In software testing. regression testing is any type of testing that seeks to uncover new software bugs, or regressions, in existing functional and non-functional areas of a software application. A regression is defined as the reappearance of a previously fixed software bug. In order words, it is a change in the software that causes previously working features to stop working as intended.
It is carried out to validate that changes (usually bug fixes) have not introduced new bugs. It is often done after the execution of unit tests and integration tests.
What’s UX regression testing?
When a design deviates from an established workflow due to a technology or complete redesign, UX regression, or a step back in the quality or usability of an application’s or website’s user experience, can happen.
What are the 3 types of regression testing?
- Unit regression
To enable independent testing of the unit without inconsistencies, the code you test in isolation during the unit testing phase forbids any dependencies on the unit you tested.
- Partial regression
To ensure that the code still functions properly after you made modifications and you merge the new unit with older or existing code, you use partial regression.
- Complete regression
You can use complete regression when numerous modules are impacted by a code change and it is uncertain how one module’s alteration will affect another. To see if the altered code has caused any modifications, you can revert the entire product.
What types of regression testing are there?
There are various types and formats for regression testing. How do you choose the right one for you? Consider your software development life cycle as well as any particular upgrades you intend to roll out.
Unit Regression Testing
This test focuses primarily on a number of variables, several recurring flaws, and the importance of particular aspects under examination. The primary goal of this test is to produce a useful piece of code that improves and provides value to the program as a whole.
Corrective Regression Testing
When there have been no relevant modifications made to the product’s specification, you can use this sort of regression testing. Additionally, there is no need to create any new test cases because it is possible to reuse the ones that currently exist to conduct tests and ultimately arrive at the required outcome.
Selective Regression Testing
This regression test makes sure that you use the test case’s existing portions. This saves time and effort from having to create a new test case from scratch, as well as lowering the cost of retesting.
Reset all test case
Given the lost time, reset all the test case can be quite tiresome. When only injected a small change into the existing product, this type of test is not advised.
Progressive Regression Testing
When there are little modifications made to the program specifications and you create fresh test cases, you can perform the regression tests.
Complete Regression Testing
The best regression testing to use if significant changes appear in your test code is this one. You can use this primarily when the software’s root code undergoes a significant modification. This aids in resolving unforeseen problems and serves as a final test before delivering the application to the user.
Partial Regression Testing
You can perform partial regression testing as and when you include new codes in an existing piece of code, as the name implies. The main goal of this test is to confirm that the system is operating in the same manner as it did previously.
What isn’t regression testing?
Regression testing is often mistaken for a retest, which is one of the biggest errors businesses make. Simply inspecting and making sure that certain portions of the code are in line with expectations is what the retest entails. On the other hand, it makes sure that the whole system can meet the criteria before release, ensuring that no new flaws are introduced.
Some examples of regression testing
Regression tests have many different uses. Let’s look at the most well-liked list examples:
- Bug regression: A tester verifies if a particular bug that has been purportedly fixed has been fixed.
- General functional regression: Several thorough tests across the entire app to check whether recent changes have caused code instability.
- Conversion and port testing: To confirm that the program has been effectively transferred to a new platform, a suite of test cases is run.
- Localization testing: If a program has been altered and rewritten in a different programming language, a tester evaluates the interface’s usability and makes that the program adheres to its new cultural norms.
- Build verification testing: A series of quick tests to determine whether damage to a build is fixable or not. A build would be rejected if a test failed.
Let’s use “Login Functionality” to explain regression testing:
- Utilizing their login and password or their Gmail account via Google integration, a user can sign into an app.
- Users can now log into the app using their LinkedIn account thanks to the addition of a new feature called LinkedIn integration.
- Verifying that other login methods are still working is just as important as making sure the LinkedIn login works as planned (Form login and Google integration).
Website regression testing?
Regression testing for websites is a type of software testing that aids in finding and fixing issues with website functionality, content, and accessibility. It is an essential component of any testing plan because it may help guarantee that the website keeps up with user expectations.
Regression testing for websites often entails running several tests against the website to look for any problems. Testers on the development team can run those tests or automatically through an automated system. This makes it possible to identify issues precisely and quickly so that they can be rectified before spreading widely.
What methods of regression testing are there?
- Retest all
You must execute all the test cases in your test suite again in the retest. In comparison to other regression testing methodologies, this method is more expensive and time-consuming.
- Regression Test Selections
In the test selection technique, you must choose the test cases from your test suites that you will use, while taking into account the code change in the module.
- Test Case Prioritization
You must rank the test cases in order of top, medium, and low priority according to the significance of the functionalities. Then, according to priority, you can execute these test cases.
- Hybrid
It combines the selection of regression tests with test case prioritization.
Why regression testing should be a priority?
To ensure that the unmodified code is not impacted, this is a quality control measure to see if the new code is compatible with the older code. The testing team is typically tasked with verifying any hurried system changes.
In this instance, it is necessary to conduct testing that only impacts the application area in order to complete the testing process on time and thoroughly test all significant system components.
When the program is constantly changing or being improved, this test is crucial. The tested code already in place shouldn’t suffer from the additional functionality.
Finding the bugs that appeared as a result of a code update necessitates regression. Without this testing, the product may experience serious problems in a real-world setting, which could put the client in danger.
10 benefits of regression testing
We listed the different benefits of the Regression test below:
- It raises the level of product quality
- It guarantees that any bug patches or additions made do not affect the product’s current functionality.
- This testing can be done with automation tools
- It will guarantee that already-fixed problems don’t come up again
- Helps keep the technology up to date
- Aids in developing an appropriate method for automating the recording of GUI responses
- Greater test coverage with shorter test times
- Sooner learn about troublesome bugs
- Improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness
- While continually improving the application, it maintains system stability
Regression testing for Mobile?
It’s essential to realize that the regression testing of mobile applications and online apps doesn’t differ much. No matter the platform, the app’s functionality will remain the same. For instance, the Facebook “Like” button will behave equally on both the online and mobile platforms, ensuring consistency in functionality.
Therefore, there isn’t much of a distinction between regression testing for mobile and regression testing for the web.
Regression testing for Desktop?
Regression testing is a sort of software testing used to find new bugs, or regressions, in desktop programs that have been introduced as a result of patches, modifications, or enhancements. As soon as there is a testable component, desktop web regression testing begins. Additionally, this kind of testing finds bugs or regressions that may have appeared in the system as a result of code alterations, which aids developers in creating properly working desktop applications.
What are some regression testing interview questions?
The interviewers usually ask these questions:
- What is Functional Testing?
- What is Regression Testing?
- Is Regression Testing done either manually or automated?
- How to perform Regression Testing?
- What are the steps involved while performing the Regression Testing?
- Why is Regression Testing beneficial for IT industries?
- To what extent is Regression Testing needed?
- What are the most common types of Regression Tests?
- When should you perform Regression Testing?
How to do regression testing?
It is best done by developing a plan early in the development process and sticking to it until you release the product. The good news is that creating a testing framework is not too difficult. Here are the steps that QA experts use:
Assemble tests for use
Gathering all the cases a QA expert plans to re-run is the first stage in creating a regression testing approach.
- Include examples in the program’s error-prone locations since such parts are probably the most susceptible to system changes.
- Include scenarios that test the product’s primary features. The home page, the login page, the payment gateway, and so forth are all examples of this.
- Include challenging situations like GUI event sequences.
Calculate the time required to run the test cases
Make sure to include the time required to test each feature you have selected. Keep in mind that, aside from a session, your testers may need to arrange some time to learn the variety of tools required to perform and report certain tests.
- Generating test data;
- Preparing regression tests;
- Reviewing test cases.
List the tests that you can automate
Compared to manual testing, automated ones are quicker and more trustworthy. Long-term, you’ll be able to utilize these scripts again for your subsequent projects, which will increase the effectiveness of software maintenance and establish a set of guidelines within the team.
Make test cases a priority
It’s usually beneficial for a tester to identify the cases that are most pertinent to the program and concentrate on running them as a top priority. Setting priorities is essential for good session management.
Utilize tools to accelerate the testing procedure
You can do regression testing with a variety of tools that assist QA professionals with planning, preparing, and reporting. The team may expedite the procedure and apply regression testing best practices by using these off-the-shelf products.
How is regression testing performed?
First and foremost, there are a few prerequisites that you must meet for a regression test so that you can perform it.
First, there must be indications that the code is broken.
Once you verify the complaints and you locate the problematic code, it is further dissected to determine how and why the issues exist. Taking the necessary action to modify and repair the harmed sections would be the logical next step.
The next action would be to run the Regression test as soon as you solve all bugs and issues. You can accomplish this if you select and execute helpful tests. In this instance, there are two categories for the tests.
- tests that include a cross-check for each altered section of the code.
- tests for the regions most probably impacted by these changes.
How to prepare for regression testing
Determine whether regression testing is necessary
Finding a requirement for software regression testing is the first step. You should use the regression testing approach as soon as you change the program. With the use of regression test scripts, the main goal of this testing method is to evaluate the software’s current functions.
Start with smoke and sanity testing
You should carry out smoke testing and sanity testing to save the tester time and effort, even before the regression testing procedure has started. The software’s fundamental and essential functions are swiftly examined during the smoke and sanity testing to make sure they function properly. It enables testers to determine if a build is safe or not and whether to push it forward for additional testing procedures.
Set entry and exit standards
It is crucial to establish the admission and exit criteria before the exam even begins. The test goals and test requirements should be in harmony at the entrance and exit locations. Determining the entry and exit locations so facilitates the testing procedure.
You should prepare and prioritize the following key testing situations
The software’s problematic parts and the parts that you must evaluate first should be identified by testers. Additionally, test case preparation and prioritization should revolve around troubled issues.
Automate regression testing
To complete a regression testing cycle, testers should determine the test cases that they can automate. You can use tools to evaluate the program by automating regression testing. Better test coverage, early problem identification, quicker releases, and time and effort savings for testers are all benefits of test automation.
Keep the regression test suite repository
Testers should keep the regression test suite in a repository. Testers should write the appropriate test cases and contribute them to the repository as early as any modifications are made to the product.
Additionally, you must clean the repository must of old test cases.
Obtain feedback from key stakeholders
You need to inform all stakeholders, including development teams, of the test plan after you created it. Additionally, it’s important to periodically gather input from team members and stakeholders to adjust the regression testing strategy as necessary to achieve meaningful findings.
What are some business benefits of regression testing?
Here are some benefits for businesses by adopting an effective regression testing strategy:
Identifies bugs and fixes them
Every time you make a change to a piece of software, there is a potential that it will create new problems or resurface flaws from the past.To find and fix the defects that appear in software following frequent code changes, an efficient regression testing procedure supported by a sound testing strategy is necessary.
Decreases testing costs and time
An efficient regression testing plan makes sure that you finish the tests as quickly as possible so that organizations may enter the market. An effective testing procedure makes sure that the previous issues do not reappear, avoiding the expenses of bug fixes.
Channels the efforts of the testing team
A solid testing plan guarantees that QA teams remain motivated and are current on the testing material, eliminates ambiguity, and specifies the responsibilities and duties of testers. It makes sure that the team is focusing their testing efforts in the right way to provide successful testing outcomes.
Easily handles testing complexity
Regression testing typically expands and becomes more intricate with time. You can use a sound regression testing approach to manage and handle complicated test suites more effectively.
Ensures optimal use of resources and testing equipment
Regression testing strategies should be carefully planned so that the teams are aware of their roles and duties in advance. You can plan appropriate regression testing techniques and resources to maximize advantages.
How is a manual regression testing strategy put into practice
No matter how adept you are at automation, manual regression testing is still necessary.
Decide on your regression testing plan
The first step is to make a pretty straightforward decision: Will you retest your whole program for this round of regression testing, or will you solely concentrate on affected regions and known trouble areas?
Specify the changes that you made to the product
You need to list the product changes that you made after that. To comprehend the nature of the most current upgrades, speak with the product manager.
Think about what other features such improvements could have impacted
You may want to verify various account organizational settings, user profiles, admin and rights settings, etc., for instance, if your app switched from supporting two-factor authentication to multifactor authentication.
Select the extra testing components or known issues areas that you will use
Is there anything wrong with your app? Exists a feature that frequently breaks and attracts a disproportionate quantity of support requests and QA-found bugs?
Control the testing area by dividing it apart
You should use test management tools, such as TestRail or JIRA, to divide up your extensive running list of things to test into individual test cases and exploratory test prompts.
Create bug reports that include reproducible instructions, images, and videos
The ideal bug report contains the feature name, the environment, the necessary procedures to replicate the issue (extra points for screed captures and screen-sharing videos), the intended results, the actual outcome, and the issues’ presumed importance.
Utilize testing resources to confirm testing coverage
You must then validate with your team what was covered when all testing is finished. Verify that everyone in your manual test management platform recorded their assignments as completed.
Keep and reuse your test cases
Review your exploratory test prompts and test cases from this round and determine how they fit into your broader regression testing approach.
How to do regression testing for a web application
No matter what operating system or browser is used to access your application, your consumers want a consistent user experience. They also anticipate that once a feature is in operation, it will remain in operation. Regression testing makes sure that any new code doesn’t break any of the application’s already-existing features or functionalities and that it keeps running on multiple platforms.
The user’s needs, for instance, can consist of:
- The visual design of the application remains constant throughout
- The functioning of the app is as expected
- Different systems and browsers are supported by the application
- Incorrect input is not tolerated
The implementation of these standards necessitates a thorough testing strategy. As you can expect, preventing regressions throughout your whole program necessitates a lot of testing.
To begin, you will want a fundamental set of end-to-end tests to guarantee that your most crucial user flows are covered. To capture the application functionality that has been introduced to the program over time, you need to create additional tests. Adding new functionalities tests to a regression suite that develops over time is an excellent technique to create your regression suite.
How to do regression testing for a mobile application
Before starting the testing of the mobile application, several factors need to be taken into account:
- The app’s effectiveness when interrupted
- Proper app installation on a different mobile OS version
- Application usability about user needs
- The navigation and layout are user-friendly
- Consistency in landscape and portrait modes
Mobile testing is now more important than ever because of the rising demand for mobile applications. Making mobile testing more rigorous has become crucial given how quickly smartphones are developing.
The following guidelines must be followed while testing mobile applications for regression:
- Select smartphones based on the usage habits of your target market
- To do testing more quickly and automate testing, use emulation and simulation
- A mobile app’s price and delivery time can be decreased when it is tested in the cloud
These are some of the most important details that you need to understand, Your choice will determine whether or not your testing process is successful. As a result, you must take every step very seriously.
After reading this guide, you should now have a clear understanding of what regression testing is, what it’s used for, what the benefits and limitations are, and how to go about conducting regression tests on your software.
By following the tips in this guide, you can be sure that you’re doing everything you can to ensure the quality of your software before release.
