For those type-A developers ready to wage war against functionality defects, the importance of regression testing is likely no unfamiliar concept. However, if you still identify as a budding developer, studying the ins and outs of quality assurance, the value of software testing may have escaped you. By definition, regression testing investigates whether or not existing software developments break older features or run without a hitch. Conducting regression testing early on can help you eliminate defects before rewriting substantial amounts of the program.
When implementing a regression testing strategy, be forewarned that running into challenges is often the name of the game. That said, you may want to contact a reputable source like XBOSoft to execute your regression testing strategy and remediate these glitches proactively and efficiently.
Below are some of the most common problems encountered in regression testing.
Time-consuming and tedious work
Regression testing requires the examiner to run the same inquiries repeatedly. This tedious work can lead to low morale, which may reduce the employee’s productivity and the accuracy of the tests.
You can prevent this problem through automated testing to reduce the amount of manual labor. Assigning multiple groups regression testing tasks can improve morale and the employee experience. Lastly, simplifying the regression testing metrics and thoroughly explaining their purpose can help testers prioritize crucial tasks.
Regression suite visibility issues
Some regression suite visibility issues are changes in code or requirements, an outdated environment, poor coding practice, and ineffective communication. Creating a regression test suite can resolve any kinks within the testing program while also saving time.
Visible, shared goals can facilitate communication and effective working practices. You will need to prioritize the tests to help the employees concentrate and minimize critical defects. A well-maintained regression suite will track the new and old functionalities, tests, features, and interactions.
Has a high monetary and labor cost
Software developers work hard every day, and manual regression testing requires additional labor. Manual regression tests can cost thousands of dollars, but automated ones do not come cheap either. Developing, troubleshooting, tooling, and maintaining a test suite has a high capital cost.
Nonetheless, automated testing does cost much less than manual. Reducing the number of tests to the minimum can save money by focusing on the most significant issues. You can also test a specific portion of the code—rather than the whole program—if only one segment was edited.
Low perceived value
The hours spent on regression testing may feel wasted, especially if the testers locate no flaws. While developing new features may seem more fruitful, you will only get in trouble if you build the code on a malfunctioning program.
To ensure success, educate your employees about the vitality of regression testing. You can improve productivity, reduce costs, and raise code quality. Sharing possible scenarios and locations of malfunctions and describing their effects on the company can force your team to take regression testing seriously.
Unclear goals for testing
Undefined testing goals will only dissuade the testers and hinder results. By defining test metrics and goals that directly benefit the business, you can elucidate the regression testing process. Some software can tell you what tests you need and outline the costs and scope of regression testing.
Wrapping up
A regression testing strategy can benefit your software development substantially. While it costs time and money in the short term, it can save you from needing to rewrite an entire program. Make sure to eliminate any challenges you encounter in your testing to aid the process and receive the most benefits from your efforts.