Regression testing: to automate or not to automate? A How-To Guide on Automated Regression Testing

Repeatable Nature

As our definition states, regression tests are rerun repeatedly. That is why for projects with frequent updates, manual execution of regression testing can be a real nightmare. So a question arises of why to repeat the same tedious work if it can be automated. The repeatable nature of regression testing and the reusability of test scripts is a perfect match. Besides, the more often regression tests have to be rerun, the higher return on investment is.

Maximum speed

These days, time is one of the most valuable assets. Business owners tend to hit a market with their product as fast as possible in order to justify investments and take the lead in the niche. Regression testing automation is the sure-fire way to immensely accelerate test execution. Thanks to automation your test run takes up a minimum possible time and can be conducted any time on a day in and day out basis.

Higher test coverage

Due to test automation, a QA team can test not only fast but also more. Thanks to speedy automated execution much more tests can be checked and, consequently, there is an opportunity to reach higher test coverage. Therefore, you can be more confident in your product quality.

No human intervention

Automated regression tests can be run without any human supervision and intervention. It means that first of all there is no need to ramp up your team of manual testers continuously, and secondly available testers can focus on more critical scenarios that require particular attention. To put it another way, with the help of automation your QA team can deal with more important tasks, whereas your regression tests run on their own.

Accuracy

It is a fact of life that human testers prone to make mistakes dealing with continuous and monotonous tasks. As a result, human error is a usual thing. In a few hours of tedious work, it is so easy not to notice a bug or skip a test. With automated regression testing, accuracy is guaranteed as tests are conducted according to the preprogrammed scenario. If tests are properly maintained, all functionality covered with corresponding tests is thoroughly tested.

Analysis of software changes and their possible impacts

Before proceeding to active actions, it is crucial to consult with a development team to reveal which software modules have been modified as well as the extent of the possible impact. On the ground of this information, the QA team can make a conclusion whether complete or partial regression testing should be carried out.

Creation of a regression testing strategy

Efficient planning is a ticket to success and test automation requires some planning as well. For this reason, a QA team also makes some time to draw up a regression testing strategy describing the workflow in detail.

Test suite design

As long as regression testing strategy has outlined which software modules should undergo regression testing on the ground of the insights received after the software change analysis, automation QA engineers can define and prioritize regression tests and therefore create a corresponding test suite.

Automated regression test running

When scripts are ready and a new build is available, you can execute regression testing. It is strongly advised to run regression testing frequently and establish efficient reporting.

Reporting

As long as a test run has come to the end, you should inform team members, clients, and stakeholders about the AUT quality. To compile a complete summary testing report, it is necessary to analyze generated reports as well as collected metrics to understand whether stated testing goals have been achieved and whether the application complies with the quality requirements and standards.

High upfront investment

It is not a secret that test automation is associated with significant investments referred to tool license fees, automation framework building and maintenance, recruitment of the automation QA engineers, available human resources training, etc. In such a way, teams have to make effort in order to conduct a thorough analysis and persuade business decision-makers that invested in automated regression testing money will be justified in the long run.

Test script maintenance

To provide appropriate test running without failures, it is crucial to maintain test scripts on an ongoing basis. In essence, test script maintenance is a ticket to success in terms of test automation and its main challenge at the same time. In order to make sure that test scripts correspond with the product development, it is necessary to regularly review them. Still, the number of regression tests enhances with each sprint. On the one hand, the more regression tests are automated and executed, the higher test coverage is. On the other hand, more automated tests mean more maintenance efforts. Automated regression tests should be written, updated, or dislodged with every app modification.

Ever-changing requirements

This point is somehow related to the previous one. Since nowadays more and teams give preference to Agile methodology of software development, they have to effectively address ongoing changes of requirements that are caused by frequently changed market conditions that must be considered during product development. As a result, the app undergoes continuous modifications as new features are implemented while the available ones are updated or deleted. All these must be reflected in regression tests, As a result, test script maintenance is getting a daily routine for automation QA engineers who have to polish their automated tests to provide effective software testing.

Test data management

As a rule, test execution suggests the use of the vast amount of test data that should be prepared, maintained, and properly tested to ensure its correctness and reusability. Even with powerful modern technologies that are available today test data management is a rather challenging task.

Communication

Effective communication is a receipt for success. So there must be a collaborative interaction and close communication between a QA team, a development team, PMs, BAs, SMEs, and stakeholders. It is very important in order to have all the involved parties on the same page and be able to capture and effectively implement all the changes. So communication is a must for automated QA engineers as it provides them with the information required for successful maintenance of automated regression tests.

The necessity for special skills and knowledge

Those who have a vague idea about effective automation of regression testing may state that it can be carried out by manual testers due to the availability of a wide array of record and playback testing tools. However, this is nonsense. Effective regression test automation implies having in your QA team experienced specialists who can build and maintain test frameworks, write and maintain test scripts, resolve urgent technical issues, and offer effective solutions. All these things beyond all questions require advanced programming skills and profound automation knowledge.