Regression Testing: How to Get Started

Regression testing is one of the important types of software testing. Test cases are re-executed in order to make sure that the existing functionalities are working as expected. When it comes to automated regression testing, tests are performed in a reliable and efficient manner without much human involvement. Automated strategies are applied for regression testing so that developers can maintain and write test scenarios that are required to complete the testing. In this article, you will get a brief idea about regression testing.

What is regression testing?

It is a testing method that makes sure that the changes, modifications, updations done to the code do not alter the existing features of the code. Re-execution of already executed test cases are performed in order to ensure that the existing functionalities are working just fine.

Getting started with regression testing:

1. Initiate by developing a regression suite: The testing team must develop a regression suite in order to perform regression testing. Software consists of different functionalities and its overview is contained in the regression suite. These are also known as test scenarios. From the existing test cases — unit tests, integration tests, functional tests etc., it is possible to create the regression suite. If there is a prior verification that is being done in order to ascertain whether the software functions as intended, then it can be used in the regression suite.

As time progresses and the software system grows, the suite will also grow with it as well, thereby evolving into thousands of regression test cases.

2. A workable structure needs to be ascertained for regression testing: The amount of testing that needs to be automated needs to be scrutinized. The agile software development team can benefit from automation, as they perform regression testing more effectively. But, there are limitations to automation and thus a firm understanding is required to reap benefits from automation.

The limitation is the instruction given based on which the testing activities will be carried out, nothing more or nothing less. But, eventually, when software grows and changes, the testing related activities should also be in sync with the changes. The previous tests that were set up to test the product may not be in line with the product that will be evolved at a later point in time.

This is where the testing team must do the strategic analysis in order to evaluate and review the test results.

3. The regression suite must contain the right and specific test cases: Following are certain important points that can be pondered upon while selecting the right test cases for the regression suite:

• Importance should be given to the core function, which also makes other functions work
• The new feature should be tested against numerous other feature updates
• The code that is being configured should be sensitive to the environment
• Defects need to be found out in the code.

Once the above mentioned points are considered by the testing team, a regression suite can be set up and regression tests can be scheduled.

4. The number of times regression test should run: After the development of the regression suite, work on considering how many times regression tests should run. A feasible step would be to perform regression testing each time a change is being made to the code. Depending upon the scope and scale of the project, the testing team must decide whether to go for manual regression testing or automated regression testing.

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing regression testing, then do get connected with a top-notch software testing services company that will provide you a strategic testing roadmap that is precisely 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.