What Is Regression Testing and How Should You Do It?

Testing is an out-and-out way for an error-free software. It is a method of validating and formalizing the software under test and finding bugs, if present. In other words, it is a process to analyze whether or not the product meets expectations. Hence, testing becomes an integral part of quality assurance.

There are numerous ways of testing a software and regression testing is of them.

What Is Regression Testing?

In simple words, it is just a repetition of tests. It is a type of test which fortifies the workability of the software by a regenerative process after it is interfaced with other software. In regression testing, you ensure that your developed products work well even after making changes like modification in the software, enhancements, finding bugs, and optimization.

Is Regression Testing the Same as UAT?

No! User Acceptance Testing, or UAT, is not the same as regression testing. UAT is a traditional waterfall concept which follows a sequential design process, basically in a top-to-bottom approach. Here, the complete software is developed as a package after numerous tests and finally handed over to the user.

Regression testing falls in an agile environment where both the user and the developers are active participants. In regression testing, retests are done on modifications to the software to make sure any new changes that have been introduced do not interrupt the activity of previously working software.

Who Does Regression Testing?

The question is, who can perform this regression testing? It is basically done by code testing specialists who have knowledge of the programming language used and can detect and fix any bug in the program under test.

Challenges

Testing and retesting sounds very simple, but there are a few points to keep in mind while performing regression testing:

• Requirement challenges: In the agile environment of regression testing, the first challenge encountered is the customer requirement.

• Tool selection: For the efficient and quality performance of agile, is it necessary is select the right tool for testing; traditional testing tools won’t do.

• Communication: Communication is a challenge. It is necessary for the entire team to be collaborative so that they make the required changes effectively and achieve the target on time.

• Time-consuming: All agile products should undergo continuous improvement. Hence, it becomes time-consuming to test the existing applications again and again.

• Complexity: With every modification, the product gets more complicated and testing becomes tedious.

The Need for Regression Testing

Why is regression testing done, after all? Whenever you develop new software, you need to check it again and again to verify its performance. Further, it is mandatory to test your application whenever any new feature is added for performance free of defects.

How to Perform Regression Testing

There are few simple steps you should follow to carry out regression testing:

• Identify the need: Once the software is developed, it must be continuously modified according to the critical needs of the client.

• Set requirements and standards: Since regression is based on an agile environment, a client can send their own requirements called "customer relevant functionalities," which should be prioritized.

• Determine the starting point: In an agile environment, you should know where start for an easy and efficient test.

• Determine the stopping point: Similar to the start point, the stop point should be predetermined.

Merits of Regression Testing

The benefits of this testing method include

• Regression testing can be done using automation tools.

• It makes sure that bugs, once debugged, are gone for good.

• It helps improve the quality of the product for a high QA check.

Let’s flip the coin and look at its disadvantages, too:

• The application needs to be tested each time new changes are made to the product and it becomes tedious to test the entire application again and again.