Regression Testing Regression Testing

Regression Testing

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What is Regression Testing?

When software developers make tweaks or changes to modify software, a small change can spiral into creating larger unexpected consequences. This is where regression testing comes in. 

Regression testing refers to the process of testing software applications to ensure that any changes made haven’t adversely affected the existing functionality of the software/website. It involves re-running functional and non-functional tests to identify whether or not there has been a regression. It can be used by software developers to catch any bugs that may have been introduced as well as to ensure existing bugs remain eradicated. 

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When is Regression Testing Used?

Let’s take a look at different situations that warrant the use of regression testing: 

  • Change of Environment: A change in databases can affect the functionality of the software. Therefore, regression testing must be conducted when there is a change in the environment.
  • Performance Issue Fix: Regression testing should be used when a performance issue is fixed to test whether the issue has been resolved without creating adverse effects. 
  • Fixed Defect: It is important to conduct regression testing when a software defect has been fixed.
  • Added Functionality: When new functions are added to software or website, regression testing can be used to test the new function as well as the overall functionality of the software. 
  • High-Risk Functions: Regression testing can be used to help development teams identify which parts of a system are most vulnerable to bugs and have high odds of crashing. 

Regression Testing Techniques

Regression Testing Regression Testing

There are sundry approaches to regression testing. Let’s take a look at a few: 

  • Test Case Prioritization: This approach involves testing the most frequently used functionalities that have a significant impact on the business while setting aside secondary features that don’t influence the business as significantly. 
  • Regression Test Selection: This approach involves selecting a subset of existing cases and testing the suite that yields coverage to the modified section of the original program. This method helps cut costs and is therefore cost-effective than complete retesting. 
  • Complete Regression: This approach involves re-executing all the tests of a system and requires regression testing to be applied to all existing suites. Although this method is expensive and time-consuming, it is the safest way to ensure a software or project is bug-free.  

 

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Steps to Perform Regression Testing

Although there are many different approaches to regression testing, they all involve the following basic steps: 

  • Step 1: Detect Change: The first step is to identify the change in the course code and detect which components were changed and their impact on existing functionalities and features. 
  • Step 2: Prioritize Change: The next step is to prioritize these changes and product requirements to align the testing process with the testing tools. 
  • Step 3: Identify Entry Point: Determine whether or not your application meets the eligibility criteria for the regression test.
  • Step 4: Identify Exit Point: Determine an exit point for the required eligibility set in step three. 
  • Step 5: Schedule Tests: The last step involves determining all test components and scheduling the right time for the tests to be executed. 

 

Re-Testing vs Regression Testing

The terms ‘re-testing’ and ‘regression testing’ are sometimes confused although they are entirely distinct concepts. Re-testing takes place when an issue in the source code is fixed or when a test case fails and needs to be re-run. Regression testing, on the other hand, is performed when updates or changes lead to new defects in existing functions. 

Generally, re-testing is conducted before regression testing practices and is focused on failed test cases. Regression testing, however, is performed on cases that have passed so that new or unexpected bugs can be identified.

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FAQs on Regression Testing

Regression testing is a type of software testing used to test the functionality of software after a change or addition has been introduced.

Small changes or tweaks in codes can lead to much larger consequences. Regression testing allows software developers to identify bugs and functionality deficits early in the development cycle and avoid the costs and maintenance required to address built-up defects.

Regression testing is generally used when a new code or program is introduced to existing software. It helps software developers test the functionality of the software after the change is introduced to identify whether or not there has been a regression. 

There are many different approaches that can be taken to regression testing, including; 

  • Complete Regression
  • Regression Test Selection
  • Test Case Prioritization

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