The growing importance of Regression Testing

Regression testing plays a pivotal role in software testing simply because whenever there are changes or updates being done to the code or new features are being added up, then regression testing needs to be performed. This testing method ensures that the software product or application is bug-free and has no issues or defects in it. This testing method makes sure that the software product or application that is built is reliable and stable. In this article, you will get to know about the importance of performing regression testing.

What is regression testing? It is a testing method that makes sure that new changes or updates done to the code do not alter or modify the existing functionalities of the software application. Regression testing is iteratively applied whenever the software is being revised. Here revision refers to time variation of the evolving system.

The importance of regression testing: This testing method is considered to be a key maintenance activity, wherein a test suite is run repeatedly whenever the program’s execution environment and/or program under test changes. When a regression test suite is performed whenever a new feature has been introduced, a tester can be certain that the modification in the program does not alter the existing functionalities of the software product or application. If the organization is spending huge amounts on software development, conducting regression testing is considered to be a strategic move. Those test cases are taken into consideration that needs to be re-executed so that the behavior of the test can be verified that has been modified.

The right context to perform regression testing: Regression testing is carried out at different phases and different levels (module level, system level, component level) of the software development process. There are some organizations that carry out regression testing at the earlier stages of the software development, and there are some organizations that carry out regression testing at the later stages of the software development. There are even some organizations that perform regression testing throughout the software development process. When regression testing is carried out at the earlier stages, then defects can be detected and fixed. Regression testing can be carried out at every point of software integration and maybe on certain specific timeframes. Some of the effective strategies for regression test selection are full retest of the critical safety units, ad-hoc selection and a combination of dynamic and static selection. A project may include manual or automated regression testing depending upon the project scope and other parameters.

Following are the four key points that depict the importance of regression testing:

01 03

02

A bug-free performance is ensured

Performance issues are detected and fixed

Adding a new feature will not affect the application

04

The specific parts of the application that are at a higher risk are defined

1. A bug-free performance is ensured: When a new feature is introduced, chances are it may impact the entire system Regression testing is performed by testers to make sure that the system or application’s performance is not affected, despite modifying or updating the code. This will also ensure that if there are any new bugs that have been detected, then they will be fixed at the earliest. 2. Adding a new feature will not affect the application: Developers know that the implementation of regression testing will align new functionalities with the old ones. 3. Performance issues are detected and fixed: Even if no major code changes have taken place, it’s considered to be a wise move to run a regression test, so that at least a performance defect can be identified. The original test suite can be retested, which in turn saves time for the developers as they do not have to write new cases. 4. The specific parts of the application that are at a higher risk are defined: Through the platform of regression testing, developers will get to know which parts of the application or system are vulnerable to changes.

CONCLUSION If you are looking forward to implementing regression testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a top-notch software testing services company that will provide you with effective testing solutions and strategic advice that is in line with your project specific requirements.

To know more about our services please email us at

info@testingxperts.com

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