Blog

Regression Testing and its Strategies

by admin | Mar 21, 2020 | Regression Testing, Fixed, Blog | 0 comments

Regression testing is conducted to ensure, the code fixes have not caused any new breakage of the application in some other place. In this test instead of running the failed case alone, we run all the test cases that were passed before to confirm the presence or absence of defects. Regression testing helps us to find the stability of the applications as we pass by the timelines.

This test should be run with an agreed frequency to ensure that addition of new functionality, integration of any other new component and any bug fixes have not affected any other existing system functionalities.

Why is regression testing necessary?

We might have a question in mind that why to spend time in testing the same again and again though it was passed before. But there could be a high chance that new thing will inject a new problem which didn’t exist before.

Below are the possible scenarios as to when it’s highly recommended.

When we are adding up new features

In any application development projects it’s true that as long as we pass by different sprint cycles we keep adding the new set of features to the application. Every time there is a new feature developed on top of it regression testing must be done in order to ensure that the new flow or use case is not impacting other existing functional flows.

When bug fixes were delivered

When the development team fixes the bugs observed in the system it’s the responsibility of the test team to consider them for re-testing then do a regression testing. Let us quickly understand the difference between both of them.

1. Re-testing- fixing the bug that was fixed to confirm it’s no longer happening.

2. Regression- ensuring that fix has not affected any other related functionality.

So, now we understood the importance of doing both the tests. This testing can help us realize which broke the system that was doing fine earlier. Based on the newly occurred bug impact as to how it is affecting or blocking the testing activities accordingly it would be rolled back if needed.

When application re-platforming happens

Often times we see that the applications are considered to be re-platformed. Especially after the cloud technology emerged this has started happening a lot, many applications are considered for migration for the conventional virtual environment to a cloud infrastructure.

Usually in the migration activities we don’t see any new changes to the application at the functional level. Whatever the existing system would just be moved or re-hosted. In this case, regression testing is mandatory because the whole application was migrated and need to confirm that there it works intended.

Types of regression tests

As regression appears to be a redundant test, since we do the same thing, again and again, irrespective of the previous outcome, whether or not they pass just to learn new issues. It also becomes overhead if we don’t have a proper regression plan. Because there would be many challenges with regards to timelines, resources and budget and a lot of other constraints to contribute. Given those parameters, there can be two types of regression tests.

Complete regression test

Full regression test is needed on the following cases

When there are significant changes into the application from the functional/non-functional standpoint.

When we have major launch release is planned.

When the core functionalities or the business logic were modified.

In order to be able to test thoroughly regression suite has to be updated every now and then to ensure we keep the suite of the latest one. Through this testing, we will understand that the application didn’t break and is working intended.

Partial regression test

This kind of testing is mainly adopted when we have changes to a particular module within the application and the timelines for testing are very limited or a small release with minimal bug fixes is planned. All we need to satisfy the case is just identify the edge cases and the scenarios where the integration of this module with other modules happens. These cases should be identified based on the experience also from the past learnings.

Given this rationale sanity test is called a subset of regression test as we will not execute the whole test cases given the time crunch. We will pick scenarios of the critical edge case.

Automation testing role in regression

If there is a type of test where automation can best fit is regression. Automation implementation in regression can give the best return on investment as the manual effort that is being spent is reduced to a great value. In addition to that automation testing also brings inaccuracy. The testing team needs to leverage the suite scope by adding the features delivered in each iteration. After every iteration running one set of regression execution can help to find the possible side effects.

DevOps integration with regression test suite

As we all know that DevOps is the buzzing term in the industry at this point in time with the help of continuous integration and deployment now the team can achieve frequent builds and frequent deployments we can avoid the possible downtimes. The same can be implemented in testing as well, integration of regression with DevOps will help us to manage frequent executions. As the execution frequency is more the intensity of the regression test becomes more. That’s what leads to the successful validation of the software product. The more we do regression less likely the system fails in production.

Regression Testing Best Practice:

Identify incremental Regression Test cases based on releases.

Plan effort dedicated for performing Regression Testing (Thumb rule is 30% of Functional Testing effort should be spent in Regression) for every release.

Accommodate a percentage of Regression comprising of End to End Testing as well.

Have a session with Business team to identify critical scenario based on Application functionality and accommodate it in the Regression suite.

Plan to have maximum Regression coverage in Automation to minimize Test Execution effort.

Major defect fixes, each cycle completion of Test Execution, Major deployment are all qualifiers for performing Regression Testing.

The Fundamentals of Regression Testing

by admin | Nov 11, 2019 | Regression Testing, Fixed, Blog | 0 comments

Testing new functionality of freshly released software is necessary, but there is more. As a leading Software Testing Company, we also understand that re-running of tests that the software may have ‘passed’ previously is also equally important. This is necessary to validate that new software does not bring in previous or new defects or bugs in the existing system. This is the essence of regression testing – and we will discuss the fundamentals of this form of testing at some length. Regression Testing is a critical part of software testing services since it ensures that the software/application continues to function as it was meant to be even post updates, enhancements, or code changes.

Core of Regression Testing

Regression Testing is what determines whether the existing features are stable and whether their functionality is as expected. The aim of regression testing is to ensure that a system remains stable and workable even while continuous improvements are being applied. This form of testing mitigates the risks – defects, malfunctions, dependencies – such that previously tested code continues to work seamlessly even post changes. This testing is the final stage that verifies the overall ‘behavior’ of the product.

Benefits of Regression Testing

Given the critical nature of regression testing, it is important to discuss the benefits to :

• Increases the possibility of detecting bugs caused by changes to application or software
• Cost reduction since bugs are detected early
• Analyses poor side effects brought about by a new operating environment
• Early detection of bugs ensures that software works at a more efficient level
• Validates that code changes have not brought back previous defects
• Ensures ‘correctness’ of software such that a top quality product is released

It is important to know when to apply this form of testing since it is not feasible to maintain an almost limitless set of tests.

Applying Regression Testing

The following circumstances would warrant applying regression testing

• Existing feature is added with a new requirement
• Addition of a new functionality or feature
• Codebase fixed to resolve defects
• Optimization of source code to enhance performance
• Addition of patch fixes
• Alterations to configuration

Automated regression testing becomes a critical element in the overall aim of releasing a top-quality product. Product teams benefit from this form of testing since they receive effective and usable feedback, to which they can respond instantaneously. Bugs are detected early on within the deployment cycle, saving big monies and efforts towards maintenance that would otherwise be spent on finding defects later on. The truth about defects is that even a seemingly minute bug can actually have a ripple effect and cause major problems with the functioning of the product – which is why expert testers never leave anything to chance. As a leading Software Testing Services Company we understand that regressing testing is not only more time-intensive, it is also a lot more challenging than most types of testing. Regression testing ensures that even if a product requires frequent updates and changes, the product will retain top quality.

While regression testing is extremely critical and necessary to the proper functioning and high quality of an application/software, there are some challenges to implementing them:

Time Intensive – Retesting all for example is time consuming as it tests the entire suite of test cases.

Costly – It requires a large number of resources including human resources, to repeatedly test that which is already developed, tested, and deployed earlier on.

Difficult – A large number of test cases can be extremely intimidating for testers, and they could end up not keeping track of test cases.

In Conclusion

Despite the challenges that regression testing poses, we as a leading regression testing services company understand the critical nature, of this form of testing, and help companies by conducting it. In doing so, we ensure that projects remain within budgets and also that unforeseen bugs do not damage the product and its reputation. Connect with us to improve the overall quality of your product and to significantly enhance the user experience.

Using In-Sprint Automation to Speed up Regression Testing

by admin | Oct 3, 2019 | Regression Testing, Fixed, Blog | 0 comments

Customer expectations are rising and become increasingly stringent as technology improves and apps become better, and companies have no choice but to comply. The reality of software testing too, therefore, is evolving to match pace, becoming exceedingly speedier and smarter. Testing has moved from the post-development stage testing of the Waterfall Model to the more responsive and frequent Agile and DevOps methods.

At Codoid, even though we have come a long way in the realm of software testing, we constantly endeavor to get better by looking at tools and building proofs of concept. Companies usually embark on user interface automation projects given the fact that regression testing is cumbersome and extremely time intensive. There are so many steps involved when a new product is being developed – time to develop new features, testers work on the new code and uncover and resolve any bugs, and continue with some investigation to ensure that the new code works as intended without any hidden problems. This last portion is regression testing and usually, testers either go through it meticulously meaning long hours of effort or cut it short for lack of time, which could have disastrous results. This is why as a Regresstion Testing Services company we believe that regression testing must be automated in order to alleviate the problem of time, and in-sprint test automation is the answer.

In-sprint test automation simply put is when the complete process of testing – creation, implementation, execution, and reporting – all happens in a single run/sprint. As an expert Automation Testing Company, we know that there are several reasons why some believe that in-sprint automation, does not work, however, we provide ways that would ensure it works very well to speed up regression testing.

Checking the code early within the sprint This is the job of developers and is an important method to ensure that in-sprint automation is possible and works well, and is not a step that should be overlooked. Unfortunately, this is a neglected step with most stakeholders testing only when they ‘hit a bump’, and not focusing on the actual cause of the problem. We at Codoid understand the importance of checking early since it is imperative to provide enough time for testing and investigating previous versions. It is a critical mistake to cram all testing towards the end when all features are complete. As a company with experts in the realm of automation testing services, we understand how important it is to deploy code early on in a test environment and within the sprint. This ensures that testers can begin scripting automated tests, and are able to continuously build features and tests as an increasing number of features are installed.

Development Scrum Teams Must Include Automation Experts When setting up regression testing suites, most often automation engineers are on a separate team. This is an incorrect manner to approach in-sprint automation if the focus is to speed up regression testing. If automation experts are part of the development scrum team, they would be able to demonstrate better ways to run automated tests and within the sprint, while ensuring that every stakeholder understands that test automation is an indispensable part of the sprint.

Consistently and Adequately Trained Automation Engineers As a leading test automation company all our teams including testers and automation engineers receive periodic and relevant training. This ensures that our team members understand even the most complex requirements, which ensures that in-sprint automation is successful each time. It is important also that automation engineers are proficient not just in testing processes, but also can easily write high-quality code. It is our belief, and one that has helped us remain as forerunners in the realm of software testing, that automation engineers must be multi-skilled and possess knowledge of various functions. In our experience, automation engineers who are top of their class will be extremely deft, smart enough to write top-quality tests with matching automation features, and still manage to match pace with swift agile development. The reason we at Codoid have consistently succeeded at in-sprint automation is that we employ automation engineers and manual testers, and do not expect either to be the backup of the other. Manual testers have a specific role and are not always equipped with programming skills that are essential to write tests and specify testing components. The very premise of in-sprint automation is speed and without requisite skills, this would not be achievable.

Well Written Test Cases This means that test cases should be precise, explanatory, and short – meaning that each test should verify only one feature while elucidating the exact steps the test would accomplish. Maintaining clarity with regard to steps and possible results is essential since the process of writing test cases becomes less time-consuming and clearly written tests would ensure that automation engineers are able to at first glance ascertain what the test is expected to verify. At Codoid we ensure that to provide top-level in-sprint automation testing services, our automation engineers are involved in the test case process such that they would be well-equipped to write the best-in-class automation. In addition, this makes the automated testing processes a primary focus, and is ticked off as a done item.

In Conclusion We understand that in-sprint is a hard task, but it certainly can be mastered, if you have best practices and an expert team to manage every aspect. Becoming an expert at in-sprint automation is not an overnight process but is achieved by consistent training, dedication, the appropriate actions, and focus on the right tasks. Connect with us to gain all these advantages for your projects – we are a team dedicated to your success.

Basics of Regression Testing For Beginners

by admin | Oct 21, 2019 | Regression Testing, Fixed, Blog | 0 comments

In today’s age of technology, software and applications are an important part of our lives, which was not so even a few years ago. The truth about software and apps is that they must go through a gamut of software testing before being released to the market. We at Codoid, as a Regression Testing Services company, run a range of tests for our clients to validate and verify the functionality and technical aspects of the software and applications they seek to release. It is our responsibility to ensure that the final product works the way it was intended by identifying bugs and any gaps existing between current and actual requirements. Software testing is a wide and complex gamut of tests, which can be run individually or in conjunction with each other depending on the project requirements.

These tests include Unit Testing, Integration Testing, Functional Testing, System Testing, Stress Testing, Performance Testing, Usability Testing, Acceptance Testing, Regression Testing & Beta Testing. It is our intention today in this exposition to focus on Regression Testing with tips and basics of this type of testing to help beginners/novices in the realm of software testing. We are a leading software testing company with comprehensive excellence in all realms and it is our endeavor to help young minds interested in this field to move to a level of expertise.

Defining Regression Testing

Regression Testing is the method of investigating software for problems that may arise post action in the software. These actions could include patching or any type of updates or modifications to code. This form of testing is run to confirm that these actions/changes do not affect other parts of the software, and also to verify that the additional code does not have any bugs or defects. The basis of Regression Testing is not tested actions but is important to ensure that updates run as intended and do not have any unforeseen and unwanted effects. It is therefore obvious that this form of testing must be conducted before the final rollout.

Salient Features of Regression Testing

• Usually automated since this is a method for verification, and hence test cases are run repeatedly. It is not feasible to run these test cases manually given that manual testing is cumbersome and time-consuming
• This testing is performed to check newly created code and to fix any bugs. It does depend on any programming language, but rather ensures that all bugs have been remedied and changes have not caused any functionality defects in the product
• Since it is a part of the release cycle, it becomes a mandatory step in test estimation.

When to Conduct Regression Testing and Can it be Performed Manually?

It takes many weeks and even months for the next release cycle to take place, and hence regression testing should be part of the release cycles daily. It is good to perform regression testing weekly, post-completion of product functional testing. As specified, the main aim of regression testing is to ensure that the new version of a product is bug-free. It is a common misconception that regression testing should always be automated – manual testing in some cases is possible too.

Selecting the Best Test Suite

Bugs occur when there are changes made to the code of a software build, and these bugs must be removed to ensure the top functionality of a product. When selecting a test suite for regression testing, therefore, the following must be remembered:

• Pay attention to rapidly changing functionalities
• Focus on the test cases covering changed modules
• Attention to the complex test cases
• Focus on integration of test cases that include major components and those that cover product core functionalities
• Special attention to frequently failing or prone to defects test cases
• Focus on test case priorities prior to the final execution

Various Types of Regression Testing

Following are the regularly used types of testing:

Corrective This is best to use when no changes have taken place in the specification of the product and this type of testing is speedy and efficient since it uses pre-existing test cases.

Retest-All As the name suggests, every aspect of a product is retested, while reusing test cases. Since this is a laborious and time-consuming method, it must not be used for minor changes to existing products.

Unit Regression Each code is viewed as a single unit and testers conduct this test prior to integration.

Partial Regression Testers use this form of testing to ensure that any code changes still allow the software to function as required. The single unit of code tested is integrated with pre-existing code.

Complete Regression This is necessary if the added/modified code would have had a major effect on the essence of the previous code. Additionally, if several parts of the code are being changed, this type of testing will be required.

Proven Methodologies for Regression Testing

These tried and tested methodologies have become best practices for regression testing. We as a leading software testing company fully endorse these practices and recommend that novices understand them as well.

• Continuous updating of the regression pack/suite is essential once all updates for a software build are over
• Keep focus on the paths most often used for building software
• Reuse tests instead of duplicating it.
• Re-use test cases that were successful in speedily identifying and fixing bugs
• To ensure that testers remain enthused and time is not wasted, repeatedly used regression test cases should be automated.

In Conclusion

We hope that we have been able to provide some basic understanding of Regression Testing for Beginners. Regression Testing is crucial and must be practiced sincerely. The good news is that there are several tools and experts to guide you along the way. We at Codoid can match your business requirements both in terms of budget and timelines – connect with us to work with the most experienced folks in this realm.

What is Exploratory Testing and How Does it Help

by admin | Sep 5, 2019 | Regression Testing, Fixed, Blog | 0 comments

Discovery and exploration are innate tendencies of the human nature. Powered by human curiosity, exploration has unearthed new continents and new horizons in ages past. This curiosity exists even in the somewhat ‘serious’ realm of Exploratory Testing that informs and drives some aspects of modern software testing practices. Software testing professionals would define exploratory testing as an unscripted technique aimed at unearthing glitches residing within a software application.

Understanding the Application

Exploratory Testing enables test engineers to gain a suitable understanding of a software application, making it a crucial form of testing. It allows testers to explore ‘the nuts and bolts’ of an application – test the various mechanics that power functionality inside the application, and discover any inconsistencies in the code underlying the application under test. Essentially, Exploratory Testing interrogates the software development process that preceded the creation of the software product. Testers may also undertake regression testing exercises on a product in the course of Exploratory Testing.

Keeping an Open Mind

Software testers who execute Exploratory Testing practices may tackle the application from any direction – meaning that software testers have a wide berth in terms of the choice of action in designing and undertaking such tests. The manual mode of testing represents the keynote of test execution that drives Exploratory Testing in the current times. Veteran testers, advocate that test coverage must be designed keeping in mind the interests of the end-user; this implies the tester must think like the customer while running the tests. Using an ad hoc approach makes this form of testing more user-friendly. However, there are certain sub-sets of Exploratory Testing wherein testing professionals devise and follow strategy-based testing routines.

Timing is Crucial

As a method of testing modern software applications, Exploratory Testing creates distinct advantages for the software development and testing industry. It supports testers to design custom test coverage plans, thereby interrogating specific applications from different points of view. In addition, most testing professionals plan Exploratory Testing schedules at points in time wherein most features inside a software application have attained completion. However, certain test professionals hold the view that Exploratory Testing should be deployed in earlier phases of application development. This divergence in views persists in the modern day, but in no way removes from the solid benefits of the techniques used for Exploratory Testing.

Distinct Value

Testing organizations that allow test professionals to undertake Exploratory Testing techniques gain the distinct benefit of leveraging the technical skills, knowledge, and work experience of software testing engineers. In addition, skilled testers adept at using such techniques can deliver distinct value to the work outcomes of testing teams. Further, Exploratory Testing helps deliver high quality products by relying on the sense of accomplishment of a test engineer. This is primarily achieved when testing engineers exploit their human acumen to connect with the end user and devise different forms of test scenarios to examine an application. Different forms of input data and test results add firepower to Exploratory Testing systems and techniques.

Organized Documentation

Engineers working on test coverage activities for Exploratory Testing require fewer forms of testing documentation. This affords them a greater quantum of time to drive pure software testing activities, thereby creating elevated business value in the form of thorough outcomes. The scenario also promotes a highly experimental approach as a keynote for Exploratory Testing activities. In addition, testers that favor this form of testing can focus on analyzing key realms of an application, generate significant levels of feedback, and recommend the necessary reforms. This implies a fruitful use of time for a tester and optimal usage of the resources within an organization.

Finding more Bugs

Certain empirical studies suggest Exploratory Testing mechanisms are more efficient in unearthing bugs and glitches in software applications – this stems from the very nature of these tests. For instance, a multi-pronged testing strategy empowers Exploratory Testing professionals to detect and unearth software bugs of varying severity. This proves beneficial to the master development processes in the form of quick remedial measures that address such defect, thereby driving higher levels of efficiency in the outcomes generated by Exploratory Testing systems and practices.

Quick Changes

The world of modern software development and testing thrives on speed of execution and delivery. The techniques and practices that underlie Exploratory Testing confer high levels of flexibility in outcomes, thereby driving crucial improvements in the overall design and function of a software product. Expert testers hold the view that the signature lack of baselines and ground rules in Exploratory Testing techniques represents a major asset that drives the utility value of such forms of testing. Further, such forms of testing exert a superb effect on the skillsets of professional (and amateur) testers – thereby elevating the skill sets of the testing personnel leading to a better hold on software testing challenges and assignments.

In Conclusion

Through this exposition, it becomes easier to appreciate the role and utility of exploratory testing in the domain of modern software development. Ongoing research is expected to refine the systems and practices that power such forms of software testing and verification. We excel not just in this form of testing, but are leaders in all forms of software testing – connect with us and rest easy knowing that your software and applications are in expert hands.