Prior to updating, any software has to be thoroughly tested to evaluate full functionality. Testing allows a company to check whether the actual results live up to expectations or not. Finding out later, once the product is updated, it was lacking in many ways or failed to deliver is an expensive mistake which every business must refrain from making. Most companies today use computer-based tools and techniques to assist them in testing. One such convenient method is automated regression testing. Today, we shall concentrate our efforts on finding out why automated regression testing could be right for your project.
What Is Automated Regression Testing?
Regression testing involves the testing of an existing application or software for any breaks in functionality when an update is made. When this testing is done with the help of computer-based tools, it is known as Automated Regression Testing. Automating the testing process makes it easier to handle. With just a few clicks, you can set the parameters and check the updated code against the previous one.
Why Is Automated Regression Testing Good?
Organizations build an app to increase sales by attracting more and more customers. As the user demands change, the need to update the app becomes pressing. With each update, the app grows in functionality; it becomes more and more complex in nature. Therefore, the need for testing becomes even more unrelenting. However, manually checking each step of the code is a time-consuming activity. At such times automated regression testing is a life saver. Let us see why automated regression testing could be right for your project.
- Fast-tracked Results – No matter how vast or intricate the system is automated regression testing allows for speedy results without compromising the test quality. Automated testing can be implemented quickly as the parameter selection is easy and requires minimal human intervention. All in all, it gives fast results with the slightest effort.
- Continuous Results – Automated regression testing makes it possible to get results continuously. You don’t have to wait for the entire testing to complete to get the answers. The benefit of continuous results is you know where the errors were encountered and their probable cause.
Improved Test Efficiency – Testing is the most time-consuming part of any application development lifecycle. Therefore, even slight improvement in the efficiency of testing can drastically improve the project timeframe. Yes, setting up automated tests takes time. But once that is done, the tests can run unattended and are fast to execute. - Higher Test Coverage – Manual testing sometimes gets compromised in its thoroughness due to time constraints. As against this, since automated tests execute faster, it is possible to do more comprehensive testing even with the existing time limitations. By increasing the test coverage, you ensure an application of higher quality, which works to your advantage.
- Reusability of Tests – Testing is more often than not repetitive in nature. It is not as if once a test is run, it will not be conducted again. With every change, fix and upgrade, you will still have to do all the tests which were done in the past to make sure that the code remains intact and error free. Hence, automated test cases are reusable and save the setting up and configuration time in all future endeavors.
Faster Marketing Of App – Constant execution of test cases makes for faster time to market. An automated test library is any day faster than a manual one. Therefore, the application is ready for updates or release in the market far quicker. - Data Privacy – Manual creation of test data is time-consuming. Usually, it is created from live data, and hence, there is always a risk of compromising it. To overcome this difficulty, automation permits manipulation of actual data with any threat to information security.
Popular Automated Testing Tools
Saving time, money, and effort, automated testing tools have become a need of the time. A few popular open source test automation tools are –
- Ranorex – It is an all-in-one testing tool which can be used for testing PC, web, and mobile applications. Ranorex has a codeless click and go interface, which makes it most suitable for beginners. With a shareable test repository and reusable test modules, it eases test maintenance. The best part is that it integrates with tools like TestRail, Travis, Jira, Jenkins, etc. Video reporting of what occurred in the test and customizable test reports make it quite popular with companies worldwide.
- Selenium – It is one of the best test automation suites for all web applications. Selenium can be run in various operating systems and browsers. It works flawlessly with many programming languages and automation testing frameworks. The intention of designing Selenium was to accelerate web application testing by automatically controlling the browser activities. One can also develop scripts using Selenium which aid in exploratory testing, regression testing, and duplication of bugs.
- Appium – Appium is intended for mobile apps only. It supports the automation of all kinds of apps (native and hybrid) built for Android and iOS. Appium is based on the server architecture of the client and uses automation frameworks provided by the vendor. The reason behind its popularity is its ease of installation and use.
- IBM Rational function Tester – Primarily made for regression testing and automated functional testing it radically improves the testing efficiency and also provides stress-free script maintenance. IBM RFT supports both web-based as well as terminal emulator-based applications. It permits the user to perform data-driven and Graphical User Interface testing.
Final Word On Automated Regression Testing
In today’s technologically advanced scenario, building and hosting web applications can be successful only through automated regression testing. In the long run, it saves time and money both. To achieve success, you need to see the automation of regression testing as part of your comprehensive testing methodology. You can prevent projects from going over budget and stick to your timelines if you make it the core of your testing strategy.
