Regression testing

Regression testing is a type of software testing that aims to ensure that changes or modifications made to a software application do not have unintended consequences on the existing functionality. It involves retesting the previously tested parts of the software to ensure that they are still functioning as expected after changes have been made.

The main purpose of regression testing is to identify defects that may have been introduced due to the changes made in the software, and to ensure that the quality of the software has not been compromised. Here are some key points to know about regression testing:

Types of changes that may require regression testing: Regression testing is typically performed when changes have been made to the software, such as modifications to the source code, software configuration changes, hardware changes, or changes to the system environment.
Benefits of regression testing: Regression testing helps to identify any defects that may have been introduced during the modification process, and ensures that any existing functionality is not negatively impacted. This helps to maintain the quality of the software and reduces the risk of production issues.
Automated vs. manual regression testing: Regression testing can be performed manually or with the help of automated testing tools. Automated regression testing is more efficient and effective, as it can be performed faster, and can cover a larger number of test cases.
Test selection criteria: Test selection criteria is used to select the test cases that need to be executed during regression testing. These criteria may include selecting test cases based on the priority of the test case, the risk associated with the test case, or the criticality of the functionality being tested.
Regression test suite maintenance: The regression test suite needs to be updated regularly to ensure that it remains relevant to the software being tested. This involves removing obsolete test cases and adding new test cases to cover any new functionality or changes that have been made to the software.

In summary, regression testing is an essential part of the software testing process, as it helps to ensure that any changes or modifications made to the software do not have any unintended consequences on the existing functionality. It can be performed manually or with the help of automated testing tools, and requires careful selection of test cases and regular maintenance of the regression test suite.