Test automation helps in continuously performing the repetitive and tedious tasks associated with certain workflows. In software development, QA management can be held up with redundancies. In order to ensure optimal functionality of the deliverable, these repetitions are important, which is why test automation has become an imperative QA tool. The frequency of releases in the software market these days has made it essential to run tests over and again to make sure that changes to software applications do not impact the integrity of software functions.

Automated regression testing is a crucial element to improving the quality of software, and having an active strategy in position is a great way to reduce software bugs all through the software development lifecycle. Regression testing is the method of verifying that the bugs are fixed, and the recently added features are not creating any problem in the old working version of the software. When a new build is available for verification, testers perform functional testing.

Regression test should be an integral part of the release cycle and should be considered during test estimation. Regression testing is usually performed after new functionality is added or verification of changes. However, sometimes if the release takes months to complete, regression testing should be incorporated into daily test cycle. For weekly releases, regression tests must be performed when functional testing is concluded for the changes.

Challenges associated with automated regression testing

In spite of all the advantages, automating regression tests has its challenges. Let’s have a look at the three most common obstructions.

  1. Incomplete regression test plan: One of the significant things to understand about regression testing is that it works best while running often and early during the sprint. It is because running them late in the development cycle may produce unfavorable test results. For decreased deadlines, automated incremental regression testing uncovers many more defects than were initially assumed. Regression testing also discovers bugs that arise from new fixes.
  2. Communication failures: Communication failures are the morasses of the software development world, especially when it comes to managing defect trends and regression testing. Defects should be addressed quickly, which means they should be brought to developers’ attention as soon as they are discovered. Testers and developers need to be on the same page regarding automated test results. A failure in communication can inundate development with delays resulting in misunderstandings of processes and roles.
  3. Lack of responsiveness: Frequent testing is critical to successful deployment. Continuous automated testing goes further to provide precision metrics that cover the unavoidable complexities of versioning, development, and updates in the software projects. However, with impending deadlines and pressure from the management, important testing is incomplete or postponed at times.

Automated regression tests certainly have the capability to improve the quality of software, particularly with an agile testing solution that helps in making tests easy to execute, create, and monitor. QA teams that overcome these pitfalls are in the position to validate and verify software functionality and quality.