Regression testing is one of the testing techniques, which is widely used in the testing process of software. It involves regression testing where new changes like enhancements for an application or bug fixes are tested for their impact on previous functionalities. Regression testing demands time, effort and expertise in planning and execution so as to ensure that thorough regression testing is achieved. Here are five points if one has to get professional like in the regression testing.
-
Choose an optimal regression testing approach
Selecting the most appropriate testing approach for their requirements is central to regression testing. Some of the common approaches are where all the tests are run again as a whole, where only the affected areas are tested, and risk-driven testing which involves testing of crucial functionalities and test automation scripts. Choose which approach is good for you depending on the availability of QA people, time required to test, the complexity of the application, and the company’s tolerance for risk. The first step involves a proper attachment to an appropriate regression testing strategy.
-
Prioritize and plan for the test cases
Since regression testing requires limited time and limited resources, it is impossible to run all the regression test cases. Come up with strategies that allow you to reduce the cycle time of your test suites and pay attention to what matters. Remove tests that are unnecessary and no longer needed in your testing process. Organize other remaining tests based on the criticality and priority in the next regression cycle. Highlight more effective test case coverage through efficient test case optimization and test harness.
-
Leverage test automation
Scheduler based regression testing reduces the number of time-consuming manual checks allowing QAs to focus on more valuable Exploratory testing. Look for cracks and seams to automate the regression testing of core application functionality and interfaces. Software such as Testsigma can be used for the automation of tests. In other words, adopting test automation should be gradual, where one begins with a small scope and adds more as the process evolves after several cycles. Automated regression testing is possible only through the usage of intelligent automation.
-
Perform tests in a setting that is supervised
For regression tests to be more effective, they should be run in a well-setup test environment that is similar to the live environment. When data is realistic and reflects daily working scenarios, tests are more reliable. Ensure that the test environment is different from the development code to allow for constant evaluations of the tests. It is recommended to invest in the maintenance and preparation of the test environment to achieve precise test results. This is because setting up test sets fully resembles the operations conditions in terms of the results returned.
-
Analyse results for insights
Regression test results should be checked and reviewed before any changes will have to be made. Many different performance and quality trends will be present in logs, reports, and metrics. Identify the root causes for new defects which are introduced and promptly repair them. Integrated Dev and Ops teams should share feedback loops that can be used to enhance the system further. Regression testing may not be effective without a properly designed method of test analytics to inform accurate decisions.
Conclusion
To apply regression testing like a testing professional, understand what is regression testing, always ensure to follow the following tips on test planning, optimization, automation, and environment readiness and metric analysis. It is also equally important to ensure that testing practices are done now and, in the future, based on the current and future risk that applications pose. Regressing is an ongoing process, so continue to sharpen your regression testing skills as systems or processes change.