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Top 3 Regression Testing Best Practices –

Regression Testing is performed after a programmer has attempted to fix a recognized problem (tried to fix any bugs) or after adding source code to a program that may have accidentally introduced errors, This is a job for Regression Testing Best Practices.

Regression testing is basically a quality control measure to ensure that the modified code still functions with its specified requirements, basically to make sure that the unmodified code has not been affected by the maintenance activity.

Both activities are absolutely necessary as it is impossible to have code that won’t need any modifications. The fact remains that even minor modifications to the code as a matter of routine are liable of having serious unexpected side effects, which can probably interrupt the functionality verified earlier.

That is why it is important to find Regression Testing Best practices and we have defined the top 3 best practices that you should strive to implement as they will prove to have the most positive impact in your development team:

1. Develop a clear policy for Regression Testing

Develop a clear policy for regression testing on a defined time frame, if we want to achieve success in developing reliable & definitely predictable software applications. This policy should include the standard actions defined in the testing procedure; in addition it should clarify the desired responses. Any failure to generate these desired responses becomes an indicator of system regression.

2. Apply the famous 80/20 principle of management

Following the famous 80/20 principle of management, we can assume that 20% functions will be used 80% of the time. Regression Testing Best Practices should be designed accordingly. A large problem in a non-common function is a smaller problem as it will be used by a very small number of users. That’s why Regression Tests must focus on excessively used transactions, menus & screens etc.

3. Avoid the one large regression test

It is better to create a logical batch of such test cases in the form of a comprehensive test suite, even automatize it when possible; these repetitive activities can be automated by using software testing tools such as HP-QuickTest Professional etc.

Not only does regular Regression Resting help in a continuous check on the performance of important functions, it will also provide flexibility while executing small unit tests in case of urgency or time-pressures.

By having a Good Regression Testing Best Practices you can expect general improvement in effectiveness of the software development & testing personnel. Attainment in the development of reliable and stable applications.

Development teams that are able to modify the code without fearing breaking the previously verified functionality. Saving in resources, because you will need less man-hours spent in searching and resolving software errors introduced by code changes, also have the advantage of having problems arising out of code modifications, being identified early during the life cycle.

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