What is Regression testing in Selenium

Regression testing in Selenium refers to the process of re-executing previously executed test cases or scripts to ensure that the existing functionality of a software application remains unaffected after changes have been made. It focuses on identifying potential regressions or unintended side effects that may have been introduced as a result of modifications, bug fixes, or enhancements in the software.

When changes are made to the application, whether it's adding new features, fixing bugs, or modifying existing functionality, regression testing is performed to validate that the core features and functionalities of the system have not been negatively impacted. It aims to verify that the previously working areas of the software continue to function as intended even after the changes.

Regression testing in Selenium involves running a set of predetermined test cases or scripts, which cover the critical functionalities of the application, on the updated version of the software. By comparing the test results between the previous version and the updated version, any deviations or inconsistencies can be identified and investigated. The goal is to catch and rectify any issues that might have been unintentionally introduced during the development or modification process.

Regression testing plays a vital role in maintaining the overall quality and stability of a software application. It helps ensure that changes made to fix one issue do not create new problems or impact other areas of the software. By repeating the execution of relevant test cases, regression testing provides confidence that the software continues to function as expected and minimizes the risk of regression defects in the application. By obtaining Selenium Certification, you can advance your career in Selenium. With this course, you can demonstrate your expertise in TestNG Framework, Robot Class, Cucumber, and Gherkin to control your automation environment, many more fundamental concepts, and many more critical concepts among others.

Some additional information about regression testing in Selenium:

1. Scope: Regression testing aims to validate the unaffected areas of the software after changes have been made. It focuses on the critical functionalities and areas that are likely to be impacted by modifications or bug fixes. The scope of regression testing may vary based on the specific requirements and priorities of the project.

2. Test Selection: Regression testing involves selecting appropriate test cases or scripts from the existing test suite to be re-executed. Test cases are typically chosen based on their relevance to the modified or affected functionalities. It's important to have a well-designed and comprehensive test suite that covers the essential aspects of the application to ensure effective regression testing.

3. Automation with Selenium: Selenium, being a popular open-source automation framework, is widely used for regression testing. It provides a robust set of tools and libraries for automating web browsers, allowing testers to easily rerun test cases and compare results. Selenium WebDriver, in particular, enables interacting with web elements, performing actions, and asserting expected outcomes during regression testing.

4. Test Environment: Regression testing should be conducted in an environment that closely resembles the production environment to ensure accurate results. This includes using similar hardware, software configurations, databases, and network setups as the live environment. Keeping the test environment consistent helps uncover any environment-specific issues that may affect the application's behavior.

5. Test Data: Regression testing requires reliable and consistent test data to ensure accurate validation of the application. Test data should cover various scenarios and edge cases, including both typical and exceptional scenarios. It's essential to maintain a proper test data management strategy to support effective regression testing.