How to do Regression Testing (Faster)

Companies across the globe are striving to achieve such quality software that delivers seamless customer experience. To do so companies make all possible efforts to develop bug-free software. But mostly when a code change is made, a new bug is introduced which affects the functionality or the existing feature of the program and thus everything has to be started all over again. This becomes hectic in long run and acts as a toll on development and testing teams. 

Businesses want to make sure that there are no faults or defects in their system. To check and rectify these unknown bugs, Regression Testing is used. 

What is regression testing?

Regression Testing is a software testing type that validates that a code change in the software does not affect the existing functionality of the product. This is done to make sure that the product is bug-free and works fine, without any errors or defects. 

It is done by re-running functional and non- functional tests test to check that the previously developed and checked software stills functions well even after the change is made. This test looks for new bugs or defects which might have introduced due to the change in software. Software regression testing should be performed as the programmer adds new functionality to an application. This is because of the dependency between the newly added and previous functionality that is critical for the software to function according to the expected requirements. 

How to do regression testing (faster)?

Before actually starting a regression test, it is very important to build an effective regression testing strategy, which will ultimately make the process of regression testing faster. Below mentioned are some of the key points that need to be followed to build an effective regression testing strategy: 

Identify needs and components of regression testing:

This is the first step in the regression testing process wherein as soon as a new change is introduced into the software, regression testing is initiated. The main motive is to test the existing code or functionality with the help of regression test scripts. Therefore, careful planning should be taken up to identify the needs and components of regression testing. 

Define approach:

It is very essential to decide on the approach which is to be followed for regression testing. How much part of your regression testing is to be automated, or you will opt for a manual regression technique, also, you will follow an exploratory approach or a structured approach. This all has to be decided beforehand to ensure a faster regression test. 

Select test cases:

For a successful regression test, it is very essential to select the test cases for the project to be taken up. Proper collaboration between stakeholders, developers, and software test engineers is required to reach a common consensus to decide upon the right test cases that need to be prepared which could be reused each time there is a change in the software. 

Define the frequency of test:

It is very essential to decide how frequently you will run a regression test. Regression testing should be performed each time a change is made in the code or new features are added. To validate that the new code does not affect the existing codes and functionality of the software. Also, even if you are using the automation regression testing approach, you need to decide what will be the frequency of automation runs. 

Execute Test- Manual or Automated Regression Testing?

Regression testing can be performed either manually or can be automated using automation tools. But, if you are looking for faster regression testing method, then automated regression testing can be the right choice for you, as it will save your time and efforts and there is less to no chances of errors in automated regression tests as compared to manually performing regression tests. 

What is manual regression testing?

Manual regression testing is a type of software testing wherein a test is performed by manual testers. In this type of testing, test cases are initially drafted and then they are executed. The results of the tests are compared against expected results which help in knowing whether the test is successful or not. Manual testers do not use any tools hence it much time consuming and prone to human errors.  

What is automated regression testing?

Regression Tests can be done by using automated tools. Automated Regression Testing makes the whole process of testing faster and much more efficient. Bu using the automation tools the chances of errors which are common in manual testing gets eliminated. 

Below mentioned some important regression testing tools:

Ranorex studio

Katalon studio

Testsigma

TestComplete

Watir

IBM Rational Functional Tester

Selenium

Silktest

ActiWate

vTest

QTP

WebKing

Conclusion:

Thus, Regression Testing helps in improving the quality by ensuring every time a change is made your product remains free from all possible defects. Regression Tests can be automated which reduces human efforts and saves time and cost. Regression Tests can be done at any stage of the Software Development Life Cycle, and can also be run parallel during SDLC, which enables the QA teams to deliver a high-quality product to their customers. 

Leverage our Regression testing services to ensure quality products. Get in touch with our Experts today to gain more insights.