Regression Testing is a type of software testing that is used to re-test a previously tested program after a change has been made to it. It verifies that any modifications, bug fixes, or updates performed haven’t led to new problems and that the program still performs the same way that it did before the change. Regression testing is typically used to make sure any changes made aren’t adversely affecting any of the functionalities that the program previously had.
The aim of regression testing is to ensure the integrity of an application or system after any changes. This is done by running tests on the application or system after the change to check that any effects are isolated to the changes that were made. Any changes that break the previous functionality are identified and fixed.
The main focus areas of regression testing are the intended functionalities and existing functionalities post-change.
When performing regression testing, testers typically start by creating a test suite that covers the system’s functionalities. The test suite is then run after any changes have been made to the system. The same tests should be run as were used to test the program initially.
Regression testing might also be used to:
* Compare the current version of a program with a previous version
* Retest the program if its interface is changed
* Validate a new feature against expected behavior
* Verify that changes made to a program don’t create adverse effects
Different testing strategies can be used to automate regression tests, such as reusing tests from earlier test cycles or using scripts that call on the same tests repeatedly. This is beneficial to ensure that testing is conducted quickly and more efficiently.
In summary, regression testing is an important type of software testing used to check that any changes made to a program or system don’t have adverse effects. It is a repeat of test cases that have already been run, to assess that functionality remains unaffected, and to ensure that expected behavior is present.
