Importance of Regression Testing in Software Development

A growing number of software development teams today favor agile software development over other development strategies.

There’s no requirement to introduce Agile, but let’s return to it anyway! We know that the agile development methodology is adaptive in nature.

It concentrates on creating a product based on empirical feedback associated with frequent testing by breaking down the product development means into shorter development cycles or sprints.

Supports All Programming Languages

Similar to influential operating systems and web browsers, Selenium also helps a large number of programming languages like Java, C#, Python, and Ruby.

The feature makes the tool effective in testing all kinds of web application despite the programming language used by code writers.

Further, the features make it simple for enterprises to adopt test-driven development approach. Under this approach, automated test cases are written before coding starts.

So the programmers have the option to use a programming language of their decision to complete the coding fast.

In agile development, testing requires to grow geometrically with each sprint and testers require to make sure that the new changes executed do not affect the other parts of the application and existing functionalities – we know this kind of testing as Regression Testing services and this has a very important place in the agile development scenario.

Easy to Maintain and Reuse Tests

Most of the enterprises use test automation tools to reuse and change test cases without any trouble. Selenium improves the reusability of testing cases.

Along with running the same test script repeatedly, the tools further make the scripts reusable for many projects.

At the same time, the aspects also help users in secure their overall testing procedure and test cases without incurring any additional cost. They also have the option to implement test metrics to strengthen the decision-making process.

Saves Both Time and Cost

A number of reports have highlighted how Selenium is efficient in cutting down Regression Testing services time by 92%. Along with decreasing regression testing time essentially, an industry can further use Selenium to shorten release cycles and reduce test cycles.

Further, the open source nature of the test automation tools supports an industry to avoid the expensive frameworks and tools available in the market.

The reduction in development time and testing costs along with enhanced product quality will get higher ROI over a longer period of time.

Regression testing can adopt the following approaches:

Delayed Sprint Approach: In this approach, the regression cycle is normal and regression test cases that were applied for the second sprint include the functionality stories that were a part of the first sprint.

Delayed Week Approach: In this approach, the sprint level regression test is not restricted to a timeline and can spill over into the next week. For example, if the sprint level regression test that is assumed to be performed in Week 2 is not completed, then it can scatter over to Week 3.

This approach works well at the start of the testing cycles as the testing team at that time is still in the procedure of obtaining an implicit understanding of the functionalities and the probable defects.

Instead of parking the flaws/bugs and addressing them at a later date, continuous testing lifts the burden of backlogs that build up during end-to-end regression tests.

The Traditional Testing Approach: In this approach, each and every sprint cycle is followed by sprint level regression test. Post a few successful sprint cycles, the application goes through one round of end-to-end regression testing.

This method permits the team to concentrate on the functional validity of the application and gives testers the adaptability to decide on the degree of automation they want to implement.

Time by 92%. Along with decreasing regression testing time essentially, an industry can further use Selenium to shorten release cycles and reduce test cycles.

Further, the open source nature of the test automation tools supports an industry to avoid the expensive frameworks and tools available in the market.

The reduction in development time and testing costs along with enhanced product quality will get higher ROI over a longer period of time.

I work as a Senior Testing Specialist at TestingXperts. I handled day-to-day operations for all aspects of software testing. With over 7 yrs of professional experience I know how to build strong connection.