Ensuring Software Stability: A Guide to Effective Regression Testing in Manual Testing

The tech evolution’s last decider is regression testing in manual testing. Its job is to evaluate the effects of format changes and conduct a lookup operation on any unintentionally generated flaws during development.

Significantly, various manual and automated approaches may be used to do the evaluation process when you employ software regression testing services, each of which has its advantages. We are all aware that automation produces efficiency. Manual testing, in contrast, to hand, benefits from human creativity and attention to detail.

 

What is regression testing in manual testing?

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Manual debugging is the strictest type of safety testing you can carry out before moving on to the next phase of your app’s journey toward the end user. To turn manual regression screening from an expensive annoyance to a useful tool in your larger Framework, you’ll also need the skills and knowledge of quality assurance professionals.

When software regression testing services employed update or modify their work, the results could be shocking. In software testing, regression testing involves examining a system that has already been launched to ensure that no functionality has been affected due to a change or update. Its goal is to find faults that could have unintentionally made it into a new release or launch version while also keeping in mind that problems that have already been fixed need to be fixed.

The only way to ensure that any new modification to a program hasn’t caused regression or rendered previously functional features inoperable is to rerun the test cases that were first created when detected problems were first addressed. Smaller projects might allow for the direct execution of these tests, but for larger projects, a test automation tool is typically required because it is typically both time-consuming and difficult to consider running a set of tests repeatedly every time an improvement is made.

 

What Are Regression Testing Strategies?

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The testing process typically lacks a standard operating procedure. However, a QA inspector should be knowledgeable about a variety of fundamental software regression testing approaches.

 

Step 1: Assortment of Regression Tests

As the name implies, users choose the test data that needs to be manually retested. Since it depends on the portion of the testing method you choose to use and where the raw data has changed during the testing process, we will only run a portion of the test suite.

After that, the test results are categorized as either repeatable or outdated. Reusable ones will be used in the following correction rounds, while out-of-date ones won’t be taken into consideration in further testing cycles.

 

Step 2: Calculate the duration for running test cases.

Calculating how long it will take to run each test scenario is the next step. Thus, early preparation for testing by the quality assurance team, creation of the testing dataset, evaluation of all test scenarios, and other factors are required since they can all affect how long the project takes to accomplish.

 

Step 3: Determine which test cases can be automated or done manually

The quality assurance team can choose which test scenarios to automate and which ones to not based on the outcomes of the testing performed in this stage. Test automation scenarios are more efficient than manual methods and allow you to reuse the same code over and over again. Separate the test cases into two categories: manual test cases and automated test cases.

 

Step 4: Prioritization of Test Cases

This collection’s test scenarios can be rated as strong, moderate, or low. Based on this assessment, you would run the high test cases first, followed by the mild and average test cases, and so on. The architecture of the system and the level of user involvement will determine how significant something is.

 

Step 5: carrying out test cases

It takes time to run through each test scenario on your own and evaluate how well the item performs during manual testing. Depending on your requirements, you may choose between automatic and manual testing. Functional and non-functional technologies like Selenium, QTP, Watir, etc. can speed up the execution of automation testing scenarios.

 

When Should The Strategies For Regression Testing In Manual Testing Be Used?

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Regression testing methods are required under the following conditions:

  1. Once the current script has been modified to include the new features.
  2. Each time a patch fix is released
  3. Whenever security updates are released
  4. Whenever a change to the script configuration is made
  5. Once issues with the software architecture are fixed
  6. Every time the raw code optimization method is put into practice.
  7. If an issue with inefficiency materializes

 When a problem is found, trying to correct it could cause more vulnerabilities to arise that, if left unattended, might be fatal to the software. Despite their challenges, regression tests have to be run as frequently as feasible. By doing this, an update is shielded from unfavorable long-term effects.

 

Types of Regression Tests

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Regression testing may be carried out in a variety of methods in software engineering. Among the several types of regression tests are:

 

1. Retest-all Regression Testing

Simply running a fresh test against the script is all that is necessary for this approach. This kind of examination is exhaustive. It often happens when something seems to have disappeared. Although this kind of continuity testing produces more satisfying results, its thoroughness also makes it quite expensive.

 

2. Corrective Regression Testing

The testing procedure in this circumstance is simple. The main goal of this method is to examine regression even in cases where the script hasn’t changed. In this type of assessment, the test may be run using predefined test cases.

 

3. Selective regression test

With this approach, a smaller selection of instances from a larger collection is chosen to evaluate a particular afflicted code section. This approach looks at the potential effects of new code on the current script.

 

4. Progressive Regression Testing

Such software regression testing takes place after the release of new changes. Instead of using old test data, this type of testing phase employs current test data. This kind of examination ensures that the most recent iteration fixes all significant flaws from the prior one.

 

5. Partial Regression Testing

Using the present test scenarios, an incomplete testing strategy mainly examines how a new set of instructions would affect an already-existing data set. It is used to make sure that a piece of software keeps working the way it did before recent modifications.

 

6. Complete Regression Testing

A comprehensive regression test is run when a software application has undergone several modifications. If significant operational adjustments are necessary to enhance the functionality of the script, it is carried out. When the root script has been altered, it typically happens.

 

7. Unit Regression Testing

The script is examined holistically throughout this sort of testing technique. With this approach, it is necessary to keep away from any existing variables and connections when running the test.

 

FAQs

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Are regression tests performed by manual testers?

Manual or automation testing is available in regression screening. Smaller numbers of test scenarios may be directly managed more quickly. Automation testing is the best option, nevertheless, if the quantity of regression test scenarios is large. Here, the regression combinatorial test automation is the main objective.

 

Is Testing for regression part of QA?

Your online platform’s technology and programming are extremely sensitive, and even the smallest changes might have unanticipated effects. In program Assurance, regression testing refers to evaluating the program after a production cycle to make sure that current functionality hasn’t been negatively impacted.

 

Does UAT include regression testing?

UAT is not as closely related to the product’s overall functionality as regression testing in manual testing is. Before UAT, the company finished, tested, and approved all additional functionality. Will the client be competent or even willing to desire to employ the item? is the problem that UAT aims to address.

 

Conclusion

Your defense against the risks of modifications made during the creation of an app is regression testing in manual testing. There’s no way to escape the practice of this testing because producing solutions for market use would always involves advancement and innovation.

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Sanju March 4, 2023 0 Comments

Performance Testing Methodology for Cloud-Based Applications

Ever since the digital world tasted cloud technology, things have never been the same. From the convenience of data storage to the extraordinary accessibility that comes with cloud-based frameworks, the deployment and monitoring of applications have never been so easy. 

Simply putting it into words, the cloud offers an infinite resource pool offering the best in computing, networking, storage, and all that is vital to scale business applications of the future. Nevertheless, it is still necessary to check the performance of the cloud-based applications in order to sustain value and foster a perfect end-user experience.  

The primary reason why performance testing is done for cloud-based applications is to ensure all the functional and non-functional aspects are aligned to work properly. More importantly, it allows testers to create a cloud-based solution that is designed to work seamlessly for all the expected load and designated operations.  

In this blog, we will discuss the overall methodology for performance testing on cloud-based applications. But before we dive into the process, the blog will guide you through the benefits of cloud performance testing and other essentials that can help underline the importance of performance testing for cloud-based applications.  

 

Let’s begin! 

 

Cloud Performance Testing: Why Is It Needed? 

Cloud performance testing is meant to check on three significant factors. These include Speed, Scalability, and Stability. It helps to ensure the application responds quickly, handles the load well, and works smoothly across any given condition.  

In other words, the objective behind performance testing services is to eliminate performance bottlenecks and not to locate any bugs or glitches. The inability to work on performance testing could make an application experience speed and load issues when used simultaneously by multiple users.

Moreover, it can even lead to inconsistencies on different devices or operating systems causing usability issues like constant downtime and cost-related concerns.

 

Benefits Of Cloud Performance Testing 

Unlike other testing-related activities, cloud testing is an easy operation and can easily be configured. Some of the benefits associated with cloud testing include: 

 

Cost Reduction 

Cloud testing allows budget control as it does not require testers or the developers to invest in installation setup or maintenance of any hardware components.  

 

Scalability 

The next big benefit of cloud performance testing is no investment is required in software or hardware when working on scalability goals and fetching maximized performance. Cloud performance testing enables users to access resources from any device with just a working internet connection. 

 

Flexibility 

Cloud testing for tracking the performance of an application can be done from any location. Be it global scaling or testing from a remote location, cloud performance testing offers great geographical flexibility.  

 

Platform Diversity 

Another significant advantage of cloud performance testing is the diversity it brings within the network environment. From handling multiple requests to using different platforms, cloud performance testing is suitable for every hybrid work environment where customization is needed.  

 

Consistent Quality 

Cloud testing programs are embedded with standardized and pre-configured software that allows immediate rectification of issues for necessary efficiency and quality outcomes.

  

Cloud Performance Testing Vs In-house Testing 

Conventionally, performance testing was a labor-intensive task that needed access to massive resources and dynamic infrastructure. However, the struggle to keep up with the changing business models and advanced infrastructure made the organizations move out from in-house applications to cloud.  

The cloud-based testing as a process was an entirely different approach compared to in-house testing. It aims at metrics such as system latency and throughput that come from the changing number of users accessing an application. Besides, cloud testing works on different load profiles and performance metrics.  

Also, elasticity is another major factor surrounding cloud infrastructure that defines the cloud’s ability to deal with varying loads. It means the convenience of adding or removing resources in a live setup. Moreover, cloud setup even allows you to work on availability, fault tolerance, reliability, and scalability factors within the infrastructure.  

In a nutshell, a cloud-based performance testing environment allows you to achieve maximum performance in a cost-effective manner with easy scaling and simulation for concurrent users accessing the application from diverse geographical locations.  

 

Cloud Performance Testing Methodologies 

When aiming at cloud performance testing, testers need to aim at multiple kinds of performance tests to yield optimum results. It usually begins with load testing followed by stress testing, latency tests, browser tests, targeted infrastructure tests, failover tests, capacity tests, and soak testing. 

Besides, the process is divided into two major segments i.e. functional and non-functional testing. While functional testing aims at testing every function of the application in context to the requirements and specifications, it is usually not concerned with source code. Rather the process involves testing functionality with appropriate test input, expected output, and comparison of expected output to original output.  

On the other hand, non-functional testing allows you to test the system readiness against the non-functional parameters of the applications that are not covered during functional testing.  

Since working on cloud-based testing is a complex process, once all the tests’ requirements and goals related to the test process are defined, here are different cloud test methodologies that are leveraged depending on their use:  

  1. Testing The Entire Cloud: Under this, the cloud is considered as a whole entity that takes account of all the features it offers. 
  2. Testing Within The Cloud: It works by assessing the internal features of the cloud based on which testing is pursued. 
  3. Testing Across Clouds: Based on test specifications, it is carried on different kinds of clouds like private, public, or hybrid.
  4. SaaS Testing The Cloud: Based on function and non-functional test requirements on the cloud, SaaS testing is done.

 

Cloud Performance Testing: Defining The Process 

Since every organization based on its needs opts for different methodology, the objective behind performance testing is always the same. It begins with meeting the pre-defined criteria, comparing the two systems I.e. actual and expected, and identifying the aspects of system that can degrade performance.  

Here is the step-by-step guide to the performance testing process that any organization needs to master in order to create high-performing applications:  

 

Getting Familiar With The Testing Environment 

The first step to performance testing begins with knowing your physical test environment. This includes developing an understanding of the production environment as well as tools available within the infrastructure. Besides, you must aim to understand hardware and software along with network configurations before you begin the test process. It helps to create more efficient test processes and locate any challenges that you may encounter during the performance testing at the earliest.  

 

Understand The Performance Acceptance Criteria 

The next step to performance testing needs to identify goals and constraints related to throughput, resource allocation, and response time. This stage even involves analyzing all the criteria outside these defined goals to locate any constraints. The information developed then can be used to establish performance criteria outside the project specifications for maximum coverage. At times, the testers are likely to find no additional benchmarks and therefore could consider other available applications to compare the performance goals.  

 

Planning & Designing Tests 

The planning and designing stage involves determining how usage varies for end users and therefore key scenarios for all possible use cases. It not only allows simulating the end user’s perspective but even helps to plan the performance data for maximum efficiency taking access to other metrics beyond the defined test outline.  

 

Test Environment Configuration 

At this stage, testers work on preparing the test environment before execution while arranging tools and other resources that can help improve the overall outcome.  

 

Test Design Implementation 

Based on the test design, testers along with developers work on creating the performance tests to take it forward towards implementation.  

 

Running The Tests 

After implementation, testers aim at executing and monitoring the tests by running the defined and developed test scenarios.  

 

Retune & Retest 

Once the test is executed, the data attained is consolidated. The results obtained are then analyzed to identify any scope of fine-tuning the tests for any performance gaps or improvements. As improvements grow smaller with every improvement and retesting, the process stops when no bottlenecks are shown by the system. At this stage, you are likely to be left with issues caused by CPU which might need advancing the power of CPU.  

 

The Crux 

Most of the time, testers who are working on cloud performance testing end up with the question that what is the right amount of testing for any given application? However, the reality is there is no such magic number that can tell you how often you must test the system. The number of times you need to test a system varies for every organization based on their application, their approach, and their needs.  

As the process could involve extensive costs, most organizations usually curb the process to save expenses on time and resources. Therefore, cloud performance testing should be leveraged appropriately to align well with the client’s goals without allowing the time or budget to take a toll. Once you are sure of the end results you need to achieve and have a sound test plan in place, cloud performance testing can take you miles ahead on your digital journey.  

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Sanju August 8, 2022 0 Comments