Regression Testing
Imagine you’re an architect building a skyscraper. You’re putting in so much effort to align each beam and bolt with your goal. But a tremor occurs—a flaw that’s not immediately visible in the structure but grows wider with each new development. Ultimately, the masterpiece you’ve created is on the verge of falling apart.
What is Regression Testing?
In essence, regression testing is the relentless pursuit of stability. It involves rerunning both functional and non-functional tests to guarantee that the complex web of code will continue to function without any interruptions after each modification, addition, or extension made to the existing codebase.
It’s common for one code module to be affected by a change to another code module whenever the first code module is modified. The reason is the dependencies between the two. QA engineers perform a series of automated regression test cases after a new logic or feature is added to the codebase. This is to prevent conflicts, save time, maximize test efficiency, and, most importantly, provide stability.
CISQ research finds that poor software quality costs US companies $2.08 trillion yearly. Having mature testing methodologies like regression testing in place is critical in software development.
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Why Regression Testing is Essential
The main benefits of regression testing are:
- It catches defects in the early stages of development, preventing them from snowballing into bigger issues.
- It helps preserve functionalities after changes are made.
- Early fixes save businesses time and money compared to addressing them after release.
- It enhances the user experience by maintaining reliability.
- It improves the code adaptability and scalability.
Regression Testing Techniques
Regression testing is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Different types of changes in code and contexts demand tailored regression testing tools and strategies. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types.
Unit Regression Tests
As the name suggests, unit regression tests look at particular functions or methods that make up the smallest parts of software. These tests are important after changing a current function or adding new units to the codebase.
Why Conduct Them?
- They enhance the code’s reliability before it integrates into the broader software ecosystem.
- The process becomes more agile.
- They facilitate easier documentation, streamlining the debugging process and making it more cost-effective.
Partial Regression Tests
Partial regression tests focus on specific parts or modules of the software rather than examining the entire application. This approach is particularly effective when making minor changes in various sections of the program or addressing bugs in specific modules.
Why Conduct Them?
- They offer time efficiency compared to full regression testing.
- This method is ideal for software that consists of well-defined, independent modules.
Full Regression Tests
Full regression tests cover all features and capabilities of an application and are typically conducted throughout subsequent releases. These tests serve as both an intermediate evaluation after initial releases and a final assessment before the official launch.
Why Conduct Them?
- They provide a comprehensive assessment of the software’s health.
- They also identify potential issues that might arise from dependencies between modules.
Progressive Regression Tests
Progressive regression testing is essential for verifying that new modifications in a program don’t impact existing functionalities. This method involves creating new test cases and is often used in automated regression testing. It’s most relevant when you’re introducing new features to software or during regular stages of iterative development.
Why Conduct Them?
- They facilitate the seamless integration of new functionalities.
- This approach reduces test durations by focusing on recent modifications.
- It ensures the stability of the current codebase.
Retest-all Regression Tests
Retest regression testing involves re-examining all changes made in the application since its inception. This method provides the highest assurance of software stability, particularly after significant code overhauls or modifications to the software’s foundational elements.
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