Regression testing is one of the significant types of software testing. It is performed during the software development life cycle (SDLC) maintenance phase and is done to ensure that defect fixes or enhancements made in the software work correctly or not.
Regression testing is testing the improved or changed sections of code and the parts that might have an impact due to modification. The method of regression testing in software testing can be used at all three stages of testing.
Need for Regression Testing
When a new process or component is added to the system or any part of the system, there is a high possibility of the modification of code, affecting the existing functionalities. Moreover, adding new files or components can lead to errors or bugs. That is why regression testing is required so that errors can be recognized easily.
We can take a real-life example to understand the need for regression testing better. In 1985, the Therac-25 radiation therapy machine in Canada crashed due to a software bug and delivered fatal radiation doses to patients, leaving 3 people in critically injured situations and 3 dead. So, these types of incidents showcase the importance of software testing. Furthermore, regression testing in software testing helps verify the overall performance of the software before its actual deployment.
Types of Regression Testing
There are four types of regression testing in software testing. Let’s discuss them one by one:
Corrective Regression Testing
It is one of the most popular types of testing in the current generation as it is pretty convenient to use and can be used repetitively in testing. It is performed when the instructions are not modified, and all the reusability of test cases is higher.
This testing is time-efficient as it takes minimum time to find the bugs or faults. This technique examines the impact of new code on the existing source code. Furthermore, this testing technique uses the subset of existing test cases to reduce the efforts and costs needed for testing.
Progressive Regression Testing
When the new test cases are built, then the concept of progressive testing comes into the picture. If the specifications are changed and all the test cases should be appropriately designed, then this type of testing is used. It enables the tester to perform the needed step in the updated version of the system program without the current program code.
Retest-All Regression Testing
This technique takes a lot of time and is quite costly because it executes the unessential test cases. That is why it is advised to the testers to first analyze the activity of a system or a product before starting the regression testing in software testing.
However, using this testing technique only for some software is recommended as it has major time constraints.
Selective Regression Testing
This testing technique uses the subset of existing test cases so that time and cost of testing can be minimized. The main purpose of this testing is to recognize the dependencies between the test cases and the entities of the program it covers.
Some Famous Tools for Regression Testing
As the market is dynamic, there is a need to properly execute all the test cases so that any adversities can be avoided soon. So, it is better to use the automation of regression testing in software testing.
Below given are some important tools for automated regression testing
testRigor
It enables the user of all technical capabilities to design the end-to-end tests of any complexity ranging from web, mobile, and API in one test.
The test cases generated with this tool do not rely on the implementation details like CSS Selectors or XPaths. Instead, test steps are expressed on the level of the end-user. Moreover, it comprises the features such as email, unlimited tests, web steps recorder, etc.
Subject7
It is a cloud-based solution for test automation. It is a “true codeless” solution for test automation that integrates all the testing in a single platform and enables the user to understand the automation easily.
To use this tool, there is no need to write hefty codes; hence, it ensures the warranty of high-scale execution. This tool encompasses the features such as easy integration with the tools like DevOps, open APIs, etc.
Avo Assure
It is a no-code test automation solution, enabling the tester to test the end-to-end processes of the business. The features of this tool include integration with other tools like Jira, enabling the test across the web, ERP applications, desktops, and much more.
Opkey
It is an AI-powered test automation tool that helps streamline regression testing in software testing. Opkey is the only platform that supports 14+ enterprise applications and 150+ packaged applications. Powerful AI capabilities of Opkey help reduce the efforts and costs and minimize time constraints. Opeky enables the no-code test creation that transforms manual test cases into automated test cases easily and quickly.
Moreover, it provides end-to-end testing that ensures that all ERP integrations and customizations occur as expected after every application change, release, and update.
