UNIT – III
Regression Testing
Regression testing is a software testing technique that aims to verify that recent changes or
enhancements to a software application do not negatively impact its existing functionality. It
involves re-running previously executed test cases on the modified code to ensure that new changes
do not introduce new defects or cause unintended side effects in the software.
The primary purpose of regression testing is to provide assurance that the software's existing
features continue to work as expected after new code changes are integrated. It helps identify and
catch defects that may have been inadvertently introduced during the development process, as well
as those caused by the interactions between different parts of the code.
Key aspects of Regression Testing:
1. Test Case Selection: Regression testing involves selecting a subset of test cases from the existing
test suite that represents critical functionalities, frequently used features, and areas likely to be
affected by recent changes.
2. Automation: Regression testing is often automated to increase efficiency and enable frequent
execution of test cases. Automated regression testing allows for rapid validation of the entire
application after each code change.
3. Continuous Integration: In continuous integration environments, regression tests are
automatically triggered whenever new code is committed to the repository to ensure that changes
do not negatively impact the software.
4. Impact Analysis: Regression testing may include an impact analysis to identify the specific areas of
the software that are affected by recent changes, helping prioritize test case selection.
5. Version Control: Using version control systems helps manage different software versions and
track changes, enabling efficient selection and execution of regression test cases for each version.
6. Manual Regression Testing: In cases where automation is not feasible or cost-effective, manual
regression testing can still be performed. However, manual regression testing is more time-
consuming and may be prone to human error.
Regression testing is an essential part of the software development process, especially in agile
development environments where frequent code changes are made. It provides confidence to
developers, testers, and stakeholders that the software remains stable and reliable throughout the
development life cycle.
By continuously validating the existing functionality after each code change, regression testing helps
catch defects early, reducing the cost and effort of fixing issues later in the development process. It
also ensures that the software maintains its expected level of quality and meets the user's
expectations, even as it undergoes continuous updates and enhancements.
