Regression testing is essential to software testing processes and verifies that changes made to an application do not adversely impact the existing functionalities. It is done to ensure that the software application remains stable and reliable after any modifications. This article will discuss various regression testing techniques and tools that can help carry out effective regression testing.

Regression Testing Techniques

Retest All

Retest all is a technique where all the previously failed test cases are executed again after the changes are made to the application. This technique is useful when only minor changes are made, and the previously failed test cases can still be relevant. Retesting all aims to ensure that the defects identified in the previous build have been fixed.

Selective Regression Testing

Selective regression testing is a technique where a subset of test cases is selected based on the impact analysis of the changes made to the application. Selective regression testing aims to reduce the time and effort required for regression testing while ensuring that the changes do not affect the existing functionality.

Full Regression Testing

Full regression testing is a technique where all the test cases are executed after every change made to the application. Full regression testing aims to ensure that the application remains stable and reliable after any modification.

Progression Testing

Progression testing is a technique where a new set of test cases is created to ensure that the new features or changes do not break any existing functionalities. This technique is useful when significant changes are made to the application, and the existing test cases may not be sufficient to cover the new functionalities.

Regression Testing Tools

Selenium

Selenium is an open-source automated regression testing tool widely used for web application automation testing. Selenium supports various programming languages, making it easy for developers to write tests in their preferred language. Selenium can also be used for regression testing, as it can execute test cases repeatedly, ensuring that the application remains stable after any changes.

HeadSpin

More than a tool, HeadSpin is a software testing platform that can help you immensely with regression testing. Firstly, HeadSpin lets you connect to real devices, guaranteeing test accuracy. Second, AI testing enables AI-driven insights into every test, helping you build a comprehensive app. Reach out!

JMeter

JMeter is a testing tool that developers use for performance testing. However, it can also be used for regression testing by creating test scripts that can be executed repeatedly. JMeter supports protocols such as HTTP, FTP, and JDBC, making testing web applications and databases easy.

TestComplete

TestComplete is a commercial tool widely used for functional desktop, web, and mobile application testing. It supports various programming languages such as VBScript, JavaScript, and Python, making writing test scripts in a developer's preferred language easy. TestComplete can also be used for regression testing, as it can execute test cases repeatedly, ensuring that the application remains stable after any changes.

Appium

Developers use Appium for mobile automation testing. It supports various platforms, making testing mobile applications on different devices easy. Appium can also be used for regression testing, as it can execute test cases repeatedly, ensuring that the application remains stable after any changes.

Regression Testing Factors

Apart from the above-mentioned regression testing techniques and tools, several other factors must be considered to conduct effective regression testing. Some of these factors are:

Test Environment

The test environment plays a crucial role in carrying out effective regression testing. You must ensure that your test environment and production environment are similar. This similarity will ensure accurate and reliable test results.

Test Data

Ensure the test data you use for your regression testing is comprehensive and covers all scenarios. The data should be relevant and up-to-date to ensure accurate test results.

Test Management

Test management helps improve regression testing. Test cases should be adequately documented, and their results should be tracked to ensure all defects have been fixed.

Test Automation

Test automation can reduce the effort and time for testing. Automation tools can execute test cases repeatedly, ensuring the application remains stable after any changes.

Changes made to the application, and testers should give feedback about the test results to ensure that the application remains stable and reliable after any modification.

Conclusion

Regression testing is an essential part of the software testing process that ensures that changes made to an application do not adversely impact the existing functionality. Retest all, selective regression testing, full regression testing, and progression testing are some of the widely used regression testing techniques. Selenium, JMeter, TestComplete, and Appium are widely used regression testing tools that can help conduct effective regression testing.

However, the selection of the regression testing technique and tool depends on the changes made to the application and the testing requirements. Apart from these techniques and tools, other factors such as test environment, test data, test management, test automation, and collaboration are also essential for effective regression testing. By considering these factors, software developers and testers can ensure that the application remains stable and reliable after any modification, thereby improving the overall quality of the software application.