Regression Testing: Definition, Tools, Techniques & Examples

Companies all across the globe are striving hard to achieve quality software that delivers seamless customer experience. But mostly when a code change is made, a new bug is introduced in the software which affects the functionality or the existing feature of the program and everything has to be started all over again. This becomes hectic in long run and acts as a toll on development and testing teams. Businesses want to make sure that there are no faults or defects in their system. To check and rectify these unknown bugs, Regression testing is used. Let us now try to understand this testing type in more detail.

What is regression testing?

It is a black box type of software testing method that is done to check that a code change in the software does not affect the existing code and the functionality of the product. This is done to ensure that the product is bug-free and works fine, without any errors or defects. It is done by re-running functional and non- functional tests test to check that the previously developed and checked software stills functions well even after the change is made. This test looks for new bugs or defects which might have introduced due to the change in software.

Why is regression testing needed?

Below mentioned are some of the benefits that business can achieve if they adopt this test:

· Easy bug identification — This test helps to identify defects early and easily. It checks the complete functionality of the software to find defects in the product when any code changes are done.

· Early bug fixing — This tests helps to fix defects early in the software development lifecycle.

· Improves stability — By automating this test, bugs are identified and resolved constantly after every code change, which makes the product bug free and reliable

· Ensures business continuity — Automated tests free up teams to let them focus on other important tasks. This ultimately helps in ensuring business function continuity.

· Enables faster delivery of quality product — Faster bug identification and fixing help teams to push product faster in the market.

What are types of regression testing techniques?

Below mentioned are seven types of this testing method:

· Unit regression testing

It is one of the most important testing types. This type of test is usually conducted in isolation as it is focused on unit code. While performing this test all the interactions and dependencies are blocked.

· Partial regression testing

Whenever a new code is added to the existing code, partial testing is conducted. It is done to check the interaction of new code with existing code to ensure that these codes can work together in a system as expected.

· Complete regression testing

Whenever multiple changes are introduced to the system, complete testing is performed. It is done because minor and major changes can affect the software functionality. Therefore to identify the defects in the system before handing it over to the client this testing is performed.

· Progressive regression testing

Whenever changes are made in program specifications or new test cases are designed, a progressive test is performed.

· Selective regression testing

This type of testing is done to check the impact of new code on already existing code. A subset from the already existing test case is used to conduct this test

· Retest-all regression testing

This type of testing is performed to test all aspects of the software even if the change is made or not. This involves reusing all test cases and re-testing every code of the software.

· Corrective regression testing

When there is no change made in the software, this test is performed. In this type of test already existing test case can be reused easily to perform the test.

What are some of the regression testing tools?

1. Selenium

Selenium is an open source testing suite for web applications. It supports various platforms and browsers. It is not just a tool rather it is a suite of tools that includes Selenium IDE, WebDriver and, Selenium Grid. Selenium has been updated to Selenium 4 and as per the new version some updates have been made to selenium IDE, Grid and WebDriver. Selenium 4 is now W3C compliant. Selenium IDE now has better UI, web extensions for chrome and firefox. Another improvement in Selenium 4 is the ability to use Docker to spin up containers.

2. Ranorex Studio

Ranorex studio is another testing tool that is used for desktop, web and mobile. Ranorex studio offers codeless test automation. It comes with amazing features such as powerful object recognition, a shareable object repository, and support for data-driven tests. It provides easy-to-read test reports that are fully customizable and include screenshots, detailed error logs, and video capture. This tool can be easily integrated into complete testing toolchain.

3. TestComplete

TestComplete is one of the easy to use software testing tools. It supports various scripting languages like Python, Javascript, C++Script & C# Script. This tool ensures maximum test coverage with a hybrid object and visual recognition capabilities. It also has a record and replays feature which helps in creating automated UI tests. Also, with its on-demand cloud-based lab you can have access to over 1000 operating systems, browsers, and resolution configurations.

What are some of the regression testing examples?

Case- Fixing a defect

Consider a scenario where the login button is not working on a login page and a tester reports a bug stating that the login button is not working. Once the developers fix the bug, the tester tests it to make sure the login button is working as expected. Simultaneously, the tester tests other functionality that is related to the login button.

Conclusion: Regression testing is an important software testing type that helps team to ensure the proper functionality of the software. Since the software has to go through constant updates and frequent changes it is very essential to perform test after every code change.

Leverage regression testing from a next-gen QA and software testing services provider to get high-quality software that delivers a seamless CX.

About the author: I am a technical content writer and I write articles on various IT-related topics. In this article, I have tried to share my views on regression testing.