Regression Testing

Regression testing is a necessary component to any software development lifecycle. The process involves testing of the changes, error corrections, optimization, and deletion of invalid features in the software layout that has been recently modified or enhanced with patches, configuration and so on. The action ensures about the older programs that were once developed and tested are still working despite of being altered or interfaced with some other software. Today, Regression testing is widely conducted across the global enterprises who're fully aware of the Software Testing Fundamentals in order to get started. Regression testing is the next step ahead of re-testing or repeat testing that uncovers new software bugs, fix issues, and determines what other areas may be affected as a result of the transformation.

Following are the Four Types of Regression Testing Techniques:

There's a general to Regression testing that includes Single Unit Regression, Partial Regression, Complete Regression, and Manual Regression testing that are conducted using the automated capture playback tools. However, here're the universally acclaimed Regression testing techniques you can best employ:

Corrective Regression Testing: As there're no changes in spec, the tests results are reused

Progressive Regression Testing: With the change of the spec, new checks are created

Retest-all-Strategy: This is a time-consuming procedure but makes use of the test results 

Selective Strategy: Only those checks connected with the modified code are re-run

Simple Steps to Performing Regression Checks:

1. Smoke & Sanity Test:

Of all the test cases, Sanity test cases are the most critical ones as they are capable of diagnosing the basic functionality of the system and helpful in checking stability

2. Requirements Analysis:

All modifications and additions of code are thoroughly analyzed, all test cases for Regression are prepared

3. Test Cases for Priority Functions:

Integration Test Cases designed for Regression testing are executed as per the bandwidth and requirement

4. Selection of High Priority Test Cases:

The valuable test cases with multiple defects are chosen for execution. The aggressive tests are run for those units of code that are repeatedly altered 

Regression Testers

Regression testing exercise is conducted by expert Regression testers along with the code testing specialists during the Test department stage. The specialists use special techniques and apt test automation tools for executing Regression testing. Throughout the development process, they're involved in conducting series of full tests, partial tests, repeat tests, functional tests, unit tests, integration tests, verification tests et cetera for the accurate functioning of the software.

Why Regression Checks are so Beneficial to all?

Conducting accurate Regression test is a good effort as it becomes mandatory with every change that has brought up in the program or code. Illustrated below are few of the privileges of using Regression testing:

• Further improves product quality
• Several small set of tests are re-initialized for testing efficiency and effectiveness of the software
• Ensures about the minor changes that don't break down or crash the software
• Determines whether an alteration in one part of the framework harms the other parts of the solution 
• Verifies whether updating the given application can offer desired effect
• Checks if the introduction of the new code to a program has released any errors into code 
• Detects undesirable bugs or disastrous elements that are caused due to the change in the operating environment
• Makes sure about the modifications doesn't impact the already tested entities