In software testing, regression testing techniques are used to maintain the performance of an application service. Furthermore, it is frequently updated to ensure that any updates, adjustments, extensions, or enhancements to the coding continue to perform as intended after they have been completed.
What Is Software Regression Testing?
The outcomes might be startling when software programmers update or change their work. Regression testing techniques in software testing entail inspecting a previously released system to guarantee that no capacity has been harmed as a result of a modification or upgrade. Its purpose is to discover vulnerabilities that may have inadvertently found their way into a new release or launch version, while also keeping in mind that flaws that have previously been removed must be addressed.
You must guarantee that any new change to an app hasn’t caused regression or caused previously functional features to fail by redoing test cases that were originally developed when identified issues were first fixed. These tests may be conducted directly on small-scale projects, but in most cases, it is too time-consuming and difficult to consider running a set of tests repeatedly every time an improvement is made, hence a test automation tool is typically required.
What Are Regression Testing techniques in Software Testing?
There is frequently no standard procedure for carrying out the testing process. However, a QA inspector should be familiar with various basic regression testing techniques in software testing.
Step 1: Assortment of Regression Tests
As the title implies, users choose the test cases that need to be retested. We will only run a portion of the test suite since the portion of the testing process you choose to conduct where the raw data has changed is dependent on the part of the testing procedure you choose to execute.
The test data is then classified as repeatable or obsolete. Reusable ones will be used in subsequent corrective rounds, whilst outdated ones will be ignored in later testing cycles.
Step 2: Calculate the duration for running test cases.
The next step is calculating how long it will take to perform the various test scenarios. Preparation for testing by the Quality assurance group, production of the testing dataset, review of all test scenarios, and other variables can all have an impact on the implementation length.
Step 3: Determine which test cases can be automated
Depending on the results of this step’s testing, the quality assurance team can decide which test scenarios to automate. Compared to manual approaches, test automation scenarios are more effective and let you reuse the same code repeatedly. Divide the test scenarios into two groups: manual test scenarios and automated test scenarios.
Step 4: Prioritization of Test Cases
The exam situations are all gathered here, and you may rank them as strong, moderate, or low. Based on this evaluation, you would first run the elevated test cases before moving on to the mild and average test cases. The system’s design and degree of user participation will define how important something is.
Step 5: carrying out test cases
It’s time to carry out each test scenario individually and assess how effectively the item is working. You may select between automatic and manual testing based on your needs. Automation testing scenarios may be conducted more quickly by using functional and non-functional technologies like Selenium, QTP, Watir, etc.
When Should The Regression Testing Techniques In Software Testing Be Used?
The following criteria necessitate the use of regression testing techniques:
- Once the existing script has been changed to incorporate additional features.
- Every time a patch fix is added
- Whenever security fixes are made available
- Whenever a script configuration update is made
- As soon as problems in the software architecture are resolved,
- Anytime the process of optimizing raw code is implemented.
- If an inefficiency problem emerges
When a defect is discovered, attempting to patch it may result in the emergence of other flaws, which can be deadly to the program if not fixed promptly. Regression tests, notwithstanding their difficulties, should be performed as frequently as possible. This prevents an update from having detrimental long-term consequences.
Types of Regression Testing
In software engineering, regression testing may be done in a variety of ways. Among the several methods of testing are:
1. Retest-all Regression Testing
This method requires nothing more than running a new test against the script. This is a thorough type of testing. It frequently occurs when something appears to have gone. This type of continuity testing yields more pleasing findings, but it is also reasonably costly to undertake due to its thoroughness.
2. Corrective Regression Testing
The testing technique in this scenario is straightforward. This strategy’s major purpose is to analyze regression even when the script hasn’t changed. The test can be executed using already defined test cases in this style of assessment.
3. Selective regression test
This method focuses on selecting a subset of instances from a larger collection to examine a specific impacted code segment. This method attempts to examine how new code could influence the present script.
4. Progressive Regression Testing
Following the introduction of new modifications, such software regression testing happens. This sort of testing phase uses new test data rather than outdated ones. This form of analysis guarantees that all key defects from the previous iteration are addressed in the latest iteration.
5. Partial Regression Testing
An incomplete testing approach primarily investigates the impacts of a new set of instructions on an existing collection of data using the current test scenarios. It is used to ensure that a software component continues to function as it did before fresh updates.
6. Complete Regression Testing
When a software program has undergone multiple changes, a full regression test is performed. It is done if major operational changes are required to improve the script’s functionality. It usually occurs when the root script has been modified.
7. Unit Regression Testing
This type of testing procedure examines the script as a whole. Using this method, all current variables and linkages must be avoided during the test’s execution.
FAQs
Is it possible to test manually for regression?
Several phases of regression testing are performed manually, but it takes time. Manual testing is still an option even if test automation is preferable when there are many test cases.
How many different testing techniques are used in regression testing?
Regression testing techniques may be broadly divided into five categories. A variety of objectives can be achieved with each method.
Which tool is used for regression testing?
For automating web applications, several Selenium features are accessible. It continues to be among the top tools for online and cross-platform test scenarios. Selenium offers test automation systems that cycle through many data sources and data-driven testing.
Conclusion
Regression testing techniques in software testing are used to monitor and discover problems with application services. It entails inspecting an existing operating system to ensure that no capacity has been lost as a consequence of a change or upgrade. Even though the script has not changed, various analyses are carried out throughout this testing. Partial, thorough, unit, and progressive regression testing are also conducted on smaller groups of instances from a larger set to analyze a single afflicted code portion. The quality assurance team selects the test cases that can be automated based on the system design and user interaction.
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