Understand Regression Testing
Tags: regression, testing
Published: 2023-06-06 08:16:50

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The dynamics of the software world are changing rapidly. Continuing changes and improvements have become critical for the successful delivery of the software. Whenever any changes or modifications are made by the developer, there are chances that unexpected consequences may occur. Therefore, it becomes crucial to ensure that there are no significant impacts on the intended output of the software.

Automated regression testing tools are one of the best ways to check whether the software works properly even after frequent changes. It also helps ensure that current changes do not break the existing functionality. Regression testing can be carried out manually or by automating a set of particular scripts for the test.

**Automated regression testing – types**

Various types of automated regression testing tools are used to ensure that the application is still working as intended. Depending on the change and update in an application or software, there are seven distinct types of regression testing. 

**Corrective regression testing**. It is one of the popular types of regression testing. When specifications are not changed, and the test case can be used again in testing, this testing comes into the picture. This testing requires less time to detect bugs or faults.

**Progressive regression testing**. This testing is mainly done when the development of new test cases takes place. Whenever the modifications or specifications change and new test cases are created, this type of regression testing is used.

**Selective regression testing**. This testing is done by selecting just specific parts of the software to check whether the new code impacts the existing one. The primary purpose of this testing is to detect the dependencies among the various test cases.

**Partial regression testing**. Whenever changes occur in the source code, partial regression testing is done to check whether the application works as intended.

**Unit regression testing**. It is performed on certain pieces of code in order to find out the dependencies among the code.
Complete regression testing. It is performed when the final software deployment occurs just before the release to the target audiences. 

**When to perform regression testing**?

Regression testing can be carried out at any phase of development. However, there are some standard times when the regression validation is done with the help of automated regression testing tools.

**Addition of new functionality or feature**. When a new functionality or feature is added to an application, it can bring changes to the current application and hence leads to changes in output. New features added may also alter the customisation and personalisation.

**Modifications in an existing application**. Changes like adding a new field or minor workflow accustoming can bring about the need to use automated regression testing tools.

**Integration with another application**. When the application or software is integrated with a third party, then code changes take place, and it may disrupt the existing functionalities.

**Software update**. Software like ERP requires continuous regression validation because it releases newer updates frequently. Regular updates may alter the functionality.

**Performance issues**. It is not necessary that regression testing tools can only be used when there is a change or any update takes place. Sometimes performance issues also occur that create problems in the standard workflow.
Well-known regression testing tools

**Opkey**: It is an enterprise-grade test automation solution. Opkey test automation tool smoothens the process of testing in software development.

**Subject** 7: It is a cloud-based, “ real codeless” automation testing solution that combines all testing platforms in a single platform. It also permits technical and non-technical users to run robust test flows.

**Testimony**: It is one of the automated regression testing tools that is built specifically for SAP software. It minimizes the need for test data management and ends the test script creation, reaffirming the SAP regression testing.

**Appsurify**: It is mainly used when the QA engineers and developers need to fasten up the cycle times, discover errors earlier, and test frequently. This tool minimizes the regression test completion time and maximizes the coverage of the test.

**Selenium**: It is considered to be the apex automated regression testing tool. Selenium comprises cross-environment, OS, and support of browsers. Moreover, it is congruent with many programming languages and other testing frameworks.

**testRigor**: It is specifically used for test maintenance, and it is well-suited when there is a need to create robust automation coverage. 

**Watir**: It makes use of the Ruby programming language and is a lightweight and easy-to-use tool. It is meant to test web apps.

**Why choose Opkey**?

Opkey encompasses the AI-Powered test automation platform that helps clients reduce the efforts, costs, and timelines of regression testing. Opkey is the trouble-free packaged application testing tool in the market. Moreover, Opkey’s automated regression testing tools reconsider automation testing for software like ERP and Salesforce.