5 Best Practices to Perform Regression Testing

With the great popularity of the agile methodology, regression testing has taken the limelight and an added value. The majority of companies today outsource regression testing services and adopt an iterative, implement an agile approach to the software development process.

For instance, there are various SaaS service providers regularly updating new functionality or features with every single software update. To keep up the performance and ensure their end product remains unaffected by newly added features, these companies consult an eminent regression testing company. Regression testing is chiefly the effort made to confirm that a bug fix has been fixed correcting a code defect.

Regression testing is required for various reasons such as the following:

• Incremental code changes in a release or a project
• Configuration and environment changes
• Major releases or projects launching live
• Urgent production fixes

Roadblocks of Regression Testing

The regression test is a core part of the SDLC (software development lifecycle). While this type of testing is a fundamental component of the software tests process, there are several challenges it brings.

Time Taking

Regression testing can be time taking tasks making it even complex and arduous for QA tests to complete in a shorter time. This type of tests mainly includes tests done over and over again so that testers might not face any break or bugs while re-running tests.

Expensive

The time-taking nature of regression tests makes them too costly. Due to the fact companies encounter budget constraints that force them to take calculated decisions concerning which test cases to execute. However, excluding regression testing can bring great risks by allowing the introduction of bugs that jeopardize business goals and taint the end-user experience.

Complexity

As a result of various newly added functionalities and as products get updated, tests can become more complicated. Generating new test cases or adapting present ones to account for the present situation of a site’s or app’s functions can be a bit tricky task.

Communicating Business worth

Regression tests check current product features are still functioning properly or not. Communicating the test’s value to non-technical leaders within any company can be often a hard task.

Also Read: Selecting the Right Regression Testing Tools

Few Techniques of Regression Testing

Mentioned below are some of the vital techniques.

• Re-test
• Regression Test Selection
• Test case Prioritization
• Hybrid

5 Best Practices to Perform Regression Testing

1. Automated Regression Tests

Regression testing needs to be done for each system code builds. However, automated regression tests can make the entire process much more easy and efficient and free up the QA testers to give effort on the complex case-specific tests. Once automated, they can be activated by the code control system each time build is formed. This will confirm that nothing has been transformed that undoes or fix some preceding feature. The commonest areas that necessitate automation in 99.99% of cases comprise:

• Running tests after a minor update or a bug fix

• Running similar regression testing on varied platforms like distinct OSs (operating systems), devices, and browsers

• Data-driven tests. For example, to tests how the specific app handles distinct input data.

Automated regression tests can be easily implemented overnight or in connection with the manual testing and hence free up the valuable resource. One of the key advantages to automate the regression tests is that manual testers can utilize the extra time to concentrate on exploratory tests of additional features and ensuring a better UX (user experience).

2. Maintain and Regular Revise Regression Pack

The regression pack is mainly a test cases’ compilation that is performed as new software gets updated. The scripted tests incorporated in a pack are formed with the prerequisite specifics of old versions of the software in mind. Testers can easily integrate Ad-hoc or random tests with the pack. Regression tests can be tedious and time-taking; the last thing you necessitate is to counts tests that ensure whether an old feature that has been eradicated is still working.

3. Give Extra Attention to Highly-Trafficked Paths

The methods of highly-trafficked are the most persistent and frequent use cases for an app. Such paths incorporate the crucial functionality and eminent features of the specific app. One must understand the core customers and the standard highlights, traits, and collaborations they are most reliant on. The effective regression tests pack is required to integrate tests that guarantee this core features is performing as it is supposed to.

Also Read: Different Ways To Manage Regression Testing Challenges

4. Run a Full Regression Suite Only When Needed

It isn’t always obligatory to run the full regression suite for every single build. In case of a minor release, it is sensible to run or execute just the smoke tests, plus regression testing for any module that has altered. To keep this simpler, organizing the test cases in regression testing as per the module of the AUT covered by every test will make sense.  For instance, if the release comprises an alteration to the payment options accepted for an online shop, it is better to run regression testing for the payment procedure, but leave out regression tests for additional features like finding items and putting them in the cart.

5. Repeat Test Cases

Tests that have recognized bugs and glitches previously are worth to incorporate into your regression tests pack. On the flip hand, tests that the program passes are better candidates for authentic.

Best Regression Testing Tools

There is a variety of regression tests that help Regression Testing Company handle planning, preparation, coverage, and reporting. Using these effective testing tools allows the QA specialists team to accelerate the procedure and employ the best practices of regression tests.

• Selenium – An open-source tool for web app testing.
• IBM Rational Functional Tester– This automated tool is an object-oriented tool that skillfully mimics the activities of a human tester.
• QTP – This amazing test tool offers regression testing for software and environments.
• Watir – This incredible tool can allow the automated tests of Ruby-based apps.
• Sahi Pro– This amazing automation giant is user-friendly and tester-centric. Even testers with basic know-how can handle it easily.
• TestComplete– This user-friendly automated tool makes use of a hybrid tests technique that is also helpful, in terms of visual tests.
• TimeShiftX– TimeShiftX gives you the capacity to test software’s past and future versions across all OSs and platforms.

As for the manual tests, the QA testers may also try some amazing tools like Jira Zephyr or Test Rail.

Some of the Examples of Regression Tests

Let us have a glance at the most popular regression tests example:

• Functional Regression– The series of broad tests across all sections of the application to ensure if the newest modifications have ended with code destabilization.

• Bug Regression– The QA specialist checks and confirms if a precise bug that has allegedly been fixed is removed or not.

• Build Verification Tests– The suite of minor tests to scrutinize if damage is severe or the build is worth fixing. Any sort of failed testing would end up with a build rejection.

• Conversion and Port Tests– The range of test cases are implemented to guarantee that the app has been ported effectively to an advanced new platform.

• Localization Testing– If any program has been changed & re-written in another programming language, a QA expert identifies the interface performance and confirms that the app follows its fresh set of cultural rules. To implement such a test, one may have to change old cases considering the modification of a programming language or even re-write new ones.

Final Verdict

In a competitive market, the quality of services and products remain significant for business success. User satisfaction and approval are the greatest priority of any business as it’s mainly followed by brand trustworthiness and, thus, better profits. Undertaking regression testing services and opting the path of retesting, will verify that your software effectiveness will certainly lead to a massive ROI.

Looking for a partner to guarantee your products are updated and up-to-speed with the latest needs?  We are ready to help! With our adaptable and easy regression tests best practice, we can fine-tune rapidly to modified specifics and deliverables.