Regression testing is designed to test whether new builds and revisions to software packages represent progress or whether they cause features to regress to a lesser state. If revisions have caused functions to encounter errors or function less effectively, this is regression.

Regression testing is therefore an important part of the software development process. It ensures that things keep moving forwards and not backwards and that new releases don’t break existing functionality. In order to get the best results out of regression testing, there are a number of strategies to consider.

Priority-Based Testing

Many software packages will have an awful lot of features to test, but the truth is that they are probably not all of equal importance. It is therefore often practical to use a prioritised system of regression testing. More time and effort goes into testing features that are more important and have stronger user demand. This may mean there are some minor bugs left to patch when users find them, but it uses time more efficiently. If you try to test large numbers of features equally, then this may well just mean those bugs turn up somewhere more important and break the package altogether.

Automation

Regression testing lends itself exceptionally well to automation, such as that provided by a third-party automated software testing provider. It is designed to test existing features and measure functionality rather than expose defects, so automation is easier than with many other kinds of software test. Furthermore, it will have to be run a number of times in a development cycle and can become very time-consuming and labour-intensive, so automating as much of that as possible has the potential to be very rewarding. A good automated software testing provider such as www.mytesters.com can therefore deliver excellent returns on investment and be well worth seeking out.

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Define Key Points Clearly

Regression testing is at its best when it is approached with clear definitions and goals in mind. You should develop a proper schedule for the process as part of the wider development cycle and identify key criteria and conditions. This includes entry criteria to help you know exactly when to start testing and clear exit criteria. The latter is essentially the minimum requirements for a piece of software to be deemed acceptable as far as regression testing goes and for the testing phase to therefore be closed.