Regression Testing Fundamentals – All You Need To Know
Published: 2024-01-30 04:25:08

[Regression testing](https://www.headspin.io/blog/regression-testing-a-complete-guide) is software testing that verifies an app’s continued performance, irrespective of the number of updates, upgrades, or code changes.

Developers run regression tests when they add a new modification to the code. Since it is in charge of ensuring the app’s functionality and stability, regression tests ensure the app is sustainable despite changes. 

This test is essential because when developers perform code changes, it can cause a ripple effect and introduce malfunctions, dependencies, or flaws in the code. Regression tests ensure that previously tested code is unaffected by these changes.

Regression tests are typically the final step of the SDLC. They check the product’s behavior, verify its functionality, and help improve time to market.

## Differences Between Re-testing and Regression Testing

To those new to automation, regression testing and re-testing can be confusing. Although these tests sound similar, they are very different from each other.

Re-testing involves repeating a test for a particular purpose. Testers can re-test the app and repair the source code if they find a fault. Sometimes test cases can fail in their execution. In such cases, testers will need to re-test or repeat the test.

Regression testing, however, involves verifying updates or changes to the code to find out if these changes introduced flaws in existing functions.

Organizations usually perform re-testing before regression tests. While re-testing mainly ensures that failed test cases work well, regression testing examines the ones that succeed and ensures they don’t introduce any new flaws. Another significant distinction is that, unlike regression testing, re-testing involves error verifications.

Automation plays a significant role in regression testing, allowing testers to focus on interpreting test case results.

**Regression Testing in Agile**

Agile development strategies can help teams achieve benefits like increased ROI, product improvements, customer support, and improved time-to-market. Yet, the challenge is to avoid conflicts with balancing iterative testing and sprint development.

Agile regression testing implementation is critical in synchronizing existing and upgraded capabilities, preventing future rework. Agile regression testing guarantees that business functions are reliable and sustainable.

Regression testing through agile methodologies prevents future rework by helping to synchronize upgraded and existing app capabilities. 

Agile methodologies help ensure stable and functional business functions and improve regression testing. Developers will have more time to focus on developing new functionalities for their apps rather than constantly fixing existing problems. Additionally, regression testing through agile helps testers identify unexpected issues helping them respond quicker and more efficiently.

## Why is regression testing necessary?
Automated regression testing helps improve time to market by improving feedback time. The quicker product teams receive feedback, the faster they can identify flaws. Early identification of faults can help save organizations a lot of money and time.

The fact that a small iteration can have a cascading effect on the app’s significant functionalities is alarming. Hence, developers cannot ignore regression tests to ensure seamless app performance.

Functional tests are undoubtedly beneficial; however, while they do a great job examining the app’s new features, they do not check their compatibility with existing features.

Adding regression testing to the mix is crucial as it can help testers perform a root cause analysis, serving as a filter to ensure improvements in product quality. Without regression testing, this process would be highly time-consuming and challenging. 

## When is it beneficial to perform Regression testing?
You will find it beneficial to perform regression testing in the following scenarios:

- Regression tests are essential when the product you’re developing is in repeated need of new features. 
- When testing product enhancements and minimizing manual testing labor.
- For areas where you want to reduce manual testing efforts and enhance your product testing capabilities. 
- Regression tests can help you validate customer defect reports.
- When your product is due for an upgrade in performance, regression tests can help you.

**How to Conduct Regression Testing**

While strategies for regression testing differ from organization to organization, here are some fundamental steps you must take:

**Detect Changes in the Source Code**

It is essential to detect optimizations and changes to the source code. This check helps you track the components that were changed and understand the impacts these changes have had on existing features.

**Prioritize Changes and Product Requirements**

After identifying the modifications, prioritize them to help streamline the testing process. Ensure you assign appropriate test cases to help fix the issues.

**Determine Entry/Exit Criteria**

Before executing the regression test, ensure your application meets the required eligibility criteria. Also, determine an exit point.

**Schedule The Test**

Once you identify all test components, execute the regression test. 

## Conclusion
Regression testing helps improve user experience and product quality. Choosing the right regression intelligence tool can help detect surface and deep-rooted flaws early in the pipeline. Regression testing can make things easier for manual testers. 

Furthermore, using agile methodologies in regression testing ensures technical and business advantages. However, to ensure you meet all your regression test requirements, it’s essential to start planning early and have a comprehensive strategy ready.

[HeadSpin](https://www.headspin.io/enterprise) offers AI-based testing insights that significantly improve the quality of your regression tests. The AI provides actionable insights that can help you solve problems quickly and improve your time to market.

Original source: https://complextime.com/regression-testing-fundamentals-all-you-need-to-know/