Regression testing is the testing of any unintended changes or alterations that may have occurred on a given product during its modification. It helps in identifying regression procedures and defects caused by bugs in the software after making changes.
Here’s what you need to know about this testing and how it’s conducted.
Types of regression testing
Several types of regression testing can be beneficial in testing a given product. These different types help conduct regression at different phases of the trial.
Progressive testing
Continuous testing is conducted on software, especially when updating it. The testing ensures that the updates the software receives help resolve any pending issues and don’t affect any other features.
Unit testing
This type of testing is usually done on a specific portion of code independently from the other parts of the program. It’s very efficient because it can resolve a particular problem without affecting the other parts.
Corrective testing
This type of regression testing is applicable when there are no changes made in the program. It’s implemented by reusing existing test cases.
Selective testing
Selective testing is a test that’s carried out when there is an introduction of new code to the program. It’s conducted using a few existing test cases and is cost-effective since it doesn’t require much effort, time, and resources.
Complete testing
This type of testing is instrumental when several changes are occurring in the product. It’s essential when implementing significant updates. This test helps identify any unexpected bugs.
Factors to consider when choosing a testing strategy
Choose the regression technique that will be effective on the test you want to conduct. This choice will ensure that your analysis is useful and results in an error-free performance. These factors include:
- The complexity of the product. Depending on the complexity of your product, you may have to choose more than one test. Simple products may only need one test.
- The type of testing. Depending on the changes that occurred, the product may either need a partial test or a complete test.
- The nature of your product. The type of product that you have will determine the kind of test you need. Consider what platform your product runs on (the internet, mobile application, or desktop).
- The method of testing. Experts have two options to choose from when it comes to the test. They can either choose manual testing or automated testing. Manual testing is useful when there is nothing much to be checked. Automated testing is better for multiple tests since it’s faster.
Benefits of regression testing
Regression testing helps reduce the cost of resolving bug problems, as they’re detectable in the early stages. It also helps in bug detection that may be a result of software or application modification.
Since regression testing eliminates bugs, it can help in developing capable software. It helps ensure that any changes made to the software do not introduce former effects. It also helps in understanding how different operation environments affect a given software.
Techniques of regression testing
To make sure no unwanted changes take place on a given software after modification, regression testing uses the following methods.
Retest-all
This technique tests all cases to ensure no modifications occurred. It retests the entire software with the help of automated tools. Retest-all takes a lot of time, costs, and resources.
Test selection
The changes that occur in software may only happen in specific parts. This technique allows testing of particular portions of the test suite instead of conducting it in the entire software. It’s much faster and cheaper than the Retest-all method.
Test case prioritization
The test case prioritization technique prioritizes the tests being conducted based on importance. It considers the impact of the test case, frequency of use, and the future effect in case of an upgrade.
Implementation of regression testing
The implementation of regression testing follows the same process for all the techniques mentioned. This process entails the following procedures:
- Conduct regression tests at the most basic level (the unit level) to check whether codes have changed from the modifications made on the program.
- Merge the code to create a new application build and integrate it.
- Conduct tests to ensure the build is fit for use.
- Integrate the build with the other units to see how they interact and operate with the other services.
- If any issues are detected, run other tests until you attain the optimal working condition.
Takeaways
Regression testing ensures that the software is efficient and error-free. It’s especially beneficial in providing successful updates and modifications in the software. This testing helps software operate long-term with no glitches or bugs.
