The primary goal of this testing procedure is to validate the software's current functions using regression test scripts.
- Begin with smoke and sanity testing: For you to save the tester's time and effort, smoke and sanity testing should be performed before beginning the regression testing procedure. The fundamental functions of the product are swiftly checked to verify they perform properly during smoke and sanity testing. It informs testers about whether the build is stable and if it should be pushed for additional testing.
- Define the entry and exit criteria: Before beginning the test, the entry and exit criteria must be defined. The entrance and exit points should be chosen such that the test goals and test requirements are in sync. Defining the entrance and exit locations so facilitates the testing process.
- Prepare and prioritize test cases for essential testing scenarios: Testers should identify problematic regions in software and areas that must be evaluated first. Furthermore, testers should build and prioritize test cases around troublesome areas first.
- Automate regression testing: For you to ensure a successful regression testing cycle, testers should find test cases that can be automated. Test automation enables higher test coverage and shorter release cycles and saves testers time and effort. The program may be tested with tools by automation regression testing.
- Maintain a regression test suite repository: Testers should keep a regression test suite repository. Testers should write appropriate test cases and add them to the repository when modifications are made to the program. It is also required to purge the repository of obsolete test cases.
- Collect comments from stakeholders: Once the test plan is complete, it should be distributed to all stakeholders, including development teams. Furthermore, feedback from stakeholders and team members should be solicited frequently to modify the regression testing approach to achieve meaningful outcomes.
The benefits will be as follows:
- Identifies and fixes bugs: Whenever a modification is made to the program, there is a potential that new bugs may be created or old bugs will be reintroduced. An effective regression testing procedure supported by a robust strategy is necessary to find and correct software defects following frequent code changes.
- Testing time and expense are reduced: A successful regression testing plan guarantees that tests are performed in the shortest feasible time, allowing enterprises to enter the market sooner. An effective testing procedure ensures that existing defects do not reappear, saving the expense of fixing bugs.
- Channels testing team efforts: A solid testing strategy clearly defines the duties and responsibilities of testers, prevents misunderstanding, and ensures that QA teams are motivated and up to speed on testing material. It guarantees that the testing efforts of the teams are directed in the right direction, resulting in effective testing outcomes.
- Manages testing complexity: The regression testing process is notorious for becoming huge and complex over time. A solid regression testing strategy outlines how to manage and handle complicated regression test suites more effectively and smoothly.
- Ensures that resources and testing tools are used to their full potential: A practical regression testing approach entails meticulous planning to ensure that teams know their roles and responsibilities. For you to do this, proper regression testing tools and resources may be designed. For you to maximize advantages, appropriate regression testing methods and resources may be developed.
Conclusion
Businesses now operate in an unpredictable market characterized by constantly shifting client demands. Companies go to great lengths to make their software more appealing and user-friendly to please their consumers.
Businesses should follow sound regression testing techniques and processes as they continue to implement changes to their software to ensure high-quality, defect-free software. Statistics show that 45% of the officials identified regression testing as the focus area in 2015, which reduced to 39% in 2017.
As a result, organizations should use regression testing from a next-generation QA and software testing services provider to get the high-quality product they seek.
