Regression testing in Agile plays a significant important role.
The primary purpose of regression testing is to integrate it into the development cycle, and it’s essential as it ensures software continues to perform even after modification.
In the following sections will discuss the role regression testing plays in agile development.
Fundamental of regression testing in Agile Development
Let’s look at the definition of regression testing.
Regression testing is a software testing technique employed to ensure that the test cases previously executed on software have not introduced any defect or issue to the software.
The main purpose of regression testing is to ensure that the software continues to work effectively even after modification.
Regression testing should be used whether the software has a minor localized change or a larger change.
Also, teams should make sure that the new code does not contradict with the previous code and that the old code functions as earlier.
Agile involves rapid build cycles and continual modifications to the application.
A testing team should build the regression suite from the beginning of product development for successful agile regression testing. Along with development sprints, they should keep working on it.
Regression testing guarantees that the application’s former functionality is still operational and that new changes have not introduced new bugs.
Regression testing should be used whether there is a tiny localized change to the software or a bigger change. Teams must ensure that new code does not clash with previous code and that code that has not been altered continues to function as planned.
Agile involves frequent build cycles and the addition of ongoing modifications to the application. As a result, regression testing is vital in agile.
What Is Regression Testing?
Before entering into more technical know-how, let’s understand what is regression testing.
Regression testing is a software testing process that ensures changes to a program, such as code modifications or feature additions, do not adversely affect existing functionalities.
It involves re-executing previously executed test cases to identify any unintended side effects or defects that may have been introduced during the software development or maintenance phase.
The goal is to ensure that the latest code changes have not negatively impacted the overall system stability and performance.
Regression testing is crucial in software development to maintain the reliability of the software and catch any potential issues early in the development lifecycle.
Integration of Regression Testing in Agile Cycles
Regression testing is essential in Agile Development to ensure that the program retains its quality throughout the development cycle.
The inclusion of regression testing in Agile cycles is critical for maintaining software stability and ensuring that it functions as intended after each modification.
- Test-Driven Development (TDD): Test-Driven Development (TDD) is an Agile methodology that entails building automated tests before coding. TDD is used to guarantee that code fulfils requirements and behaves as expected. TDD aids in the early detection of problems in the development cycle, lowering the cost of subsequent correction.
- Continuous Integration and Deployment: Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) are Agile methods that entail automating the software development, testing, and deployment processes. The goal of CI/CD is to ensure that the software is always ready for release and that any faults are spotted and repaired early in the development cycle.
Regression testing is a critical component of CI/CD. When new code is added, the software is rebuilt, and existing tests are run to ensure that the new code does not damage any current functionality. If the tests fail, the build is refused, and the developers are contacted to correct the problems.
Regression testing must be integrated into Agile cycles to ensure that the product maintains its quality throughout the development cycle.
Agile approaches such as Test-Driven Development and Continuous Integration and Deployment entail automating the process of developing, testing and deploying software.
Regression testing is an important aspect of these procedures because it aids in the detection of faults early in the development cycle.
Why is Regression Testing Important in Agile Development?
In an agile framework, the team focuses on sprint-specific features.
However, when the team is working on a specific product, they cannot be expected to consider the dangers that their changes may cause to the entire system.
If coverage is enough, a regression test will reveal sections of the codebase affected by the team’s recent changes.
You should perform regression tests as soon as changes are made, preferably by executing them automatically as part of the build process.
When feedback is received late, the team may have already begun to apply modifications in other sections of the system.
Role Does Regression Testing Play in Agile Development
Regression Testing is essential in Agile Development to ensure the ongoing stability and quality of the software product while it undergoes constant changes and additions.
Here are some crucial points about the function of regression testing in Agile.
- Ensuring Code Stability: Iterations with code updates and new feature additions are frequent in Agile. Regression testing assures that these changes do not have a detrimental impact on previously tested functionality.
- Preventing the Introduction of Defects: Agile teams can detect flaws before they reach production by methodically performing a suite of regression tests. This proactive strategy contributes to the maintenance of excellent software quality.
- Quick Feedback on Changes: Because Agile is iterative, developers make tiny modifications to the codebase on a regular basis. Rapid regression testing gives developers immediate feedback, helping them to detect and correct errors early in the development cycle.
- Validating Existing Functionality: Regression tests ensure that existing features and functionalities are preserved after each cycle. This avoids the unintended introduction of flaws into previously operational portions of the software.
- Continuous Integration: Code updates are regularly incorporated as part of continuous integration, which is encouraged by Agile. Regression testing is crucial for identifying problems with integration and guaranteeing that the merged code operates as intended.
- Maintaining Quality Velocity: Agile teams strive to deliver value at a constant velocity in each sprint. Regression testing helps with this by preventing technological debt and ensuring that each increment is of high quality.
- Automation for Efficiency: Regression test automation is a frequent practice in Agile to guarantee rapid and effective testing. Automated testing contributes to a quick feedback loop that helps the team identify problems early.
- Adapting to change: Even at the end of the development phase, agile is open to revisions of requirements. Regression testing ensures that changes made to the codebase don’t create new problems and that the program still functions reliably.
- Enabling Continuous Improvement: Insights gained from regression testing findings, particularly during retrospectives, aid in continual improvement. Teams may improve their testing procedures and optimize their regression test suites by identifying areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Regression testing, in short, is essential to Agile Development because it supports the iterative and dynamic character of Agile approaches, preserves software quality, and offers a safety net for code modifications.
