Master Regression Testing: Examples, Techniques, Actionable Tips
Tags: regression, testing, testgrid
Published: 2024-03-08 11:11:21

Are you searching for regression testing? Well, your search ends here.

In this article, we have covered everything from what and why to use cases, their types, real-life use of such testing, and best practices in detail!

So keep reading to get all your questions answers
	

## What Is Regression Testing?

Due to updates or in the process of fixing bugs or adding new features, sometimes the software gets new errors or bugs.
 With regression testing, you can check all those codes that could be impacted due to new features or changes to ensure no new bugs are introduced in the tested code.

It ensures that the new changes or features have not spoiled or introduced bugs in the functional code.

This test is significant as it will add some features in your software that will provide convenience to your users, but due to those features, if bugs are introduced which are eroding the main functionality of your software, it will hamper the image and growth of your software.

## Why Do We Need Such Testing?

If you search on Google the meaning of ‘Regression’, it means returning to a former or less developed state, sharing some, due to updating or adding a new feature, your application got in a bad state.

Like you might have also experienced after adding a new feature, some old features stop working correctly or software gets slow or some other issues, all these are due to bugs in the previous codes. So proper testing ensures that we can identify these bugs, or they can cause huge trouble.

## Real-Life Example To Understand Regression Testing

Suppose you made one chatting application; you would have tested this application through a regression test and other testings. In that case, Suppose and solve lots of bugs before sending the final copy to the client. 

Now the client asked you to add some more features, so now you need to add new code for that features & then test the new code along with running this test for old codes to ensure that the old codes are not back. This is what regression testing is.

## Types Of Regression Testing

**Unit Regression Testing**
Focus on unit code while blocking all other interactions and dependencies outside the unit, narrowing down the testing making it less complex.
**Partial Regression Testing**
Test bugs after adding new code to ensure that the software does not stop working. It ensures that code modifications do not affect the function and work as desired.
**Full or Complete Regression:** 
Full or Complete testing is frequently performed when code changes for modification or software updates seep back into the roots. It is also done if there are numerous changes to the existing code. 
It provides a comprehensive perspective of the system and eliminates any unexpected issues. for a long period. 

Techniques or Methods of Regression Testing

**Retest All** 

As the name implies, this regression testing technique entails recycling all test cases as well as evaluating all possible parts of the product or software regardless of whether a new modification is implemented in the software or not.

This method is time taking and tedious. This testing method s highly expensive because we have to test all elements of the product and all of the tests in the existing test.
When you modify only a small part of the program or product you should not perform retest-all.

**Selective Regression Testing**

We use this technique to assess the effects of new code in the software on the already existing code. We leverage a portion of the current experiments to reduce the retesting work and selective testing costs.

A test case is re-executed with this technique whenever a new modification is introduced in any module or portion of the software or application, such as factors, capabilities, and so on. The condition between the experiment and the elements covered by the program is quite challenging to define in selective regression testing.

**Progressive Regression testing**

We may use this technique when we introduce any new modifications in the software specification and write new test cases to run the appropriate tests.
 
Advanced regression testing works extremely successfully when specific changes are included in the software’s specification and when new test cases are designed.
In this technique, we take a portion of the existing test cases and utilize them, saving the cost and work necessary to design all of the new test cases.

## Complete Regression Testing
 

This has already been covered in the section on the different methods of regression testing.

When we introduce several changes into the software, thorough it comes into use more frequently, and also when the changes we make in the software affect the root or core of the product.
This is advantageous since it aids in the identification of previously undetected problems. After we complete the testing, we then send the final software or product to end consumers.

**Hybrid**

The hybrid method combines Regression Test Selection and Test Case Prioritisation. Instead of selecting the whole test suite, choose only the re-executed test cases based on their priority.

**Test Case Prioritisation**

Test cases with high priority are conducted first, followed by those with a medium or low focus. 
We can determine the importance of a test case by its criticality and impact on the product and the overall functionality of the product that is in use.

**Sprint Level Regression**

Sprint Level Regression is performed mainly for new features or additions implemented in the most recent sprint. The test cases in the test suite are chosen based on the newly introduced functionality or enhancements.

**End-to-End Regression**

End-to-End Regression covers all test cases that must be re-executed to test the entire product from beginning to end, encompassing all of the product’s fundamental functionalities.

Agile uses short sprints, and as the process progresses, it becomes increasingly important to automate the test suite. We must rerun the test cases in a short period of time. Automating test cases decreases execution time and bug slippage.

## Regression Testing Best Practises

**Automated Regression tests** 

Each system code build must undergo regression testing. However, automated regression tests can make the entire process much easier and more efficient, freeing QA testers to focus on the more sophisticated case-specific tests.

We can enable it by the code control system each time a build generates once they get automated. 
This ensures that we don’t change anything that reverses or corrects a previous feature. The following are the most typical categories that, in 99.99 percent of cases, demand automation:
We can quickly introduce the automated regression tests overnight or manually, freeing up precious resources. The primary benefit of automated regression tests is that manual testers may use the extra time to focus on exploratory tests of new features and assure a better UX.

**Run Full Regression only when required** 

It is not necessary to run the entire regression suite on every build. In the case of a minor release, it is prudent to run or execute only the smoke tests and regression testing for any modules that have changed. 
To keep things easy, organize the test cases in regression testing according to the module of the AUT covered by each test. For example, suppose the release includes a change to the payment choices accepted by an online store. 
In that case, it is best to do regression testing for the payment procedure but skip regression testing for other features such as locating items and adding them to the basket.
Read also: [5 Things To Keep In Mind While Doing Regression Testing](https://testgrid.io/blog/regression-testing-things-keep-in-mind-while-doing/)

## Automated Regression Testing Tools

**Avo Assure**

Avo Assure is a no-code, technology-agnostic test automation solution that allows you to test end-to-end business processes with a few mouse clicks. This simplifies and accelerates regression testing.

- We can generate test cases automatically using a no-code technique.
- With a single solution, you; if can test across the web, desktop, mobile, ERP apps, mainframes, related emulators, and more.
- Make accessibility testing possible.
- Intelligent Scheduling allows you to test cases in a single VM independently or parallel.
- Integrate with Jira, Jenkins, ALM, QTest, Salesforce, Sauce Labs, TFS, and more applications.
- You can define test plans and design test cases using the Mindmaps functionality.

**Eggplant**

- Eggplant’s AI-powered test automation accelerates it by prioritizing test cases and reducing test upkeep.
- Features
- Eggplant can test the most critical aspects of each release thanks to AI-driven test execution.
- Reusing testing models and scripts allows you to test numerous versions with a single set of assets.
- Self-healing functional tests alleviate the load of test maintenance.
- Recognise and concentrate on problematic areas of your application that jeopardise your release.
- You can find bugs that you would have missed otherwise through automated exploratory testing.,; if
- Reduce the time required to test essential application functionality following changes.

**Selenium**

- Selenium is a lightweight open-source browser management tool that supports all popular operating systems and browsers. It supports PHP, Ruby, C++, Java, JS, Perl, Python, and C# languages. Selenium integrates with various frameworks like Maven, Ant, and others to streamline automated testing.
- Features
- There is no need for server installation.
- Command classification based on classes;
- Selenium Remote Control; 
- WebDriver API support

## How To Get The Best Of Regression Testing?

The best way is to get the automation testing software like TestGrid.io, which you can use multiple times on multiple software and their updates. Also, you will be able to keep proper track of automation software.

Make sure that you implement this testing framework at the very beginning of your project, which will save your cost, time, and energy in the future.
Keep a proper testing schedule, make sure that the project you test the project at every critical stage or after every update, ask your team to work on testing as it is a crucial step in the software development process.

## Conclusion

Regression testing is a vital process, and you should make sure that you follow it from the very start of application development.
It is a great framework that saves a lot more time and checking, and updates or adding new features is an ongoing process and never going to end.
With software like TestGrid.io, you can automate your testing. As we said, it is a very intensive task and time-consuming. Its requirement is endless, so hiring a team does not make sense and provides the best ROI. 
This blog is originally published at [Testgrid](https://testgrid.io/blog/regression-testing-complete-guide/)