What is regression testing?

As the name suggests, this testing catches regressions in software functionality that can occur due to bug fixes, adding new features to the code, or changing requirements in features and functionalities.

At times, an amendment or modification in the software introduces new bugs. Likewise, a functionality change sometimes re-introduces older bugs. In that light, regression testing works to ensure that the program, post the introduction of changes, retains its core functionality.

It confirms that new codes added to any program do not negatively impact the functions and existing features and that the new code works seamlessly without disrupting or eliminating the older codes.

Why is regression testing important?

Regression v/s retesting - The difference

These are similar-sounding terms but not interchangeable. Retesting ascertains that a specific code fix works as expected.

Regression testing, on the contrary, ensures that the entire system works as designed after changes. Regression tests, as such, have a much wider scope of activity when compared to retesting.

Retesting usually takes place near the time of code development. Contrarily, regression testing is further along the development lifecycle. These tests need more time for execution as compared to retests. Complete regression testing demands testing for all aspects of the system and needs adequate, system-wide monitoring.

Regression testing techniques

It includes functional and non-functional tests and thoroughly investigates the software in search of flaws. Some of the techniques used include:

Retest All

This technique checks every test case to confirm if all software parts are working as intended. This is the most accurate and all-around method of regression testing. But it’s also the hardest and the most expensive technique.

Regression Test Selection

This technique does not run all the tests in the test suite. However, it divides all tests into three categories – reusable test cases, retestable test cases, and obsolete test cases. The tests have specific coverage criteria. Only relevant test cases of the software are tested. The testers can also use a minimization technique and select a minimum set of cases that they feel will do the job.

Test Case Prioritization

This technique assigns a priority to every test case, guaranteeing priority in their execution. General prioritization and Version Specific prioritization are two paths for Test Case Prioritization.

Hybrid Testing

This technique combines Regression Test Selection and Test Case Prioritization. It allows testers and QA teams to choose only the re-executed test cases based on their priority.

When to perform regression testing?

In Agile and CI/CD Environments:

Typical Scenarios:

How do you build your Regression Test Suite?

Building an effective regression test suite involves several key steps:

Identify Critical Paths:

Focus on the most important functionalities of your application, which are critical for your business operations.

Automate the Tests:

Automate to save your time and effort in the long run. Tools like Selenium and ACCELQ can be used to automate your regression testing.

Regularly Update the Test Cases:

As new features are added and changes are made, update your test cases to cover these changes.

Prioritize Test Cases:

Not all tests are equally important. Prioritize your test cases based on business impact, criticality, and frequency of use.

Use the Right Tools:

Choose a testing tool that integrates well with your development and deployment process and supports your application's technology stack.

The challenge with regression testing

Regression testing can begin to get complicated with every session with the introduction of software updates. It can also take up time and resources and is less than optimal when done manually.

Manual regression testing is effort-intensive and can be error-prone as checking the software’s overall functionality each time while conducting tests can lead testers to overlook other aspects of the system, especially during rapid testing.

Automating regression testing emerges as the perfect antidote to this challenge. Organizations can reduce the time and resources expended on this testing, expand test coverage and enable comprehensive, reliable, and faster testing.

Conclusion

As updates and upgrades and frequent changes become a norm, Regression testing becomes a way to ensure that the programs maintain functionality even after successive updates. This type of testing is extremely valuable now as the scope of fault-tolerance has reduced dramatically, and software touches multiple, business-impacting parts of an organization.

Delivering anything other than high-quality experiences is equivalent to testing fate. With soaring development costs, creating a clear and robust testing strategy and including regressing testing to the mix is the perfect way to produce excellent software.