To address these concerns,regression testing becomes an essential process in software development.It helps to ensure that modification made to the codebase so it won’t interrupt those functions which were working fine before.By focusing on retesting the already validated parts of the application, regression testing helps in identifying and fixing problems early on, ensuring the application remains stable.

In this blog, will mainly focus what is regression testing,why it is important in QA Software Testing,which methods are used to do it effectively and some real life examples that will help us to find its significance in software testing.In the end of discussion i make sure that u will find out that how regression testing act as a safeguard for your application and ensures a seamless user experience despite frequent updates.

What is Regression testing?

Regression testing in software testing is way to check software that if the recent updation and modification in software has caused any issue or interruption in those features which were working fine before.The main purpose or goal of this testing is to ensure the stability and reliability after the updations and enhancements It helps to find the issue or interruption beforehand so that they can be fixed early without affecting user experience and application’s reliability.

Why is Regression Testing Important?

Software applications are constantly updated to meet users demand and his satisfaction but if these changes address any bug/virus or any type of other issue then they lead to significant problems like it may affect user’s satisfaction or may cause damage to brand reputation or financial loss etc. If these problems remain undetected then they cause significant problems for both users and owners of applications. This is the moment where regression testing plays an important role in preventing these issue.

Advantages of Regression Testing:

Ensures Consistency: It makes sure that no feature of an application which was functioning correctly is rendered nonfunctional after an update.

Increases Trust: It guarantees to the developers as well as stakeholders that the application works as intended and aids usability during operations.

Economic: It Spot Bugs or issues that needs to be fixed in the early stages of the software development lifecycle, thereby saving up the cost of fixing such bugs at the later stage.

Improves Quality Of The Product: It eliminates problems that may cause interruptions that are likely to reduce the usability of the software application.

Safeguards the Companies Honour: Prevents serious damage points occurring in the operational environment that would be bad for the company’s reputation.

It helps to avoid the problem where the application is stable but the changes are not suitable for the application by promoting alteration of the application.

Regression Testing Categories

Context and the test method used can be utilized to classify the various types of regression testing. Every test is categorized for a specific purpose, context, and, of course, a method.Conservative Regression Testing: Allows relatively small changes to a system, but never to its functionality. This ensures that all the existing test cases remain valid.Retest-All Regression Testing: Regression testing is done in a way that the entire application is tested again and again so as to make sure no functionalities are lost. This approach is exhaustive, but it is hype on the time and resources.Selective Regression Testing: This Regression testing is done for some sections of the code which are modified. This saves time and resources by only testing those sections which are assumed to be modified.Progressive Regression Testing: Perform regression testing when scope of an application or software is increased by introduction of new features. It verifies if the changes made are compatible with the existing application or software.Complete Regression Testing: In this case complete validation for all the software system is done and its assurance of reliability is confirmed as well, just before the major releases.

What are the Steps Involved in Regression Testing?

All the steps involved in the regression testing process are:

1. Identify Test Cases:At first,test cases are identified which will be executed by prioritizing those test cases with high defect rates or critical functionalities
2. Update Test Cases: Modify or add test cases to reflect changes in the application.
3. Automate Testing: Use automation tools to execute regression tests efficiently, especially for large or complex projects.
4. Analyze Results: Review test results to identify and resolve any issues.

Repeat as Necessary: Continuously perform regression testing as new changes are introduced.