A Detailed Guide to Automated Regression Testing

This Automated Regression Testing Tutorial covers features, types, tools and the process of Automating Regression Tests.

OVERVIEW

In this fast-paced world of technology and advanced software development, software testing has become crucial for maintaining the dependability and quality of software systems. Regression testing plays a pivotal role in preserving software stability and preventing the reintroduction of flaws. Various testing methods, like functional testing, performance testing, and security testing, are used to evaluate software functioning.

In this blog, we will discuss one of the testing techniques called regression testing. Regression testing plays a crucial role in the software development life cycle (SDLC) as it aims to ensure that any recent modifications or enhancements to the software do not negatively affect the existing functionalities. We will delve into the complexities of regression testing and automation testing and recommended practices for applying regression testing efficiently to ensure software stability and uncover its significance in maintaining the reliability and stability of software applications.

Understanding Regression Testing

Regression testing is an essential part of the software testing life cycle (STLC) that ensures that recent modifications or upgrades to a software code did not create new problems or cause previously working functionality to fail.

It is the process of retesting software applications or systems to ensure that changes or updates to the software code do not create new flaws or cause current code functionality to break accidentally. It involves carrying out a predetermined collection of test cases that target the sections of the code most likely to be affected by the modifications.

Why do we need Regression Testing?

Regression testing holds significant importance in software development as it plays an upper hand against the conventional ways of testing. It depends on various factors:

  • As software progresses and incorporates new features or improvements, there is a possibility of unintentionally introducing bugs or problems in previously functional parts of the software. Regression testing plays a vital role in detecting and addressing such regressions, thereby safeguarding the integrity of existing functionalities.
  • Regression testing plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall quality and dependability of the software. Through regular regression tests, organizations can identify and resolve issues at an early stage, preventing them from escalating into major problems. This approach aids in reducing the risk of software failures, improving customer satisfaction, and safeguarding the reputation of both the software and the organization responsible for it.
  • Traditional testing methods frequently focus on verifying the behavior of new functionality or changes without taking into account the impact on current functionalities. This needs to be improved to maintain the software's stability and integrity. Regression testing, on the other hand, specifically addresses this concern by verifying that recent changes do not introduce regressions.
  • Conventional testing approaches may need to be more efficient and effective in identifying regression issues. Manual testing, for instance, can be a time-consuming process and susceptible to human errors, which hinders the thorough examination of all software aspects. In contrast, regression testing takes advantage of automated tools and techniques, enabling more exhaustive and repeatable testing.

Regression Testing Steps

Regression testing in software testing typically involves the following steps:

  • Test Suite Selection: Choose which test cases from the existing test suite should be run during regression testing. These test cases should cover the software's core capabilities and impacted regions.
  • Test Case Prioritization: Determine the value of the selected test cases and their potential effect on the software code. This enables efficient resource allocation and guarantees that high-priority test cases are performed first.
  • Test Environment Setup: Set up a test environment that closely resembles the production environment to replicate real-world conditions.
  • Test Execution: Execute the selected test cases in the test environment. This can be done manually or with the help of automated testing tools. The emphasis is on ensuring that recent software modifications or upgrades have not created new defects or caused regressions in existing functions.
  • Also, explore our comprehensive guide on test execution engines, gaining insights into their functionalities to elevate your testing workflow with automation

  • Defect Reporting: If any defects or regressions are discovered during regression testing, it is essential to document them in a defect tracking system, providing comprehensive details, including steps for reproduction, expected behavior, and actual behavior.
  • Defect Verification: Once the identified issues have been addressed, it is essential to conduct retesting to verify that the defects have been rectified and the software is performing as intended.
  • Regression Test Maintenance: As the software progresses and undergoes modifications, it is essential to update the regression test suite accordingly. This guarantees that subsequent regression testing encompasses the most recent functionalities and areas affected by the changes.

It's important to remember that regression testing may be done at many levels, such as unit, integration, and system, depending on the complexity of the software and the project's unique requirements. By allowing the execution of test cases, the comparison of expected and actual outcomes, and the generating of reports, automated testing tools may considerably speed up the regression testing process.

Types of Regression Testing

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There are several types of regression testing, including:

  • Unit Regression Testing: This involves testing individual units of code to ensure that changes made in one unit do not cause any adverse effects on other units.
  • Partial Regression Testing: In this approach, a subset of test cases is selected from the existing test suite to be executed, focusing only on the areas of the software that are likely to be affected by recent changes.
  • Full Regression Testing: This type involves executing the entire test suite, covering all test cases to ensure that the changes made to the software have not introduced any regressions or issues.
  • Progressive Regression Testing: It is performed incrementally, where new test cases are added to the existing test suite to cover the modified or newly added features.
  • Selective Regression Testing: Here, test cases are selected strategically based on the impact analysis of changes, prioritizing the critical areas that are likely to be affected.
  • Retest-All Regression Testing: In this type, all the test cases that have previously failed are re-executed to confirm whether the fixes have resolved the issues.

Regression Testing vs Retesting: Key Differences

Testers and developers often need clarification on retesting and regression testing, two distinct software testing techniques. To address this, we'll begin by clarifying the concepts of both techniques and then proceed to discuss their fundamental differences. It will help testers and developers understand when and how to apply each approach effectively in their testing processes.

Regression Testing

Regression testing is a software testing approach that re-runs functional and non-functional tests to confirm that a software code continues to perform as intended following any code changes, updates, revisions, enhancements, or optimizations.

Functional testing is concerned with testing a software application's functional requirements, which includes testing specific functions or features of the software to ensure they perform as expected and achieve the anticipated results. On the other hand, non-functional testing tests a software application's non-functional features, such as performance, scalability, usability, etc. To gain a deeper understanding of functional and non-functional testing, we recommend checking out our guides on functional testing and non-functional testing.

Retesting

Retesting involves running a test that had previously failed on updated software to confirm whether the issue has been resolved. Once a bug/issue is resolved, retesting is conducted to examine the situation using the same environmental conditions and determine if the problem has been rectified.

Regression Testing Retesting
Regression testing is a software testing process that aims to verify that any recent modifications to the code have not caused any adverse effects on the existing functionalities. Retesting is performed to ensure that any test cases that previously failed have now been resolved.
In regression testing, the existing bugs are not verified. Existing bugs are verified to analyze the failed test cases.
It is done for passed test cases. It is done only for failed test cases.
Regression Testing takes more time because it often explores large parts of the application to uncover bugs. Retesting takes significantly less time because just one issue is investigated.
Regression testing is standard practice and is always included in the testing process. It is best practice to undertake regression testing whenever the application's code is changed. Retesting only comes into play as part of the testing process if a defect is discovered and repaired. Therefore, retesting is an optional aspect of the testing process.

Can we perform Regression Testing manually?

Yes, we can perform regression tests manually. Manual regression testing is running a series of designated test cases to confirm that recent modifications or upgrades have not negatively impacted the software's current functions.

Manual regression testing is performed by testers that maintain test scripts or test cases covering the product's crucial functionality and regions. They run the test cases repeatedly, report the findings, and compare them to the expected results. Any deviations or regressions are tracked down and documented.

How complex can it get?

Manual regression testing is feasible but time-consuming and labor-intensive, particularly for vast and complex software systems. To conduct exhaustive testing, cautious preparation, crucial test case coverage, and trained testers are required. As the software system matures, the number of test cases rises, and the frequency of modifications grows, manual regression testing may become increasingly difficult.

Some of the elements that might add to the difficulty of manual regression testing are as follows:

  • Size and Complexity of Software: The size of regression testing increases exponentially as the software system grows larger and more advanced, demanding a significant number of test cases. Handling and doing manual regression testing for such a large number of test cases may be difficult and time-consuming.
  • Test Case Coverage: To ensure comprehensive regression testing, a wide range of test cases needs to be covered; therefore, an experienced testing team is maintained for this purpose. This includes testing various scenarios, inputs, and combinations. Creating, organizing, and executing a large number of test cases manually can be complex.
  • Time and Resource Constraints: Manual regression testing involves experienced testers who commit time and effort to carry out the test cases. Limited resource availability and timing restrictions complicate the testing process.
  • Test Data Management: Regression testing requires relevant and representative test data. Manually managing and preparing the necessary test data can be complex, especially if the data is large or complex.
  • Repetitive Testing: Manual regression testing involves repeatedly executing the same test cases to ensure the stability of the software. This repetition can be monotonous and increase the chances of human error.

To overcome these difficulties, numerous organizations opt to automate regression testing by employing dedicated tools and frameworks. Automation enables quicker and more effective execution of test cases, expands test coverage, and minimizes the likelihood of human errors. Automated regression testing proves especially advantageous in situations demanding frequent regression tests or when the software experiences regular updates and releases.

Note

Note : Perform your Automated Regression Testing on cloud!

What is Automated Regression Testing?

Automated Regression Testing is a testing practice that involves re-running functional and non-functional tests to ensure that previously developed and tested software still performs as expected after changes (like modifications, patches, or configuration changes) are made. The key word here is "automated". Instead of manually executing the tests every time there's a change, automated tools are used to run the tests, which saves a significant amount of time and effort.

Automated testing involves the building of scripts or the use of test automation tools to automate the execution of test cases. It helps in drafting a detailed report by analyzing the test cases and hence, compares the actual results with predicted outcomes.

Why do we need Automated Regression Testing?

There are several challenges an organization has to face during manual regression testing. These challenges are:

  • Time-Consuming: Manual regression testing takes an immense amount of time and effort to perform a huge number of test cases repeatedly. It takes time for testers to follow step-by-step instructions and manually check expected outcomes.
  • Resource-Intensive: Manual regression testing usually requires a professional team of testers doing repeated activities, which may exhaust resources, particularly in big and complicated software systems.
  • Human Error & Limited Test Coverage: Human mistakes can occur during manual regression testing, resulting in erroneous test results and the failure to discover key vulnerabilities, putting software stability at risk. Due to time and resource restrictions, manual regression testing may concentrate on a subset of test cases, resulting in unstable software.
  • Repetitive Nature: Manual regression testing is continually running the same test cases, which may be tedious for testers. Repetition can weaken concentration and raise the overlooking of disregarding key concerns.
  • Scalability and Maintainability: Maintaining and updating test cases and test documentation manually becomes difficult as the product matures and new features are added. As the number of test cases grows, the process becomes less scalable, making it difficult to react to changing needs.

How does Automated Regression Testing ensure system stability?

Automation regression testing addresses these challenges by providing the following benefits:

  • Improved Efficiency and Time Optimization: Automation enables the quick execution of many test cases, minimizing overall testing time and effort. Testers may devote more time to higher-value tasks like analyzing data and detecting critical concerns.
  • Consistency and Accuracy: Automation ensures that the test cases are executed consistently and accurately, reducing human error and variability. The specified test scripts ensure that the same processes are performed correctly each time, increasing the dependability of test findings.
  • Enhanced Test Coverage: Automation regression testing expands test coverage by running more test cases and confirming more features. It guarantees that essential portions of the software are extensively tested, lowering the likelihood of undetected regressions.
  • Continuous Integration and Deployment: Automation integrates easily into the CI/CD pipeline, thereby providing faster feedback and enabling rapid identification and resolution of regressions. It contributes to the stability of the development process and facilitates frequent releases.
  • Reusability and Maintainability: Automated test scripts can be efficiently reused and maintained. Rather than rewriting test cases from scratch, software updates are carried out by simply updating the scripts, making regression testing more scalable and manageable.

Features of Automated Regression Testing

Automated regression testing offers several unique features that distinguish it from other testing approaches. These features include:

  • Test generation powered by AI technology: Algorithms can design test cases automatically by utilizing machine learning, natural language processing, and pattern recognition. It constructs models of software behavior, generates test data, and applies mutation-based techniques. To produce relevant and diverse test cases, these algorithms analyze the application under test, its specifications, and the available input data.
  • Intelligent Execution: In automated regression testing, intelligent test execution relies on algorithms to prioritize key test cases, dynamically assign resources, and optimize testing time and resource utilization. This method improves the efficiency and efficacy of regression testing while maintaining the system’s stability. It prioritizes testing in high-risk regions, optimizes resource allocation, changes testing duration based on input, increases code coverage, and adapts based on continuous learning.
  • Regression Test Suites: Automated regression testing allows the creation of comprehensive test suites that cover critical functionalities and user workflows. These test suites can be executed as a whole or in smaller subsets, providing flexibility in testing different parts of the software based on the specific needs of each regression testing cycle.
  • Continuous Integration: Automated regression testing smoothly integrates with continuous integration (CI) practices, allowing regression tests to be executed frequently as part of the CI pipeline. This automation enables teams to detect issues early on in the development cycle, ensuring that the software remains stable and functional throughout the entire development process.
  • Cross-Browser and Cross-Platform Testing: Automated regression testing simplifies testing the software's compatibility on various browsers, operating systems, and devices. This ability ensures that the software functions accurately and consistently across a diverse range of user environments, leading to an improved user experience overall.

How to Automate Regression Tests?

Automating regression tests includes the following essential steps:

  • Identifying Test Cases: Determine which test cases should be automated. Consider stable test cases having a high likelihood of regression, cover crucial edge cases, and provide a broad test range.
  • Framework Configuration: Select an automation testing framework compatible with your application code and technological stack. Import the necessary tools, libraries, and dependencies to enable successful test automation.
  • Test Script Generation: Generate test scripts using the automation framework of your choice (e.g., Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, etc.). Scripts should be written to imitate user interactions, input data, and desired results. Create these scripts using programming languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, etc., or test automation tools.
  • Test Data Preparation: Collect the necessary test data or datasets for usage during test execution. This might include producing artificial data, establishing test data files, or extracting data from existing sources.
  • Environmental Configuration: Configure the test environment so that it is as near to the desired production environment as feasible. Install and set up the software, databases, servers, and dependencies required for the test application.
  • Test Execution and Reporting: Run the automated regression tests using the test scripts you developed. Monitor the progress of the test execution and record the test results, including pass/fail status, error messages, and any other relevant information. Produce comprehensive reports for analysis and tracking.
  • Test Updation: Review and update automated test scripts regularly to cope with the modifications to the software code or its environment. Maintain the test scripts by fixing any errors, introducing new test cases, and improving current tests in response to changing needs.
  • CI/CD Pipeline Integration: Integrate the automated regression tests into the continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline. To guarantee extensive regression testing as part of the software development process, automatically trigger the automated tests whenever there are code changes or new releases.
  • Continuous Improvement: Evaluate the efficacy of the automated regression tests regularly and look for opportunities for improvement. To improve efficiency and accuracy, incorporate feedback, analyze the data, increase test coverage, and optimize the test suite.

Choosing Appropriate Test Cases for Automated Regression Testing

Testers often encounter challenges with regression testing, emerging from factors such as limited time and budget, a growing number of regression test cases as new features are added, the need to balance test case minimization and maximum coverage, and determining the optimal frequency of regression tests. Choosing suitable test cases for regression testing presents its own set of difficulties.

Below are several valuable suggestions for test case selection in regression testing:

  • Include all test cases that assure the software's essential features/functionalities. A traceability matrix may be used to guarantee that all criteria have been thoroughly evaluated.
  • Include test cases that are more prone to mistakes with even minor code changes. A regression test suite may cover these test cases throughout the development process.
  • Include the test cases for the functionality that has recently changed.
  • All challenging test cases should be included in the regression test suite.
  • Include all integration test cases in the regression test suite, as last-minute updates might cause significant issues such as module integrity breaking, message non-passing, and data loss across the interface.

Strategies for performing optimized Automated Regression Testing

Here are some recommended practices you should follow. These practices will strengthen our tests and yield long-term benefits:

  • Updating Test Cases: Regression tests should be updated regularly to guarantee that the test suite has the most recent and updated tests included in the application.
  • Categorizing Tests: It is important to categorize the regression tests based on the application's behavior. This is because if a test fails, you will know which group it belongs to. Categorizing the test cases would aid in fast analyzing that specific section of the product and providing relevant details to the Development Team.
  • Re-Run Successful Test Cases: In an agile environment, it is necessary to re-run even successful test cases to ensure that the software performs effectively.
  • Analyzing Test Reports: Even if the regression tests are run daily, you must set aside time to carefully analyze the findings and prepare a detailed report containing the results for each test case.
  • Test Maintenance and Version Control: Manage your automated regression test suite regularly to keep up with changing application needs. Use a version control system to handle test scripts and track changes over time properly.
...

Tools and Frameworks Available for Automated Regression Testing

Many automated regression testing tools and frameworks assist in the generation of test scripts, their execution, scheduling utilizing CI/CD technologies, and the preparation of test execution results. These technologies also accelerate script execution through parallelism, improving overall efficiency.

Some of the most popular and extensively used tools are:

  • LambdaTest: LambdaTest is a cloud-based cross browser testing tool. It provides a scalable infrastructure, supports many test automation frameworks, and connects with widely used tools. LambdaTest incorporates screenshots and video recordings, as well as collaborative and responsive testing options. It is extensively used in the DevOps context for complete cross browser compatibility testing.
  • Selenium: Selenium is an open-source web application testing automation framework composed of components such as WebDriver, IDE, and Grid. WebDriver provides interaction with web browsers, IDE allows for recording and playback, and Grid allows for concurrent test execution. Selenium supports a wide range of programming languages and has an active community for help and updates. It is commonly used for automating browser interactions and increasing the productivity of web testing.
  • Appium: Appium is an open-source mobile application testing automation framework. It offers native, hybrid, and web app testing and automation across platforms. Appium interacts nicely with testing frameworks and device farms because it supports many development languages. Its vibrant community assures compatibility while providing rich documentation and assistance for mobile testers.
  • REST Assured: REST Assured is a free and open-source software widely used for testing RESTful APIs. It consists of an API that is easy to use, provides response validation, and connects with testing frameworks. REST Assured is extendable and well-supported by the community. It makes API testing easier and more maintainable.
  • TestNG: It is an open-source test automation framework based on Java. It includes a considerable range of test categories like unit, functional, end-to-end, integration, and so on.
  • Jenkins: Jenkins is an open-source automation server that supports CI/CD pipelines and enables the scheduling and triggering of regression tests. It offers extensive plugin support and generates reports and notifications for test results. Jenkins offers workflow management, integration with various tools, and monitoring capabilities. DevOps communities use it frequently due to its active community providing support and updates.

Common mistakes while performing Automated Regression Testing

While running automated regression tests, there are common mistakes that testers should be aware of and avoid. Some of these mistakes include:

  • Lack of Test Data: Failure to provide sufficient and diverse test data might result in restricted test coverage and the inability to detect possible errors in various circumstances.
  • Lack of Test Environment Control: Inconsistent test results can be caused by irregularities in the test environment, such as different setups or dependencies. For accurate and reliable testing, it is essential to maintain a regulated and consistent test environment.
  • Neglecting Test Maintenance: Automated regression tests require continuous updating to stay up with code modifications. Please maintain tests to avoid obsolete or ineffective testing, resulting in false positives or negatives.
  • Lack of Test Result Analysis: It is not enough to simply run automated regression tests; it is also necessary to analyze test results. Defects can go unnoticed, or the product's stability is to be understood if test findings are appropriately interpreted.
  • Ignoring Test Failure Analysis: When a test fails, rather than just recording it as a failure, it is critical to identify the underlying cause. Ignoring test failure analysis might result in unsolved issues and a lack of trust in the test findings.

To avoid these mistakes, testers should focus on strict test data preparation, maintaining a controlled test environment, routinely updating and maintaining tests, analyzing test failures, optimizing test execution time, efficiently prioritizing tests, and meticulously analyzing test findings.

Practical applications of Automated Regression Testing

Automated regression testing has been successfully applied in numerous industries and organizations, resulting in improved efficiency, reliability, and time-to-market. Here are a few practical case studies and applications showcasing its effectiveness:

  • E-commerce Industry: To verify the stability and functioning of their website across several browsers, devices, and operating systems, an e-commerce store used automated regression testing for a smooth UI experience for all types of users and their devices. This lowered the amount of time and effort necessary for regression testing, allowing for faster releases and a better user experience.
  • Banking and Finance Sector: To check crucial financial computations, transaction processing, and regulatory compliance, a financial institution uses automated regression testing. They have accomplished quicker and more accurate validation by automating their regression testing, lowering the risk of financial mistakes, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
  • Software Product Development: A software development company integrated automated regression testing into their CI/CD pipeline. This allowed them to receive prompt feedback on code changes, detect regressions at an early stage, and enhance the overall quality of their software.
  • Healthcare Industry: A healthcare organization utilized automated regression testing to verify the compatibility and interoperability of their healthcare systems. This ensured smooth data exchange, compliance with industry standards, and adherence to patient privacy regulations.
  • Mobile App Testing: A mobile app development company utilized automated regression testing to validate the functionality and performance of their mobile applications on various devices and platforms. This enabled them to swiftly identify and resolve issues, leading to enhanced user satisfaction and higher app store ratings.

By employing automated regression testing in these practical applications, organizations may enhance software quality, shorten development cycles, and decrease risks associated with software modifications and upgrades.

Running Automated Regression Testing on Cloud

Automated regression testing on the cloud refers to the practice of using cloud platforms to execute automated tests that ensure the stability and functionality of software applications after modifications or updates. Cloud platforms integrate seamlessly with popular continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), allowing automated regression tests to be triggered automatically as part of the software development process.

Automated regression testing on the cloud is increasingly necessary due to the numerous advantages it offers. Firstly, the cloud offers scalability, allowing organizations to easily allocate resources for running tests in parallel or concurrently. Secondly, Geographical flexibility is another advantage of performing automated regression tests on the cloud. It enables teams to collaborate seamlessly, regardless of their physical location. Additionally, the cloud offers on-demand availability, allowing teams to quickly provision and configure testing environments as needed. These benefits improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regression testing, enabling organizations to deliver high-quality software in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

Now, we will learn about how to run Automated Regression Testing on the Cloud.

To run cloud-based automated regression testing using LambdaTest and Selenium, follow these steps:

  • Setting up a LambdaTest account: Sign up for a LambdaTest account and obtain the necessary access credentials, such as the username and access key.Sign up for a LambdaTest account and obtain the necessary access credentials, such as the username and access key.
  • up for a LambdaTestlearn about how to run AutomatedSelenium WebDriver and relevant
  • Configuring Selenium: Install the Selenium WebDriver and relevant dependencies in your development environment. It allows you to interact with browsers and automate tests.
  • Incorporating Environment Variable

    Incorporating Environment Variable in Selenium automation scripts.

    Java

    • For JUnit & TestNG:
    •  lambdatestUserName = System.getenv("LT_USERNAME");

       lambdatestAccessKey = System.getenv("LT_ACCESS_KEY");

    Python

    • For PyTest & unittest:
    •  lambdatest_username = os.environ["LT_USERNAME"]
      

       lambdatest_access_key = os.environ["LT_ACCESS_KEY"]

    NodeJS

    • For Mocha-Chai & Jasmine-Chai:
    •   let username = process.env.LT_USERNAME,
      

           accessKey = process.env.LT_ACCESS_KEY,
      

    • For Protractor-Jasmine:
    •   exports.config = {
          lambdatestUser: process.env.LT_USERNAME,
           lambdatestKey: process.env.LT_ACCESS_KEY,}
      

    Ruby

    • For RSpec:
    •   username: ENV['LT_USERNAME'],
      

        accessKey: ENV['LT_ACCESS_KEY']
      

    C#

    • For NUnit:

    • var lambdatestUserName = 
      Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("LT_USERNAME
      EnvironmentVariableTarget.User);
      

      var lambdatestAccessKey =
      Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("LT_ACCESS_KEY",   
      EnvironmentVariableTarget.User);                                                 
      

    PHP

    • For Behat:
    •   $user = getenv('LT_USERNAME')
      

        $accesskey = getenv('LT_ACCESS_KEY')
      

  • Creating regression tests: Using your preferred programming language, create test scripts using the Selenium WebDriver API. These scripts will define the steps and assertions for your regression tests.
  • Integrating LambdaTest with Selenium: Use the LambdaTest Selenium Grid to execute your tests on the cloud-based infrastructure. Configure your Selenium WebDriver to connect to LambdaTest by providing the LambdaTest URL, username, and access key in your test scripts.
  • capabilities in your test scripts
  • Selecting desired credentials: Define the desired browser, version, platform, and other relevant capabilities in your test scripts. This ensures that your tests run on the desired configurations available on the LambdaTest platform.
  • Running the regression tests: Execute your regression tests using Selenium and the LambdaTest infrastructure. The tests will run in the selected browser environments provided by LambdaTest, allowing you to validate your application's functionality across different browsers and operating systems.
  • Observing test execution: Monitor the progress and status of your regression tests through LambdaTest's dashboard or API. You can view test logs, screenshots, and video recordings to diagnose any issues encountered during the test execution.
  • at the introduction to
  • Analyzing test results: After the tests are complete, review the test results to identify any failures or unexpected behaviors. LambdaTest provides detailed logs and reports, enabling you to troubleshoot and debug any issues that arise during regression testing.
  • troubleshoot and debug

By following these steps, you can effectively leverage LambdaTest and Selenium to run cloud-based automated regression testing. This approach helps ensure consistent testing across multiple browser configurations, reduces the need for infrastructure maintenance, and provides scalability for running tests in parallel.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed how regression testing plays a vital component of software development that assures software stability, manages risks, and provides high-quality software code by employing the correct tools, frameworks, and best practices. We discussed the reasons why regression testing is necessary, including the potential risks of not performing it. Different types of regression testing were explored, highlighting their specific features. We also compared regression testing with retesting, clarifying the key differences between the two approaches.

While manual regression testing is possible, it can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially for complex systems. Hence, automated regression testing came into the game of software testing. We discussed why automated regression testing is essential and how it ensures system stability, followed by unique features of automated regression testing. We provided insights into some of the most used automation testing tools available and how to automate regression tests effectively by identifying valid test cases.

Finally, we discussed running cloud-based automated regression testing using LambdaTest and Selenium, showcasing the benefits of leveraging cloud infrastructure for testing purposes.

Frequently asked questions

  • General ...
How is regression testing different from other types of testing techniques?
Regression testing is distinct from other testing techniques in several ways. It is specially designed to ensure that recent software modifications have not had a detrimental impact on existing functioning. In contrast to other types of testing, regression testing covers the complete software system or a large portion of it. Software updates often trigger it and make use of existing test cases. Regression testing is done regularly to ensure the software's stability and dependability over time, although other testing methodologies may have various aims and timelines.
What are some advantages of using Automated Regression Testing?
Improved efficiency, enhanced dependability, time savings, cost-effectiveness, complete test coverage, ease of maintenance, and support for continuous testing practices are just a few of the advantages of automated regression testing. It lowers manual work, assures consistent and trustworthy findings, shortens time-to-market, decreases long-term expenses, covers a large number of test cases, and integrates nicely with CI/CD pipelines.

Author's Profile

...

Akash Nagpal

Akash Nagpal is a passionate tech enthusiast with strong software development skills, specializing in ReactJS and managing Restful APIs and other core frontend languages such as JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. With a deep understanding of these languages, he is proficient in building dynamic and interactive user interfaces. He is also well-versed in frameworks like Tailwind, and Bootstrap enabling me to create visually appealing and responsive software apps. He expertises in problem-solving that allows him to combine creativity with technical proficiency, resulting in engaging and user-friendly experiences. With a drive for innovation and a constant eagerness to learn, he is committed to delivering high-quality solutions that push the boundaries of web development.

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Reviewer's Profile

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Mohammed Afzal

Afzal, a growth strategist, brings over six years of comprehensive expertise in software development, teaching, content creation, and leadership to LambdaTest. With a commendable 4+ year stint at Coding Ninjas, where he was an integral member from the early bootstrap phase, Afzal played a pivotal role in launching and overseeing the Blog Platform. His leadership steered a content team that delivered blogs across a diverse range of topics, including Data Structures, Algorithm Design, SQL, Database Management, Full Stack Web Development, AI, Machine Learning, etc. Having served as a Software Developer for an early-stage startup and an Instructor at UpGrad early in his career, Afzal has honed his skills across various facets of the tech industry.

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