Regression testing serves as a safeguard against potential issues and ensures the continued functionality of an application even after modifications are made. Put simply, regression testing verifies that everything that worked correctly before the changes still work as expected.
The software comprises extensive source code files containing diverse functions of the application. This code is typically written by multiple developers, each adhering to their own coding practices. They may establish connections with other features, create dependencies, and so forth, often without universal awareness. Build a strong foundation on topics like Indentation in python, Javascript etc with AlmaBetter’s bytes tutorials. They python tutorial, javacript tutorial and many more.
Consequently, when a future developer makes alterations, be it to fix a bug or introduce an enhancement, they may remain unaware of which part of the code could impact other previously stable and tested components. Hence, a mechanism is required to monitor these changes and promptly notify us of any glitches or compatibility issues within the code.
What is Regression Testing?
Regression testing stands as a pivotal phase within the software development process, undertaken subsequent to any modifications. Its purpose is to meticulously verify that these changes have not unintentionally introduced new issues or triggered the reappearance of previously resolved defects.
At its core, regression testing addresses a common challenge encountered by developers, which is the resurgence of bugs that had been previously rectified when fresh alterations are integrated into the codebase. In the absence of a robust version control system, identifying the precise modification responsible for a particular bug becomes a complex task.
Through the thorough execution of regression testing, this risk is effectively mitigated, and the overall project’s stability is upheld. Integrating regression testing as a standard practice is strongly advocated to safeguard the quality and dependability of the software.
In which areas should regression testing be applied?
When considering automation for regression testing, the following domains warrant attention:
- Latest Code Changes: It is advisable to automate tests for code that has been recently introduced or modified. This ensures that these alterations function as intended and do not adversely affect existing functionalities.
- Potentially Affected Areas: Identifying and automating tests for sections of the software that are likely to be impacted by the changes is essential. This proactive approach helps in the early detection of regressions or unintended consequences.
- High-Risk Test Cases: Automation should be employed for test cases deemed too risky to leave untested. These may encompass critical functionalities or areas with a historical propensity for issues.
- Environment-Dependent Test Cases: Automation should encompass tests relying on specific execution environments, such as various browsers, operating systems, or configurations. This guarantees consistent and reliable testing across diverse environments.
- End-to-End Business-Critical Scenarios: Regression testing should also encompass test cases that validate end-to-end business-critical scenarios. These tests evaluate the overall functionality and integration of the software from the user’s perspective.
However, it is crucial to recognize that automation alone cannot uncover defects in unexplored areas of the software. The efficacy of regression testing hinges on selecting the appropriate test cases for automation, which should align with the specific objectives driving the regression testing initiative.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Regression Testing Tool
Regression testing constitutes a critical facet of software development, serving as a safeguard to ensure that code modifications, whether they involve the introduction of new features or alterations to the design, do not negatively impact the existing functionalities of an application.
Here are some essential considerations to bear in mind when selecting a regression testing tool that can save time and enhance the detection of potential issues:
- Functionality and Visual Layer Testing: Many regression testing tools predominantly interact with the underlying code (DOM) of an application, assuming that the visual layer is rendering correctly. However, it is imperative to ascertain whether the tool can comprehensively assess both the functionality and visual elements of the application. This encompasses scrutinizing whether buttons operate as intended and validating the visual aspects, including elements such as colors, fonts, shapes, positioning, and more.
- Programming Skills Requirement: Historically, regression testing tools like Selenium necessitated programming skills for the creation of test scripts. Nevertheless, contemporary options now include no-code and low-code tools that empower users to develop Selenium test scripts without direct code composition. It is essential to evaluate whether the tool mandates programming skills or offers a no-code automation alternative.
- Integrated Management of Manual and Automated Tests: While automation significantly streamlines testing processes, not all test cases can be automated. It is paramount to have a unified platform that facilitates the management of both manual and automated tests. This integrated approach optimizes time efficiency and ensures effective test case administration.
- Effective Test Failure Identification: Automated regression tests may fail for various reasons, and not all failures indicate the presence of a software bug. Failures can result from outdated test scripts or false positives. The selected tool should provide robust mechanisms for discerning the underlying causes of test failures. Features like video replays of the user interface during testing can be particularly valuable for debugging and problem diagnosis.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Evaluate the tool’s adaptability to accommodate evolving testing requirements. Ascertain whether the tool offers the necessary infrastructure for executing tests across diverse devices, including provisions for test suite management. Pricing models based on actual usage can provide greater flexibility, enabling payment commensurate with your precise testing demands.
By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed choice when selecting a regression testing tool that aligns with your team’s prerequisites, streamlines your workflow, and enhances your ability to pinpoint potential issues effectively.
Top 10 Regression tools
Let’s have a look at some of the most popular regression tools.
LambdaTest
LambdaTest is an AI-powered test orchestration and execution platform, offering a modern and scalable cloud-based platform to run automated regression tests at scale. It helps us ensure our web applications work smoothly even after making changes or updates.
Imagine you have a website, and you want to make some improvements or add new features. Now, you wouldn’t want to break anything that’s already working, right? This is where regression testing comes in. It’s like double-checking that your website’s existing features are still functioning correctly after any changes you make.
Now, LambdaTest comes into play here by providing a cloud-based platform that allows you to run your tests on different browsers and operating systems. You can see how your website behaves in various environments without having to install and manage all these different setups yourself.
So, in simple terms, LambdaTest helps you automate and streamline the process of checking if your website is working as expected across different browsers and platforms. It’s a time-saver and helps prevent any nasty surprises when you release new updates to your site.
Selenium:
Selenium is a well-known and widely adopted open-source automation framework specially crafted for conducting tests on web applications. To enhance cross-browser regression testing, Selenium can be seamlessly integrated with cloud-based platforms such as LambdaTest. LambdaTest provides a cloud-based infrastructure designed to seamlessly adapt to your testing requirements, addressing various challenges you may encounter.
Appium:
Appium is a renowned open-source automation tool tailored specifically for conducting tests on mobile applications. It excels at providing a unified solution for testing mobile apps on both Android and iOS platforms. With Appium, developers and testers can efficiently carry out regression testing on mobile applications across a wide spectrum of devices, ensuring consistent functionality and quality across diverse platforms. Appium’s cross-platform compatibility allows for the creation of tests once and their execution across multiple platforms, thereby saving time and effort during regression testing.
Ranorex Studio:
Ranorex Studio stands as a robust commercial tool that offers a comprehensive solution for regression testing. It boasts an extensive range of features and capabilities, designed to streamline and enhance regression testing efforts effectively. With its user-friendly graphical interface, testers can create and execute automated test scripts without necessitating extensive coding expertise. The tool supports multiple programming languages, enabling testers to leverage their preferred language when scripting test scenarios.
Rainforest QA:
Rainforest QA adopts a distinctive approach to regression testing by seamlessly blending manual and automated testing methodologies. This cloud-based platform offers flexibility and scalability, allowing testers to access the platform from anywhere without the need for complex infrastructure setup. Rainforest QA supports comprehensive test coverage and offers prompt feedback on application quality, making it a valuable tool for regression testing.
Watir:
Watir is an open-source tool that specializes in automating web browsers, specifically tailored for regression testing web applications. It offers an uncomplicated and flexible interface, simplifying the automation of testing processes. Watir relies on a Ruby-based framework, resulting in concise and easily readable code. This approach facilitates accelerated test script development and promotes collaboration among team members. Watir seamlessly interacts with web browsers, enabling comprehensive regression testing of web applications.
TestComplete:
TestComplete presents a user-friendly and intuitive interface, simplifying the creation and execution of regression tests. Testers can record and playback test scripts, capturing user actions and verifying expected results. Supporting scripting languages such as JavaScript, Python, and VBScript, TestComplete provides flexibility for testers to craft custom scripts for advanced test scenarios. Its robust support for functional testing ensures that the application functions as expected following changes or updates.
Tricentis Testim:
Tricentis Testim offers a regression testing tool that excels in organizing test cases within a unified visual editor. With its test recorder feature, manual tests executed within your application can be captured accurately and efficiently, ensuring the creation of precise tests.
Testim Automate, the automated testing platform provided by Tricentis Testim, enables the rapid authoring of stable tests driven by AI. This platform equips testers with tools to scale test quality, leveraging AI to identify and lock in visual elements, thereby enhancing the stability of UI functional tests. Additionally, the platform permits the extension of tests with custom JavaScript, which can be executed within and outside the browser environment.
Serenity:
Serenity is an open-source test automation framework that delivers a comprehensive solution for automated testing. It seamlessly integrates with popular tools like Selenium and Appium, enhancing the testing experience for regression testing scenarios. Serenity places a strong emphasis on generating detailed and insightful test reports that capture comprehensive information regarding test execution. These visually appealing reports offer valuable insights into the quality and behavior of the tested application.
Sahi Pro:
Sahi Pro is designed to minimize the setup time of test automation. It encompasses functionality testing capabilities, record-and-playback features, and suite analysis tools. However, users should possess some coding experience, and manual testing is not supported. Sahi Pro offers an all-in-one solution with separate pricing structures for different testing domains.
Conclusion
By implementing automation for regression testing, organizations can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their testing endeavors. Manual regression testing can be a labor-intensive process, susceptible to human errors, whereas automation offers the advantage of swifter and more precise execution of test cases. This, in turn, empowers development teams to expedite the release of software updates and new features, effectively meeting user expectations within established timelines.
To fully optimize the testing process and harness the complete benefits of regression testing automation, it is imperative to carefully select a suitable tool that aligns seamlessly with the unique demands of your project. The chosen tool should encompass features and functionalities that facilitate the streamlined management of the entire quality assurance lifecycle, encompassing activities ranging from test case creation and execution to result analysis and comprehensive reporting.
