An Explicit Guide to Regression Testing
When a software product is being developed, there may be instances when a new feature needs to be added or a certain change needs to be introduced in the code. Upon that, there will be instances where features are upgraded or new integrations are done during the software development process. In scenarios like these, it becomes crucial to tactically implement the regression testing method. Regression testing makes sure that the new features that have been added or updated or new changes that have been made in the code will not alter or modify the existing functionalities of the application. Also, checking is done to know whether the existing functionalities of the application are working as per the expected requirements, despite changes being made to the code.
In this article, you will get a brief idea about the significance of regression testing.
What is regression testing?
It is a testing method where the functionality of the existing features is validated within the software application. With each change or update being introduced in the code, regression testing is performed to make sure that the existing functionalities are working as expected without any alterations or modifications. Either manual or automated regression strategy can be incorporated based on the project scope.
Specific context to how to do regression testing:
Following are a few events, wherein regression testing can be performed:
1. When an existing feature is upgraded: A request is received by a developer to improve the existing product’s functionality. When the specific feature’s functionality is not addressed in the business requirements document, there might be chances of damaging the new code or removing the existing functionality from the system. Through the application of automated regression testing, the current functionality is checked by the QA testers in order to ascertain whether it still performs as expected or not.
2. When a new feature is introduced: When a new code is being added by the developers, the focus is on whether the new code is compatible with the existing code. Through the strategic implementation of regression testing tools, any possible issues within the software before deployment can be uncovered by the QA engineers. The number of issues within the updated code is discovered and thus measured during the QA process.
3. When a new integration has been introduced: When a new experience is presented within the product, then there may be chances that the new design may alter the performance of the previous feature’s functionality. In this scenario, the previous feature functionality should be verified by the regression testing method.
1. Retest-All regression testing: Retesting of the entire system is done in order to make sure that the current code has no defects, despite new changes being made in the code. When extensive revisions and updates are introduced in the application, then this testing method is recommended.
2. Corrective regression testing: All the feature’s functionality is verified to know whether they are working as expected, despite no new changes being introduced in the code. These test cases can be reused by testers across development cycles.
3. Progressive regression testing: When there are minor code changes made within the system, then this testing method is considered to be an ideal one. Testers also make sure that the updated code does not alter or modify the previous features.
4. Selective regression testing: In this testing method, testers check the impact of the new code on the current code.
5. Unit regression testing: The code as a unit is reviewed by QA engineers and thus all the resultant dependencies that are blocked during testing are verified. The functionality for key features is validated using this testing method.
Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing regression testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a professionally acclaimed software testing services company that will provide you with an effective and pragmatic testing roadmap that is in line with your project specific requirements.
About the author: I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.