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Writer's pictureSerena Gray

What is Regression Testing? Examples and Techniques

Regression testing is an essential element of the development of software. If a program has been modified or altered to meet new requirements and codes software developers can utilize regression testing to make sure that the changes to the program will not alter its existing capabilities and features. In addition, regression testing permits developers to continually enhance their existing software applications and products. This article will look at the purpose of regression testing important, the value of regression testing, and how to conduct it, and the right time to experiment called a regression test.


What is the purpose of regression testing?


Regression testing is one type of test conducted on software that has recently gone through changes to the program or code to make sure that the program and its functions are not affected by the code changes. Regression testing can be conducted as a full or partial collection of previously completed test scenarios (the collection of previously tested and modified applications). The test cases that have been previously completed usually are executed multiple times to ensure that all functions and features of the software are functioning properly.

In addition, regression testing is utilized to make sure that any new code added to a program is not affecting the functionality and features that are already in place and to seamlessly introduce new codes without altering or removing the previous programming inside the program.


Regression testing is crucial.


Regression testing is utilized for a variety of software programs, it can be a vital tool for software development since it permits developers to examine issues or problems that might arise from the introduction of new programming code to existing applications or programs. Regression testing could also be an important procedure because of the following other reasons:

  • Assesses the effectiveness of new programming codes.

  • Make sure that any new code doesn't interfere with existing features of coding.

  • Make sure there aren't any defects or bugs that may arise after installing software updates.

  • It allows for retesting existing software following application modifications.

Assesses the effectiveness of new programming codes


Regression testing is a vital instrument to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating new codes in an existing program or application. This is because regression testing is utilized to test software programs before implementing new codes and is then used to test the software to ensure that the program continues to work functions even after new coding is added.


Make sure that any new code doesn't interfere with existing features of coding


Regression testing is also crucial to ensure that any new programs or upgrades to software do not interfere with the features currently being implemented by earlier software. Software developers usually conduct regression testing every time they make an update to an application or program to test the effectiveness of new features as well as to ensure that the new features don't alter the current features of the application.


Make sure there aren't any defects or bugs following the installation of software updates


Developers can also utilize regression testing during quality assurance reviews to test whether there are any negative side results within the software. For instance, a game developer may employ regression testing to determine any bugs, problems or glitches following the introduction of an entirely new gaming program into an application. If there are any bugs or problems within the program, the creator could go back and make necessary adjustments before testing the program again to make sure that the issue is fixed.


This allows retesting of existing software following application changes


Regression testing is also vital in providing additional test runs to verify the validity of modifications made to programs. Retesting every case following changes or updates to software allows developers to evaluate how changes made to the program affect the software.

In the case of example If a software designer tests a program before the initialization of new code and finds that the newly added features are unable to work with existing features, The developer could consider testing each when they make an adjustment or repair to an update. Retesting could allow the program developer to pinpoint what is causing the problem and then reconfigure the program to run at its best.


Regression tests can be performed


The process of testing regression involves choosing test cases, determining the proper tools required to conduct the regression test, and then initiating the management of configurations for each test scenario. The following info outlines the stages of regression testing:

  • Choose the test cases.

  • Use regression testing tools to determine the cause.

  • Conduct tests for regression and management of configurations.

Test cases that you can select


If you are conducting an analysis of regression the first step the software developer usually does is to select the appropriate tests for an analysis of regression on. In selecting a test scenario one can search for areas within an application or program which are susceptible to frequent failures or frequently undergo updates or code modifications. Other cases of testing could comprise components of a program that have been designed specifically for interaction with users.


Find regression testing tools


After selecting the test cases for regression testing the developers can then choose which tools to employ to carry out the procedure. In accordance with the particular project, the most common regression testing tools could be:


  • Testing tools for Functionality: Functional regression testing tools let developers test specific elements of software to identify defects or mistakes and produce a report that can help in the future development.


  • Test tools for API: API, or interfaces for applications testing lets developers specify input criteria in order to ensure the output of the software is consistent with requirements.


  • Unit Testing Tools: Unit tests for regression permit developers to test particular code elements inside the software application to ensure optimal quality and performance of every program that is integrated into the program.


Conduct tests for regression and configure management


Developers can also configure the configuration management system to shield programming code from interruption during the regression test. Configuration management permits developers to create a database for test cases that are separated from changes to code and changes to programs during regression testing , preventing the interruption or loss of tests. Developers can also use configuration management as a method to ensure the best functionality of software programs when it is in testing.


When is it appropriate to employ regression testing?


Regression testing is used in many different applications. From the introduction of new codes to programs or fixing bugs in software flaws the regression testing method can be utilized to:

  • Making modifications to software code and the requirements.

  • Introduce new features to the program.

  • Fixing and analyzing program flaws.

  • Fixing and analyzing performance issues.

Making changes to software code as well as the requirements


Regression testing can be carried out when developers make modifications or changes to software code or other specifications for programs. Regression testing, as in this instance allows developers to assess the effectiveness of the changes and assess how the changes to code affect the functions of their programs.


New features are added to the program


When software developers add new features to their existing applications they may use regression testing to be certain that the new features do not overriding the existing features.


Fixing and analyzing program flaws


Regression testing is also used to identify and analyze flaws in software programs and applications. Regression testing can help programmers find the areas of the code where the issue is, so that they can develop solutions to correct the issue. After that, they can test software applications to ensure that the problem is addressed.


Fixing and analyzing issues with performance


Another scenario where regression testing is a possibility occurs when developers of software evaluate the performance of a program following program modifications or changes. Regression testing allows programmers to ensure that software programs maintain their optimal performance capabilities.


The difference between regression testing and re-testing testing


The main distinction between re-testing and tests for regression is in the re-testing process, a application's capabilities, ineffective elements or software errors are tested repeatedly to ensure that the issue is fixed. When the problems are fixed and the test is completed, the scenario is concluded. Regression testing is generally only done after software codes are changed or when new codes are added. Regression testing makes sure that any modifications to the language of coding don't affect any other component of the software.


The challenges of regression testing


A variety of issues could also be encountered when starting regression tests. Based on the type of test it may be difficult to start regression testing each whenever a change is made to a software and still stay within the project's budget and scope. Furthermore, continual regression testing could mean the creation of large test suites , which require more resources to complete in time.

Each time a test is conducted there is a database (called"test suite") is created "test suite") is constructed to hold all the data that is related to the test case. Continuous regression testing may involve making large volumes of data, which could create test suites that are larger. Based on the budget and scope, this aspect may pose a challenge to regression testing the entire test suite.

The frequency at which to conduct regression testing may be an issue. In particular, software developers could opt to conduct regression testing whenever software updates are made or after fixing defects or errors. Similar to how creating large test suites could need additional resources, regular regression testing could also need additional resources.


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