Effective Methods to Carry Out the Regression Testing

Regression Testing is one of the essential aspects of software testing. It is carried out to check whether the existing functions are working properly even after the changes or any updates are made in the software application. The importance of regression testing is known to all.

In fact, studies have shown that companies that implement automated regression testing significantly improve software quality and customer satisfaction rates. The effective and efficient execution of regression testing is the major challenge, however, there are many practices through which regression testing is performed.

Best Practices for Software Regression Testing

Design a Strategy of Regression Testing

A well-defined strategy to perform regression testing is required. The testing strategy should comprise the important test cases. Furthermore, the strategy should be built on the risk analysis basis of software applications, and it should be updated regularly.

Various Types of Testing

The test suite of regression testing should comprise different types of testing, like unit testing and functional testing. The test suite from different testing types helps ensure better risk management.

Regularly Execute Test Suite

Whenever new changes or release is launched, it becomes crucial to run the regression test suite regularly. The regular running of the test suite help ensures the time and quick fixation of issues if found.

Prioritize Regression Test Cases

The prioritization of test cases helps ensure the testing of critical functions. So, one of the best ways to prioritize the test cases is by seeing the impact on the application. For instance, if the particular test case has more effect on the application, then that test case will be executed first and thereby help ensure the execution of critical functions well.

Automation Regression testing

Automated regression testing help minimize the time and effort put in by the workforce. It is considered to be one of the most effective methods of performing regression testing.

Up-to-Date Regression Test Suite

The regression test suite should be regularly updated. If, in the near future,  any change or modification takes place, it will not impact the software application because the test suite comprises all the important cases.

Moreover, the up-to-date test suite helps prevent any issues from being missed during the testing.

Documentation of the Regression Test Process

In order to maintain consistency in the testing process, the documentation of the testing process helps ensure the testing frequency.

Tracking and Monitoring of Bugs

For the continuous improvement of software applications, tracking and monitoring of bugs becomes important. This will help ensure the proper fixation of issues and promotes the continuous improvement of the software.

Key Differences Between the Manual and Automated Regression Testing

The understanding between manual and automated regression testing helps choose the apt process of testing.

• In manual regression testing, the tester executes the test cases, whereas in automated regression testing, the automation tools are used to execute the test cases.
• In manual testing, a large workforce is required to execute the repetitive test cases, whereas, in automated testing, the repetitive test cases can be easily automated
• Manual testing is quite time-consuming and requires a lot of human resources, whereas automation testing is significantly faster than the manual approach.
• Initially, the investment is lower in manual testing, but the ROI is lower in the long run
• As compared to manual testing, the initial cost is high in automated testing but provides the better ROI in the long run
• Automation testing is preferred when there is a need for BVT (Build verification testing), whereas BVT is time-consuming and difficult in manual testing.

So, now you are well aware of the differences between automated testing and manual testing. In a nutshell, the result is we cannot completely eliminate the manual testing process, but with the help of automation, the software testing approach can be streamlined.

Moreover, depending on the condition or the test case instances, you can use the type of testing. For instance, automated testing is suited for regression testing, load testing, performance testing, etc., and manual testing is more suited to testing like exploratory and usability testing.

Final Thoughts!

Since regression testing is one of the important types of software testing and the implementation of best practices smoothens the testing process and makes the testing more effective.

The continuously evolving market demands continuous improvement in software applications. Automated regression testing ensures the success of software applications because automation has many advantages, such as less time consumption, improved ROI, and much more.

So, choosing the right automation platform or tool becomes all important. Opkey is an AI-powered test automation platform that helps customers minimize their effort and timeliness of regression testing. Opkey provides the no-code tets automation feature, which ensures the participation of technical and non-technical users equally.