5 Keys to a Successful Regression Testing Suite

 

Regression testing has changed significantly over the past 10 years. There is no longer a time when tests for regression ran for weeks, or months, using the same build of code. Regression testing suites need to be slim efficient, effective and cost-effective.

Whatever the method of development, software developers must produce high-quality code at a fast rate to meet the demands of customers and stay ahead of the market. 

The regression testing process in Agile for instance, may last between 1-2 days while some organizations may have testing cycles for regressions lasting 3 to 5 days. What is important is whether the regression testing tool is efficient, not the long it will take to complete.

We'll discuss the significance of regression testing and ways to develop an efficient and highly effective Regression test set-up.

Why is regression testing so important?

Regression testing enhances the quality of the code before it is released. If it's not continuous Regression testing is usually conducted during a time frame prior to the date of release.

Regression testing shows that the new code is able to be integrated seamlessly into the existing codebase, without causing any complications. If the application continues operate as it did before and the regression testing suite is verified and the new release code is approved to be distributed to customers.

Changes that are ongoing can cause code to break and result in imperfections. The regression testing suite ensures that the client doesn't receive an error-prone release code that could result in poor user experience as well as loss of revenue.

If you violate the trust of your customers through releasing faulty software and it's extremely difficult to restore it or perhaps impossible. Consider investing in a regression testing tool to ensure higher quality release code.

How do you create a regression testing suite

There are a variety of methods to build an effective testing suite for regression. To increase efficiency and effectiveness within a limited time frame take a look at a few possibilities. It is possible to create an automated regression testing suite by with groups that include tests that test the full capabilities of the application. The tests can be grouped in accordance with features, functions integrations, features or any other in a logical space. When you use this method of regression testing it is necessary to execute the group for each release within the form of a rotation. If, for instance, you divide the regression testing cycles to four separate sets you test one set for each release. This will require four releases to run the entire testing suite for regression. You can also run the test groups for regression which are applicable to the most recent version including payment features when the cart checkout function is modified.

You could also think about continuous testing, which means that testing goes on regardless of the release date. In this case, the QA testing team is responsible for the testing of any new bugs and features and then conducts manual regression testing whenever it is feasible. Automated regression tests are able to be run at any time that is convenient, like during weekends or at night -In this instance there isn't a separate regression testing process The regression tests continue to be run.

No matter which method you select you will need to follow these five steps in the process of creating your regression testing suite:

·      classify tests with high priority

·      Create smoke tests

·      Mix in some tests that are manual

·      Verify integrations

·      Evaluate the performance

1. You should prioritize the regression test you are taking.

In the process of developing a regression test suite, the primary factor should be to incorporate tests which are crucial or of high importance. Tests with high priority focus on the primary aspects or the basic processes of the application. Tests that test critical functions could examine back-end engines, APIs, and database connections as well as the performance of these components. Important workflows may also incorporate the use of UI-based functions.

The first step is to define your priorities and define what they are. After that, go through all the functional tests that are in use and give them a priority. If you don't already have tests, you can prioritize them as you design them. Make the tests that are critical first, proceed to the next level. Tests that are critical and high-priority look for issues that require quick corrections. The defect in the high-priority or critical functions could stop the application from working at all, or causes significant issues in the workflow, causing customers time and money through the loss of work or rework. If these functions fail they have direct financial cost on the business, and they will require more resource time to fix.

Take into consideration codeless automation, or code-based automated tests to test crucial functions. Applause Codeless Automation (ACA) will help you automate a portion of the regression testing suite to verify crucial features without writing any code. If you run important regression tests every when a new build is built and you'll be able to spot these kinds of issues quickly, prior to they affect the customers QA testers or the developers trying to get a new release to market.

2. Create smoke tests

When you are putting your most critical and important test results into an regression set-up, identify it as"smoke" or "smoke testing suite" and run it every day at least bi-weekly, or every version. Perform the smoke tests prior to any other testing is scheduled to prevent unnecessary shutdowns and loss in work time.

Make your tests automated by using ACA and scripted test to cut down on a lot of time. If you keep your tests as simple as possible, such as using one or two validated points makes it easier to conduct failure analysis. Do not test every function using smoke tests; instead, test the entire codebase as is possible on a non-superficial scale. Why? The benefit of test automation is identifying flaws in workflows which are frequently encountered and impact the operation that your program. Be sure that your smoke test tool is concise and has high value.

Perform these tests often prior to release, and every time the build is modified. It could also be beneficial to run some tests on the production environment to validate the impact of an update to the backend that won't directly impact users. If you are adding bugs fixes or last-minute improvement features to an update in the final stagesof development, you'll require the smoke tests regression tool.

3. Do some manual work

Then, you can create a set of tests to test the fundamental capabilities of the application. These are typically workflows that which automated tools are unable to handle because of the integrated complex interplays involved. Although this Functional Regression Test Suite has workflows that aren't crucial to the functionality of the application however, they are often used as to create workflows for users who are not automated.

Manual regression tests may include exploratory tests of the case of the test that automated tests wouldn't be able to cover. Manual regression tests may also cover the entire process from beginning to end or workflows for systems which are lengthy and complicated and are not a good match for automation.

Functional regression test suites for basic functional tests will help you keep your code tidy and help generate positive customer reactions to your application.

4. Test the integrations

Run a regression tool that test your API connections along with back-end messaging engines as well as data feeds. Test any integrated process your application needs but that the user does not see. It's true that creating an automated regression test suite for these kinds of processes is time-consuming and often requires help from IT or developers however it's worthy of the time and effort.

It isn't necessary to be able to cover every aspect. Make tests that test or even be able to touch every process in a reliable manner, similar to the previous groups. Most of the time, QA testers don't have access to the back-end process. However, tests need to assess these functions even when they appear superficial. If back-end processing data or API connection fail, the issue is evident for the end user. Give QA test participants access to such tools and tools to review and build functional tests on the backend. If you invest some developer time necessary, but it will be worth it to prevent any failures from happening in these processing engines that are crucial to business.

5. Don't forget to perform

Performance testing is a 4 letter word for the majority of development agencies. Why? If the app does work, many will consider that as good enough. But what is the truth?

In the event that the users experience is altered in terms of performance with each release, this can be troubling for an end-user. Even more troubling, if your application slows down with every release for important workflow processes, the user loses faith in your software. In this situation there is a build-up of frustration since the user is unable to determine if the application is running or not. Inordinate wait times eat up your users' time, and can negatively impact their productivity.

Simple or complex or simple, your regression test suite needs to be able to account for testing performance. The performance of your application will not improve by itself, and it could eventually bring down your application when you do not fix the issue. A lot of people don't view the speed of your application to be an important aspect, but it can greatly impact the perception of customers about your application. Create a performance regression suite or an instrument for performance testing, as well as simple tests that look for troublesome areas.

How can codeless automation be integrated into

Regression test cycles may be either automated or manual however, they are typically mixed between both. The advantage of a successful testing suite for regression is that once you've developed it that you can use it to run small parts or all of it at any time. Make use of your regression testing software in a way that is flexible to meet the needs of your business. Give your software and application developers the greatest chance to achieve success by investing in an efficient and reliable regression testing tool.

Applause Codeless Automation can help you start building an automated testsuite for regression. Make use of ACA to create modular tests that allow for simple workflows that you are able to modify and reuse as you need to. Furthermore, Automated Functional Testing provides access to experts in automation and an efficient framework that can assist you in creating a complete automated testing solution.