How to create a dependable regression testing strategy

If the code changes are done in a haphazard manner, then eventually the application will not be able to perform and thus will not be able to meet the functional and business-specific requirements. For this purpose, developing a regression testing strategy can prove to be a pragmatic solution. The test suite requirements and the testing scope can be systematically covered while preparing the strategy for conducting regression testing. In this article, you will get to know a few important factors that are used to create a dependable regression testing strategy. 

What is regression testing?

It is a testing method that ensures the new changes that have been introduced and new features that have been added will not alter the existing functionalities of the application. Testers develop a regression testing strategy that can be used in carrying out the testing process throughout the software development process as and when required. The regression testing strategy should also include specific regression testing tools that can enhance the testing process.

Following are four important factors used to create a regression testing strategy:

1. Well-defined testing goals: The QA professionals should have a definite plan for identifying defects. The risks need to be defined, which will in turn provide a way for defining the scope of regression testing. Following are the two key points that need to be considered:

• The risk of an application or product that is being built. The potential of an error should be scrutinized 

• The particular testing procedure should aim at addressing a specific level of risk and the necessary steps that need to be followed in order to mitigate those risks.

2. The test procedures should have a definite scope: The nature of risks that have been studied in the goals stage helps in defining the scope. Modifications to application features that impact end-users, the priority of associated application features and code complexity are the elements that are considered while defining the scope. 

Following are the two points that need to be taken into consideration:

• Functional tests are included to define the scope, but, the team should also decide whether to include non-functional tests or not

• Identify if there are any test techniques or test types that are out of scope.

3. The relative importance of entry and exit criteria: Practical parameters can be set using entry and exit criteria for regression tests. For example, if a regression test strategy is a part of an end-to-end systems test, then the teams start working as per entry criteria, which states that a minimum number of successful testing sprints should be completed. 

The team’s existing definition of done is where the exit criteria for regression testing comes into perspective. Agile software development uses the term “Definition of done” which refers to a stack of well-defined essentials used for identifying the project as complete. Hence, it becomes quite important to define it.

4. The individual test suites should be easily defined: The test suite plays a major role when it comes to designing test plans for regression testing. The individual test suites need to be optimized by the testing teams so that a huge amount of test coverage is provided for the fewest amounts of test cases possible.

Before regression test procedures are set into motion, the team needs to ponder upon the following important points:

• Regression tests that will target the specific services and applications

• The occurrence of each test procedure

• The amount of non-functional regression testing that is required 

• The specific deployment and development environments that comes into perspective 

• A remediation plan for fixing high-severity defects.

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing regression testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a reliable software testing services company that will provide a detailed testing strategy that is in line with your project specific requirements.