Even before we make our case of why working with a regression testing company is a smart move, it’s important to have a foundation-level knowledge of what this concept entails. And guess what? That’s exactly what this blog aims to unravel.
In this short but descriptive guide, we’ll delve into the concept of regression testing, explore its specific applications, and examine how a proficient software testing agency can leverage this method to ensure the stability and user-friendliness of our software product.
Regression Testing in Layman’s Terms:
Who doesn’t like a cool app with bundles of exciting features? No wonder businesses are constantly adding new functionalities and resolving issues to optimize the app further. However, there are times when these modifications inadvertently introduce a bug into the app logic, causing sudden failures or glitches.
Regression testing is the answer to that problem. Simply put, a Regression testing company will adopt a string of techniques, including re-running functional and non-functional tests to ensure the software runs as smoothly as ever, even after modifications, updates, or enhancements are made to the code.
An integral part of the software development lifecycle (SDLC), this approach helps developers trace issues in an application that may stem from changes made in the codebase.
As code changes, it can affect dependencies, leading to defects or malfunctions in the software. Regression testing is used to keep developers from running into last-minute reiterations.
Here are some tools used by a regression testing company to ensure an A-grade software product-
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testRigor –
Key features:
- Public version available (free).
- Runs test cases in UK/USA English.
- Developers can run unlimited tests.
- Integration with CI/CD & test management tools.
Also Read : Top Software Testing Trends to Watch Out in 2024
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Avo Assure –
Key features:
- Automatically creates test cases (no coding required).
- Supports testing for desktop, web, mobile, IoT, and ERP apps.
- Supports accessibility testing for mainframes and emulators.
- Runs test cases in a single VM (Virtual Machine).
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Selenium –
Key features:
- Open-source tool.
- Unmatched community and developer base.
- Supports popular programming languages (Ruby, Python, JS).
- High-octane parallel test execution using QTP, RFT.
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Ranorex Studio –
Key features:
- Beginner-friendly interface.
- Capture-and-Replay feature eliminates the need for coding.
- Customizable test reports for software quality monitoring.
- End-to-end test coverage promotes data-driven testing.
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Sahi Pro –
Key features:
- Multi-browsers compatibility for consistent performance.
- Scriptless record and playback functionality.
- Comprehensive logs for real-time tracking.
- Integrated Suite with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, Travis CI, etc.
Also Read : What company would you suggest for a usability testing service for a website?
When to Implement Regression Testing:
Believe it or not, not every software development project necessitates regression testing. Here are a few use cases where it might be worth seeking the assistance of a proficient software testing agency:
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Adding New Requirements to Existing Features:
Use case: A new feature is introduced to enhance user experience or app appeal.
Benefit: Ensures the new feature works well without hindering existing functionalities or UX components.
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Rolling Out New Features:
Use case: Adding a leaderboard to your calorie-tracking fitness app.
Benefit: Verifies that the leaderboard feature doesn’t break existing functions or slows the app down.
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During Performance Optimization:
Use case: Streamlining code to reduce battery usage.
Benefit: Confirms the app performs original functions correctly after optimization.
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When Implementing Security Patches:
Use case: Fixing an app crash across multiple devices or browsers.
Benefit: Implements patch fixes without introducing new bugs to the app logic.
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Making Configuration Changes:
Use case: Updating server settings for faster data processing.
Benefit: Validates newly-launched features after modifying app configuration.
5 Ways Regression Testing Improves Software Stability:
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By catching bugs/issues early on:
Nearly 70% of software failures stem from issues that didn’t exist in previous versions. A software testing agency can leverage regression testing practices to catch these recurring issues early on, saving developers time and effort, not to mention the frustration that comes with constant re-coding.
Also Read : Web Accessibility: Issues and Possible Solutions
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Ensures new features don’t affect existing ones:
Whenever developers add new features, there’s a risk that something that worked fine before might stop working. Regression tests check that all existing features still function correctly even after new updates. It’s like making sure a new piece of furniture fits perfectly in your room without disturbing the old setup.
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User intuitive apps are the key:
A stable, glitch-free app is the path that leads to brand expansion. On the opposite end of the spectrum, an app that crashes constantly will experience dwindling users. In fact, more than 88% of users likely never return after a sub-par experience with a website/app. Therefore, engaging a regression testing company is a smart investment as it helps ensures a consistent, immersive user experience.
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Can help save costs:
A study conducted by IBM found that fixing errors/bugs post-release can cost 4 to 5 times more than identifying them during the design phase. So, if you believe that regression testing is an unnecessary and costly practice, think again. More often that not, a software testing agency can help save money associated with software maintenance and upgrades in the long haul.
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Regression testing improves software trust:
When developers, testers, and QA experts outsourced from a regression testing company are confident that the software has been thoroughly tested, it builds trust in the product. This trust leads to quicker releases without having to run beta versions to a select few users.
Having a safety net in place enables teams to freely experiment and enhance the software without worrying about glitches, crashes, or vulnerabilities.
Final Thoughts:
As we have learned, the rationale behind working with regression testing company is simple – Once you’ve built an app, ensuring it performs as advertised is the obvious next step!
And a prolific software testing agency can greatly assist in this regard. By working with certified software testers, enterprises can build user-intuitive and dependable software applications that can sustain frequent changes and enhancements.
If you need further clarification on why performing regression testing can help with the success of your product, feel free to read our related posts.
