The Role of Automated Regression Testing in Software Development
Tags: automated, regression, testing
Published: 2023-12-21 11:31:10

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/m7nr387ojk7x0euotjv2.jpg)
Developing software is an endeavor that encompasses multiple stages, including coding, testing, and deployment. One crucial element of maintaining software quality is automated regression testing. In this article, we will delve into the concept of regression testing and its importance in the software development life cycle and explore why automation plays a role in its execution.

**Understanding Regression Testing**

Regression testing is a quality assurance practice employed in software development to confirm that recent code changes haven’t adversely affected the existing functionalities of an application.

Retesting the software or specific modules is necessary to identify any unintended consequences that may arise from code alterations, bug fixes, or the implementation of new features. The goal is to guarantee the integration of the new code changes with the existing codebase while avoiding introducing additional defects.

Regression testing ensures unforeseen bugs do not infiltrate the software during its development. It offers an approach to preserving the dependability and consistency of the software application as time passes.

**The Need for Regression Testing**

**Code Changes are Inevitable**: Software is rarely developed in a single iteration. As developers continually add features, fix bugs, and optimize code, the potential for introducing unintended issues increases. Regression testing mitigates this risk by identifying problems early in the development process.

**Complex Interactions**: Software applications are composed of interconnected components. Changes made in one part of the code can have ripple effects across other parts. Regression testing helps in uncovering unexpected interactions and dependencies.

**Quality Assurance**: End-users have high expectations for software quality. Regression testing ensures the software maintains its quality standards and user experience, even after numerous changes.

**Time and Cost Efficiency**: Detecting and resolving software issues at the stages of development proves to be more economical than addressing them at a later stage or after the deployment process. Regression testing reduces the chances of post-release defects, which can be expensive.

**Why Automate Regression Testing**?

Regression testing is crucial. Performing it manually can consume much time, be prone to errors, and require significant resources. This is where test automation comes in handy.

**Speed and Efficiency**: Automated regression tests can be executed faster than manual tests. Automated tests run 24/7, allowing quicker feedback on code changes and accelerating the development cycle.

**Consistency**: Automated tests perform the same actions repeatedly and consistently, eliminating the human factor that could introduce inconsistencies in manual testing.

**Coverage**: Automated tests can cover a wide range of scenarios, ensuring that different functionalities and use cases are thoroughly tested, which might be impractical with manual testing.

**Reusability**: Once created, automated test scripts can be reused for subsequent releases, saving time and effort in the long run.

**Regression Test Suites**: Automation tools allow the creation of comprehensive regression test suites that can be run as often as needed, catching regressions early and preventing their propagation.

**Early Bug Detection**: Automated tests catch bugs early in the development process, making it easier and cheaper to fix them.

**Conclusion**

Regression testing is critical to maintaining software quality and ensuring that code changes do not introduce new defects. With the help of a testing automation platform, automation has become indispensable for effective regression testing. Opkey’s AI-powered test automation platform offers an innovative solution to regression testing challenges.

By combining cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features, Opkey empowers technical and non-technical users to streamline their testing processes. The no-code test creation capability simplifies the transition from manual to automated testing, while the extensive repository of pre-built test accelerators ensures comprehensive regression test coverage from the outset. The platform’s change impact analysis report provides critical insights into the potential effects of ERP updates on business operations, aiding in the efficient prioritization of regression test cases.

Also, Opkey’s self-healing script technology revolutionizes test maintenance, significantly reducing efforts and accelerating development and testing timelines. Through its comprehensive approach to end-to-end testing, Opkey guarantees the reliable performance of ERP integrations and customizations, ultimately leading to cost savings, efficiency gains, and faster software releases.