Automated Regression Testing: Why Is It Considered Important?

With applications and digital products being launched and upgraded in real-time, organizations nowadays have become vigilant in regards to the business-critical requirement for ensuring performance and functionalities on a regular basis.

Regression testing is a process in software testing to check whether the software is developed and tested earlier in the lifecycle. This process is mostly performed by code testing specialists involving multiple scenarios such as software enhancements, configurations, patches, etc. If we look at the larger picture, regression testing helps in ensuring the desired user experience while an application upgrades and evolves.

Throughout the regression tests, coders develop code and test scenarios that will be used to test new code units. In this process, as soon as the new version of a software product is released, test cases are also executed early against the new version. This method would ensure that all the previously supported capabilities still continue to be working. Ultimately, the testers try to validate if the recently added code is integrated well with the earlier one.

Why Consider Automated Regression Testing?

The significance of regression testing is strengthened by the need to ensure a better end-user experience and if the code is well-tested. It upsurges the chance of recognizing bugs/defects that might arise due to any changes, improvements, fixes, or updates in the software. Therefore, regression testing works efficiently in integration testing, which makes it quicker and less burdensome if we compare it to the traditional modes of integration testing.

Empowering continuity of business, seamless integration and a flawless software upgrade are some of the major highlights of regression testing. This process proves to be more efficient with automated regression testing, where all of these tedious testing efforts are automated and eased out. 

Consequently, the earlier developed test cases can be successfully implemented on a new build, without any manual interventions. Automation of tests for regression completely depends on the need of the project and its application. For example, if test cases might vary regularly, there is a need for automation in the process.

Automated regression tests are performed by applying tools that work in a record and playback manner, in which the test cases are recorded and is evaluated whether the results are as anticipated or not. 

Some projecting regression testing tools for automation are QTP, Winrunner, Regression Tester, AdventNet, vTest, QEngine, Watir, Selenium, and SilkTest. The above-mentioned tools are functional and regression testing tools that help in automating the process of updating and adding the regression test cases.

Automated Regression- Appropriate for faster turnaround

An efficient balance is needed to ensure speed and quality, which means the need for faster and credible feedback. Specifically, in an agile environment, it is important that the feedback comes faster, to take a required action immediately. 

Therefore, within an agile structure, the regression tests are run just after the variations are done, before the sprint is released. This will help in getting a quicker response and better turnaround time and execution. Automated regression tests support faster results and recurrent testing for similar releases.