Best Practices for Selecting and Prioritizing Test Cases for Regression Testing
Tags: regression, testing
Published: 2023-09-20 10:25:26

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The software development lifecycle must include regression testing to guarantee that previously developed functionality is preserved after fresh modifications or updates. Regression testing in software testing must be done thoroughly as software changes to find any defects or unintended consequences that may have been added. Given the time and budget constraints, adopting efficient methods for choosing and ranking test cases for regression testing is essential. We’ll look at some best practices in this article to assist you in streamlining the regression testing procedure.

**Understanding the Application**: It’s crucial to thoroughly understand the application’s functionality before choosing test cases for regression testing. Examine the user flows, requirements, and system architecture to determine the crucial elements most likely to be impacted by changes. You can focus your attention during regression testing on the test cases that are most pertinent to this information.

**Determine High-Risk Areas**: Only some components of an application are equally important. Determine high-risk locations that are more likely to undergo modifications or introduce problems. Complex modules, regularly updated programs, or components that rely on external systems may all fall under this category. To ensure thorough testing, give priority test cases that cover these high-risk areas.

**Prioritize test cases**: Test cases should be prioritized according to their significance and impact on the system. When ranking test cases for regression testing according to importance, take into account the following:

- Prioritize test cases covering essential features, functionality, and commonly used workflows. Any regression flaws in these areas can affect user experience significantly.

- Priority should be given to test cases executed frequently or cover frequently used features. These regions are critical to test throughout regression cycles since changes there are more likely to impact a broader user base.

- Test cases that failed during routine testing or previous regression cycles should be given priority for retesting. These errors could be signs of ongoing problems or possible regression flaws.

- Prioritizing test cases that cover features that rely on other modules or systems is essential. Regression testing must ensure these dependencies are compatible because their changes may cascade.

**Maintain a Test Case Repository**: Create a comprehensive test case repository with a varied collection of test cases covering various application areas. This repository has to be well-maintained, searchable, and updated frequently. A centralized repository guarantees that test cases are easily accessible for selection and prevent redundant work.

**Use automation**: Executing many test cases simultaneously can make regression testing time-consuming. Enterprise test automation solutions like Opkey can drastically speed up the process by automatically running test cases. Automated regression testing provides feedback more quickly, covers more ground, and lowers the possibility of human error—Automate stable and routine test cases so that manual work is concentrated on complex and exploratory circumstances.

**Collaboration with Stakeholders**: Include stakeholders in the regression testing procedure, including developers, business analysts, and end users. Working together allows for a better understanding of the effects of modifications and the identification of crucial test cases. Their suggestions assist in prioritizing test cases wisely and guarantee thorough coverage through automation.

**Conclusion**

The program’s functionality, risk areas, and essential components must be carefully considered while choosing and ranking test cases for regression testing. You can streamline the regression testing procedure and guarantee the stability and dependability of your software by comprehending the system, identifying high-risk areas, prioritizing test cases, keeping a test case repository, utilizing automation, monitoring coverage, and working with stakeholders.