functional vs regression testing

Any software cannot run in a completely similar way all the time. Software development activity is always a part of it, where small and substantial changes continue in different phases.

Reinventing products with new features and functions is the only way to sustain in today’s business environment and meet the emerging requirement of the market. Software change brings reinvention.

These changes sometimes affect the functioning and performance of the software. Hence, to avoid any malfunctioning because of the modification and update to the code, regression testing is performed.

Regression testing tools detect any bugs that are caused because of the new changes applied. The old version of the software is tested in the latest version and then compared to see the response of the software’s capabilities in terms of the old functionalities.

Why do you Need Regression Testing?

Regression testing tools develop the software applications by changing, adding, and eliminating any existing features or functions. For example:

Adding a new feature:

When a software application is downloaded, it allows the user to log in through their email credentials.
However, the new feature also allows you to log in through Facebook. Here, regression testing comes into the picture and checks if the old log-in with email credentials works accurately or not.

2. Change Requirements and defects are fixed:

You log in through user id and password; however, the password option is removed from the first page for faster and straightforward login, this is a change that is executed.
While logging in, if the login button pops up an error, the developers resolve the issue. Post that, the automation regression testing is executed to check the fixed log-in functionalities.

3. Resolving operating issues:

If the software application is slower while operating, a few codes are modified, and the load time is decreased, let’s say from 7 seconds to 3 seconds. This may affect the software and create glitches in the functionalities.
Here again, regression testing tools are executed to check any issue disturbing the operation and performance of the software.

How to Select Regression Testing Tools for Web Applications?

Once you are sure enough about the duration and the opportunity of the project and you see there is a requirement of upfront efforts to execute automation, you must choose the best regression testing tools that comprise the following features.

User-friendly tools anyone can use, a non-technical person can also pull off the test
Uninterrupted integration of TFS DevOps incorporation that includes builds and deployments
Capable of managing the entire QA process, from test creation to comprehensive reporting
A tool that works efficiently in multiple environments, multiple browsers, and multiple platforms and servers
The tool should provide keyword and facts-driven testing

Along with the above properties, it is also imperative that the tool is reliable, scalable, and easy to maintain. Continuous technical support where 24*7 customer service is available. Regression testing tools are full of conceptualization and logic and are community-based.

Things to Consider While Using the Automated Regression Testing Tools:

Planning and targeting the QA strategy is a must. Once you have identified the correct tool to optimize the QA procedure, create sufficient time in the product and service’s life process, and find out where the QA fits most appropriately.
It is to check if the automated regression testing tools can test every story and if yes, then what kind of approach is required.
Identifying those test cases that need an update, modification and automation is the critical aspect and is the most essential at the same time.
In those activities where a lot of manual intervention is required, there the chances of human error increase and are time-consuming. Hence, after finding out those kinds of areas where the manual work gets complex to perform, automation is implemented to make the work easier.
Early and regular testing is the effective way. When regular testing happens, it detects the bugs at an early stage, and the impact on the project decreases. Prevention is always better than cure.
Also, if the bugs are detected early, they consumed less time while fixed. The cost of resolving the issue also decreases compared to discovering a bug at the time of production deployment.
Incorporating a QA and development team together makes the work easier. When the Automation and development team work collectively, the process becomes more seamless to achieve the target within the expected time.
It also eliminates any miscommunication leading to an increase in the efficiency of the individuals, and the entire development cycle works effortlessly under close monitoring.
Building standard quality test data is another significant function. Once the testing is executed and the outcome is up to the mark, using an external data source to check the reliability of automated tests, whether they are reusable and easy to care for or maintain, is essential. To add various test cases and scenarios, files are extended.
Implementing tests considering UI resistant change factors. It means establishing the tests that are not reliable on location-based coordinates, where to find an object, unique names are not mandatory to provide for various control sections.
That means the testing is not dependent and limited to any particular data and cannot be collapsed because of any UI change. This way, a stable script is built that works.

regression testing tools

Regression Testing Tools with Features, Pros, Cons, and Price:

1. SELENIUM:

Selenium is one of the most in-demand tools for regression testing that provides a single interface where the test scripts are composed in various programming languages like Python, Java, PHP, C#, etc.

It is an open-source industry-standard tool used to automate website browsers. It is a collection of various tools altogether. Jason Huggins, an engineer by profession, introduced it in 2004.

Features of SELENIUM:

Usability: Anyone who wants to develop the state of their web page can use it.
Multiple Browsers: Supports different browsers like google chrome, opera, edge, Firefox, etc
User friendly: Anyone can launch any browser with a few simple commands and navigation
Multiple language support: One can write test scripts in various languages
No Server Installation: It directly interacts with the browser, and so, it requires no extra server installation
Fast execution: It directly connects with the browser making the execution faster
Parallel Test: One can execute parallel testing leading to efficient tests in less time

Pros of SELENIUM:

Selenium uses fewer tools to perform the testing automation
It integrates uninterrupted integration and incessant delivery
Selenium can automate unit testing, regression testing, automated browser testing
It is widely used for developing the web domain
Selenium is portable and open-source and can be downloaded from its official website

Cons of SELENIUM:

Only compatible with web application testing
Mobile automation is not possible through Selenium
It does not automate Captcha or barcodes
No inbuilt reporting function
It is inaccurate with dynamic pages
Cannot test the images
High skills needed to perform automation
Dependency is on Cucumber for reporting purposes

Cost: Selenium is an expensive tool compared to the value it provides. The cost of one user is $2,800. With an extra $850, you can add further machines and users.

2. IBM RATIONAL FUNCTIONAL TESTER:

IBM Rational Functional Tester is an automated regression testing tools that offer data-driven testing, functional testing, and GUI testing. It improves the testing quality.

It supports a wide range of web-based and desktop automated testing applications such as Adobe, AJAX, Flex, SAP, SIEBEL, Net JAVA, DOJO, etc. It is fundamentally used by the Quality Assurance people who execute visual regression testing tools.

Features of IBM RATIONAL FUNCTIONAL TESTER:

Visual editing Software: The testers can use the screenshots to understand the flow of the test and can edit actions without even reading and writing the codes of the test script.
Up-to-date Script Assure: One of the unique features of ScriptAssure technology allows the testers to deal with regular user interface issues. It also diminishes the maintenance overhead.
Before-time data detection: This rational functional tester automatically records data during test recording. It gives data-driven output.
Incorporate with other software: IBM Rational Functional tester provides IBM Jazz through which other software can collaborate and perform testing.
Test Script: You can either choose visual basic .Net or Java for your test scripts. Java works fine on the Eclipse Java editor, whereas visual basic net is best for the visual studio.

Pros of IBM RATIONAL FUNCTIONAL TESTER::

We can track the real-time performance of testing metrics
Trouble-free parameterization of test data
A test schedule option is available to check the performance from time to time
Server Resource Monitoring
Reports are extracted in HTML Reports

Cons of IBM RATIONAL FUNCTIONAL TESTER::

Gaining a license is a little expensive
The application overtakes a lot of memory from the system
Customized scripting becomes difficult at times
UI and user experience still require attention

3. MICRO FOCUS UNIFIED FUNCTIONAL TESTING (UFT):

MICRO FOCUS UNIFIED FUNCTIONAL TESTING (UFT) formerly known as QuickTest Professional. It is a software specialized in functional and automated regression testing tools for various applications.

It supports a Keyword interface and scripting graphical user interface. It deals with Visual basic script language. The testers can perform testing for all the three levels, such as the interface, service layer, and database layer.

Features of MICRO FOCUS UNIFIED FUNCTIONAL TESTING (UFT):

Enterprise-grade AI: AI boosts high speed and efficiency and reduces time to create tests, and expands the capability of testing
Multi-platform experience: Supports distinct languages, platforms, devices and delivers high quality across browsers, devices, and platforms
Integrates with tools: It integrates and collaborates easily with other tools across the lifecycle and improves the testing resilience
Hassle-free device management: With its simple device and emulators, it makes the testing efficient and flexible.

Pros of MICRO FOCUS UNIFIED FUNCTIONAL TESTING (UFT):

No need to write the codes. It can write on its own
Software is not cumbersome and is simple to use
It is not expensive compared to other automated regression testing tools
User-friendly tool
Integration with other products is seamless

Cons of MICRO FOCUS UNIFIED FUNCTIONAL TESTING (UFT):

The remote machine needs to be on throughout the test run, or else it leads to instability
Programming expertise is needed to write scripts. Not everyone can use
Integration with other tools is an expensive exercise
Licensing is very costly

4. SAHI PRO:

Sahi Pro is an open-source regression testing software used for automation, compatible with web applications, mobile applications, and desktops. Those who wish for rapid and worthy automation choose Sahi Pro.

Features of SAHI PRO:

Straightforward and influential APIs: Sahi Pro effortlessly identifies elements, works fine with databases and files, and interacts with web, desktop, and mobile devices.
Automatic Waits: The application performs the testing in no time. It eliminates the wait statement. The tests remain stable and do not fail because of timing issues.
Robust object identification: It identifies the components across technologies. Object spy and recorder guess the exact characters from scripting.
Business-driven test: It is a business-driven test automation structure. You can integrate thousands of scripts in a suite file, and it will execute the testing parallelly in one system.
Complete Log Storage: All logs are stored in the database, from summaries to comprehensive lines of script failure in code. It provides end-to-end reporting.

Pros of SAHI PRO:

Simple spreadsheets interface are used for organizing scripts for automation
In just one click, the automation suite is built
One can save up to 70% time on executing the test scripts, saving time
Failure can also be tracked in just one click
No programmers are required, so, anyone can do the regression testing
You can automate anything without changing anything
Easiest integration experience
They offer free trials

Cons of SAHI PRO:

Customer support is not that efficient during US hours
Though it works in numerous languages, the base is Javascript
The visibility is not yet in the mass

Cost: The per month cost is $58.00

5. WATIR:

WATIR is an automation testing software for web browsers based on Ruby Library. It is pronounced as ‘Water’. It is purely dependent on the Ruby language. Ruby language helps Watir to connect through databases, files, and other elements. It also helps in exporting XML functionalities. Cross-browser testing is available. Integration of various tools and systems is seamless.

Features of WATIR:

Free Open-Source: Watir is a free and open-source regression testing tools
It is popular in the emerging community of professionals and individuals
It uses the Ruby language and does not depend on any sole vendor script
It can furnish support to multiple browsers on different platforms

Pros of WATIR:

Watir is based on an advanced Ruby library
It has an affluent API
Operating is trouble-free, and even non-technical people can also use
It automatically waits until the page completes loading
The testing is straightforward
Multiple browsers can be supported

Cons of WATIR:

Learning Ruby language is mandatory
To operate each browser, a distinct library is required

Cost: Free of cost

6. TEST COMPLETE:

TestComplete is a visual regression testing tool that is easy to use. It carries out distinct languages for scripts, such as C++, C#, Javascript, Python, etc. Dominantly the testing is performed through visual recognition and blending objects.

It contains the option of record and replay which is very helpful in terms of creating the automated UI Tests. This tool is compatible with various web browsers, configurations, and OS.

Features of TEST COMPLETE:

Visual recognition Engine: TestComplete helps in identifying the dynamic UI components with property-based and visual recognition.
Data-driven test: It gives data-oriented test results where you can separate data from test commands easily.
Automated reports: Live status and progress of the test are available in automated test reports and analysis.
Single interface: With a single interface, you can perform testing on desktop, web, and mobile.
Keyword-oriented test: You can easily separate the steps of the test, action taken, objects and data because of the keyword-inbuilt framework.

Pros of TEST COMPLETE:

TestComplete offers free training and support
The automated UI tests it performs are reusable
Provides cross-browser and multiple device testing along with parallel testing
The software is easy to use, and no specific expertise is required
Vigorous object identification engine
Suitable for uninterrupted testing
Live access to the newest devices, resolutions, webs, operating systems

Cons of TEST COMPLETE:

Sorting folders is not easy
Documents format work is not compatible
The latest versions are slower
GIT integration is missing

Cost: $2,256 per licensing is the starting price

7. SILK TEST:

Silk Test is a functional and regression testing tools used for the automation purpose of enterprise applications. It deals with object-based execution. A wide range of technologies can be tested through this software, such as Mobile, Java, DOM, Firefox, and many more.

Features of SILK TEST:

Wizard-Driven: SilkTest has the wizard set up. It is the user interface that presents dialog boxes with the testing steps.
Customized error recovery: It has an in-built error recovery process that is customizable.
Multiple characteristics: It provides workflows for recorded tests, workflows for connecting test cases, or any content of test data
Animated mode: SilkTest offers an animated run mode through which test scripts can be replayed.

Pros of SILK TEST:

Compatible with web testing, mobile, enterprise applications, SAP, Oracle, etc
Accelerates the functional and regression testing automation
Uninterrupted testing can be continued
Testing can be performed on multiple browsers and platforms
Anyone can use the software. No particular expertise or skill needed
One of the strongest visual regression testing tools for automation analysis
SilkTest offers speed and flexibility that helps in rapid changes in application

Cons of SILK TEST:

Installation and configuration are a little complicated
There are a lot of features available, but no proper guide is placed
There is less community support in terms of other testing tools
The script generated after testing is purely dependent on on-screen positioning

8. TIMESHIFTX:

TimeShiftX is also known as time travel software. Through this software, date stimulation can be achieved. With the help of a virtual clock, the date is shifted to the future or past without changing the system’s clock, and no code editing or server isolation is required. Once the TimeShitX is enabled, it directly takes to the temporal testing page. This way, it saves plenty of time and resources, and you can perform your time-shifting test.

Features of TIMESHIFTX:

Direct time travel: Just enable TimeShitX, and you can time travel in the future and past. No need to change codes, alter the system’s clock, or isolate servers.
Active Directory Harmony: One can safely change the date forward and backdated in the active directory, Kerberos, LDAP, and many other domains.
All Software Compatible: TimeShiftX is compatible with every database and application, such as Java, PeopleSoft, .Net, Microsoft, SQL, Guidewire, SAP, etc

Pros of TIMESHIFTX:

A future dated testing option is there in the existing test environment
No code modification is needed to perform the future date testing
A virtual time layer is created, and it doesn’t affect the system
The granular clock can be created and tested
Unlimited time travel

Cons:

Users often complain about system files and timestamps getting corrupted
Time consuming, active directory and Kerberos limits the software
It is very expensive, and a lot of resources are required

Conclusion:

The main objective of functional regression testing is to determine any discrepancies between old code and new code and if the applied changes are working as per the expectations.

In simple terms, with the help of visual regression testing tools, it is checked whether the foregoing functionality of the application is working effectively and new changes have not affected it or introduced any bugs.

Source: This blog was originally published at https://testgrid.io/blog/beginners-guide-for-automated-regression-testing-tools/

A Guide to Automated Regression Testing Tools: Beginner’s