Regression testing is a part of software testing that ensures whether an application or website functions the same as expected even after any code changes or improvements. This type of testing ensures the overall stability and functionality of the already existing features. Regression testing is leveraged to guarantee that the system stays alright under continuous changes and improvements.
Moving on, we can’t overlook the fact that the need to deliver quality at speed is surging. Moreover, the increase in the rise of agile has made many industries shift from manual testing to automation. It even holds the same for regression testing. As software systems change or grow, eventually, the number of test cases and regression suites will also increase. This way, it will reach a point where it’s no longer workable to manage the regression test cases manually. Pertaining to its repetitive nature, regression testing is definitely a good candidate for test automation.
It really holds a good number of benefits. Let’s discuss some of them:
- Catering to the companies with regular updates on requirements, manual regression testing would be very hectic as it would occupy the maximum of the testing team. However, with automation, there would be no workforce needed to run continuous test iterations.
- Leveraging automation can offer more reliability. A quality assurance manager, in this case, can ensure tests across all system components are conducted with the same level of focus.
- With the help of automated regression testing services, QA managers can allocate responsibilities to team members efficiently. Moreover, there’s no human intervention needed in automated sessions as testing can go 24/7. This way, other personnel of the team can work on more complex tasks which are of higher priority.
- Automated testing also allows the QA team to run more tests and subsequently assess the system more deeply. As a result, the coverage is increased as compared to the coverage provided by manual testers.
Common Mistakes In Automated Regression Testing
Now, if automation can solve all certain problems, then the question arises why don’t organizations adopt automated regression testing by default. This is because sometimes, even the experts can commit some mistakes. Let’s discuss some of them.
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Not utilizing the validation
One of the common mistakes that can lead to lots of problems is using test scripts without any validation. The quality assurance and software testing teams must be fully aware of setting up as many checkpoints as possible so as to ensure that script validation is carried out a greater number of times.
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Overlooking the validation
Sometimes the testing teams fail to realize that non-visible projects also require validation for successful testing. If they restrict validation to the only visible components, it will make the system more prone to errors.
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Utilizing record and playback for scripts
Many testers usually depend on records and back for creating test scripts. But it’s wiser to use record features for generating just the skeleton of the script. However, the fact is that effective automation testing requires you to customize the generated script.
- Using inappropriate test cases
Sometimes test engineers commit a mistake while preparing test cases which can create huge trouble as the faulty test cases won’t present an application flow and its functions.
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Not understanding the value of regression testing
Regression testing doesn’t provide immediate value, this is why the management asks certain questions like why testing is happening for the same features that were built months or years ago. Testing teams often try to justify the time spent on regression testing, and this is the reason they end up neglecting something which is of importance.
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Not clarifying the goals
Many organizations do not clearly define what goals they actually set up. They fail to define the metrics behind those goals. One should not overlook the fact of how the regression testing is done and what impact it’s going to have on the stability and quality of the software.
How To Undo The Mistakes Made While Automating Regression Testing?
Considering the mistakes that can be made during automated regression testing, there are several steps that can help to undo these mistakes. Most importantly, the companies should adopt best practices for automated regression testing for easy and efficient delivery of projects.
Let’s have a look at the best practices for automated regression testing
- In the case of regression testing, it is highly important to keep validations that show the process has been completed. Using the older entry Might require you to validate knowing that data was saved successfully into the database.
- For any testing and specifically talking about regression testing creating a testing schedule and maintaining it as closely as possible can help in minimizing the errors during testing. Further, this way, the QA team would be fully updated with each progression, and subsequently, they will help in tackling the load of the repetitive procedure.
- Sometimes, creating a failing test plan is beneficial so as to ensure that current test scripts are not producing false or faulty positive results. In this case, the QA team should write negative tests for new glitches.
- Trying to categorize tests for a better and systematic approach can act as a catalyst in improving the testing. When we say categorizing, it implies the selection of tests to automate first. Once you are done with that, you should prioritize the functions that are most important and frequently used.
- Conducting a critical functionality coverage test can help in keeping things in check and eliminating the need to run a complete regression test unless it’s very necessary.
- When the team is unaware of the value that regression testing holds, the best thing is to educate and make them aware. One should tell the teams about the importance of the early discovery of bugs and other regressions from one version to the next.
- Integrating testing goals and metrics can help in ensuring ROI for business and ultimately lead to the reduction of production defects
Conclusion
With the changing demand of users and the current market landscape, which is shifting towards agile, automating regression testing has become a choice! While automating it, the organizations can get immediate feedback, save resources, and enable scalability and 24/7 testing with less human intervention.
Perhaps, there are many mistakes that even the QA experts can commit. In this case, following the proper measures of automated regression testing can let you have a proper testing procedure which would further increase the business ROI.
