Overview
Regression testing forms an integral part in the software development cycle. It is important to ensure that the software developed does not contain any bugs. When a new feature or change is made to an application, it can cause the system to act in a different way, which could lead to faulty behavior. This is where regression tests come into play.
This guide will explain regression testing meaning, and its importance for software testing. It will also explain how it works using very simple terms and language.
Regression Testing Definition
Regression testing is primarily used to ensure that changes made recently in a software program do not break existing features. To put it simply, you should “test again” in order to ensure that any updates or fixes did not break things.
Imagine you are creating a website, and you want to add a login function. The checkout process could suddenly stop working once you add this feature. Regression testing catches problems like these before your users do.
What is Regression Testing?
Regression testing is based on a few simple steps:
- What needs to be tested? This step defines which parts of software need to be tested once the update has been made. This may include both areas directly affected by an update and features that are connected to it.
- Choose or Create Testcases: Testcases are collections of conditions which tell testers what they should test and the results that can be expected. Some companies store test cases created in previous tests while others must create new ones.
- Tests can be run manually or automatically by testers using tools such as Selenium, TestComplete or JUnit.
The team will debug and fix any issues that are found. They run the tests once more to make sure everything is working perfectly.
Why is Regression Testing Important?
- Prevents new bugs: Each time you modify code, there is a possibility that something else will break. These issues are caught early by regression testing.
- A Smooth User Experience is Guaranteed: Users expect that apps and websites will work smoothly. Regression testing allows developers to maintain reliability.
- Savings in Time and Money. It is cheaper to fix errors during development than after the product has been launched. A website or application that fails can seriously damage a company’s image.
When should Regression Testing be Done?
Regression testing does not happen once. Regression testing is performed whenever:
- Code change
- The bug is fixed
- The software now includes a new feature
Software is regularly tested to ensure it doesn’t become unstable.
Best Practices for Regression Testing
Keep in mind these guidelines to maximize your benefits:
- Prioritize Key Features: Test first the most important features.
- Automated tools: This saves you time, particularly on repetitive tests.
- Update test cases based on recent software changes. To keep the test cases up to date with the latest changes in the software
- Regular testing is important: the more tests you perform, the greater your chances of finding bugs early.
The conclusion of the article is:
Anyone who works in software development should understand what regression testing is and how it functions. If they test updates and fixes frequently, it helps developers to ensure that their ap
plications are stable, functional, and friendly for users.
What is regression testing, then? It’s basically a safety net in software development. It helps to catch problems early, and provides the best possible experience for your website or app. Regression testing allows developers to confidently release updates knowing that their work will not disrupt existing functionality.
