A Simple Guide to Regression Testing

What is Regression Testing?

It is a type of testing which ensures that the existing features of a product are not affected by the recent changes made in the code. Regression testing re-executes the already executed test cases in order to ensure whether they are fully functional or not.

Types of Regression testing:

1. Progressive testing: Whenever changes take place in the software specifications part, progressive testing is implemented. This testing method is also used when new test cases have been designed.

2. Selective testing: In this testing methodology, testers focus on using a subset of the current test cases, so that retesting costs and efforts can be reduced.

3. Retest-All testing: In this testing method, testing is performed on all the varied aspects of a specific application. All those test cases for which changes have not been made are also reused.

4. Complete testing: This testing methodology is implemented when multiple changes have taken place in the existing code. Unexpected bugs can be easily identified by the complete testing method.

Criteria to perform Regression testing:

• When any new functionalities have been added up in the software
• When there are defects that need to be fixed
• Any changes or modifications that are identified in the software development process
• To improve the performance of a product
• In case of fixing patches
• If there are any environment-related changes the product or software is exposed to.

Benefits of Regression testing:

• Helps in finding defects early and significant costs can be saved
• Chances of detecting bugs are increased (through regression testing), whenever there are changes being made in the software or applications
• Ensures that whatever changes that have been made to the code will not bring back the old defects
• Facilitates the checking process to know if there are any issues that have been cropped up due to a new operating environment.