Regression testing is an essential part of software development since it ensures that recent modifications or updates to an application do not result in unanticipated problems or impair previously functioning features. Regression tests can be automated using Selenium, a popular open-source technology. Selenium helps testers save time and effort while assuring reliable test execution by automating repetitive test cases. A few requirements must be met before utilizing Selenium to run regression tests.
This article will give you valuable insights, advice, and best practices for utilizing Selenium to do thorough regression tests, regardless of your level of testing expertise. To learn Selenium regression testing, let’s get started.
Regression testing: Why Do It?
Regression testing strives to maintain the dependability and quality of a software program throughout its lifecycle. Regression testing is one of the key techniques in software development. The possibility of adding new bugs or accidentally reducing existing capabilities rises as the software develops and changes. Regression testing helps to lower this risk by ensuring that previously functional capabilities continue to perform as intended after changes or upgrades.
Finding and catching any unfavorable side effects or regressions that might have been caused throughout the development process is one of the main goals of regression testing. It assists in identifying faults or problems that may have escaped notice during original testing or been introduced due to program updates.
By executing regression tests, developers may ensure the system functions as intended, and that crucial functionality has not been compromised. This kind of testing can ensure that any software updates, bug fixes, or other enhancements don’t negatively affect the functioning and performance of the application as a whole.
Understanding Selenium
Selenium is a web-based framework for automated testing. It helps automate functional and regression test cases, reducing the manual testing required. Many test cases are often included in regression suites, and running each one takes time and effort after a change has been made. Therefore, nearly every company considers automating regression test cases. The application, technology used, testing specifications, and skill sets needed for automation testing all influence the best automation framework or solution.
The four parts that makeup Selenium are the Selenium Webdriver, Selenium IDE, Selenium RC, and Selenium Grid. These are employed in many testing techniques.
Regression Testing with Selenium: An Overview
Regression testing assures that changes or updates to an application won’t create new bugs or alter existing functionality, making it a crucial phase in the software development process. Regression test automation is made possible by the well-known open-source program Selenium. Selenium automates repetitious test cases to improve test accuracy and save testers time.
Some of these include creating a test environment, installing Selenium WebDriver, choosing an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), mastering a programming language, understanding the application, collecting test data, identifying and documenting test cases, managing test data, using version control, and developing a framework for test execution. Testing experts can provide a solid foundation for effective Selenium regression testing by meeting these criteria.
Prerequisite For Regression Testing With Selenium
Selenium regression testing should only be run once several conditions have been satisfied. These specifications help create a trustworthy and effective testing environment. The criteria for performing regression testing with Selenium are listed below:
- Establish a testing environment: The environment should closely replicate the setting in which the program is used in real-world circumstances. The operating system, web browsers, and any other essential software must all be installed as part of this process.
- Selenium WebDriver: It is the primary program for automating browser interactions; it must be installed. You can command and communicate with web components thanks to the WebDriver, which links the test scripts and the web browser.
- Integrated Development Environment: The programming language that Selenium will use should be supported by the integrated development environment (IDE) that is chosen and set up. Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and Visual Studio Code are some of the best choices. The IDE provides a programming environment with resources like code suggestions, debugging possibilities, and assistance with test execution.
- Knowledge of a Programming Language: Get familiar with the language Selenium will be written in. Java, Python, C#, or JavaScript are the most popular options. Creating reliable and maintainable test scripts will be simpler if you are familiar with the programming language.
- Application Under Evaluation: Become well-versed in the details of the application you’ll be assessing. This entails comprehending its operation, typical user behavior, and any prospective areas that modifications or improvements might affect. It’s crucial to identify significant areas that call for regression testing.
- Test Data Preparation: The test data used in the regression testing should be prepared. Specific situations, inputs, and expected outcomes must be defined to do this. A variety of situations, edge cases, and boundary conditions should be included in the test data; therefore, make sure to collect the necessary test data.
- Identification of Test Cases: The test cases included in the regression test suite should be identified. These test scenarios should include all significant new features and adjustments. It is essential to have a large collection of test cases to accomplish sufficient test coverage.
- Test Case Documentation: Test case documentation should be organized and comprehensible. This documentation should contain all the names, descriptions, preconditions, steps, predicted results, and any extra details needed to execute the test cases correctly.
- Test Data Management: Implement policies for handling test data, including gathering, updating, and cleaning up data. Depending on the application’s complexity, managing test data may include setting up test databases, establishing data-generating tools, or employing APIs.
- Version Control: To effectively organize and track changes to your test scripts, use a version control system like Git. With version control, you can communicate with other team members, track different iterations of your test scripts, and undo changes as necessary.
- Test Execution Framework: Establish a framework for test execution that provides a systematic way to conduct regression tests. Regression testing is more efficient and controllable because of features like test parallelization, test configuration management, and test result reporting offered by frameworks like TestNG or JUnit.
Create a solid foundation for using Selenium to perform regression testing by satisfying these conditions. Assuring a stable testing environment and simplifying the execution of regression test cases ultimately results in higher test coverage and more trustworthy software releases.
How to Run Selenium Regression Tests?
Software testing must include regression testing using Selenium. Learn how to perform these tests effectively to ensure your web applications are high-quality and stable.
- Create a test data cleansing procedure: It’s crucial to ensure that the test data used for regression testing doesn’t interfere with the application’s normal functionality. Put cleanup processes in place to remove or reset any data created or modified while the test ran.
- Utilize the test scripts: To run the regression test scripts, use Selenium WebDriver. This can be done locally on the developer workstation or a specialized testing environment, depending on how the project is set up.
- Monitor test execution: Keep a close watch on the progression and status of the regression tests as the tests are being run. Keep track of issues, errors, or unusual behaviors during execution for later investigation and troubleshooting.
- Analyze test results: Examine the test results to look for any mistakes or abnormalities after completing the regression tests. Contrast the actual results with the expected results listed in the test scripts. Verify whether the program is operating as intended after any upgrades or modifications.
- Debug and fix issues: If there are mistakes or unexpected results, look at the test scripts and application to identify the root causes. Rerun the regression tests to confirm that the improvements were effective, correct any errors or failures, and modify the test scripts as necessary.
- Create test reports: Produce complete test reports describing the performance of regression tests, including details on the test cases that were run, their pass/fail status, any issues found, and the overall test coverage. These publications’ content is valuable for stakeholders and upcoming studies.
- Repeat the procedure: Repetition is required since regression testing is continuous; thus, it must be done repeatedly whenever the program is changed. As new features or fixes are implemented, the regression test suite should be updated, the tests should be run once more, and the application should be stable and error-free.
Best Practices for Regression Testing WIth Selenium
When performing regression testing with Selenium, recommended practices must be followed to ensure quick and successful test execution. The following are examples of best practices for Selenium regression testing:
- Selective Test Case Execution: Select the test cases that must be executed with high priority for regression testing. Prioritize the test cases that cover crucial components and areas that have experienced recent changes. This expedites the process and enhances testing efforts.
- Test Data Management: Organize test data management—separate test data and test scripts to ensure reusability. Test several scenarios and input changes using data-driven testing methodologies.
- Stability of the Testing Environment: Keep the testing environment stable to minimize false positives and unexpected test failures. Routinely update browsers, drivers, and dependencies to keep up with the production environment.
- Version Control: Use a version control system to organize test scripts and keep track of changes efficiently. This makes it feasible for collaboration, change reversal, and traceability.
- Reusability and Modularity: Write reusable and modular test scripts. Use functions or classes to bundle features like log-in or navigation commonly used across test cases.
- Reporting Test Results: Write exhaustive test reports that provide a clear picture of the results of test execution. Include relevant information, such as the test case’s status, a justification for the failure, screenshots, and logs. This makes troubleshooting and problem identification easier.
- Test Automation Framework: Implement a test automation framework that provides a uniform procedure for regression testing. TestNG or JUnit offer features like test configuration management, parallel test execution, and test result aggregation.
- Regression Testing: For routine and automatic execution, regression tests should be linked to a continuous integration (CI) system. The automated activation of regression tests after each code change promotes early issue detection.
- Regular Upkeep: Regularly review and update test cases to keep the regression test suite current. Add new test cases per the application’s changing requirements, and remove old or redundant ones.
- Collaboration and Communication: Encourage productive teamwork and communication. To guarantee alignment and effective problem-solving, regression testing issues and results should be routinely communicated to stakeholders, developers, and other testers.
Streamlining Selenium Regression Testing with LambdaTest
LambdaTest is a cloud-based testing tool that provides you extensive support across 3000+ browsers and operating systems. It allows quality testing professionals to run Selenium WebDriver tests effectively.
From access to a large pool of real browsers and devices, parallel testing capabilities, screenshot comparison to easy integration with CI/CD pipelines, LambdaTest has become a popular tool to enable more efficient regression testing.
Wrapping Up
Regression testing using Selenium is a vital part of software development since it ensures the stability and integrity of an application after changes or upgrades. By following the thorough instructions on regression testing with Selenium, you can create a solid foundation for carrying out effective tests. Every stage of a complete and efficient testing process—from creating the test environment and installing the necessary tools to choosing test cases, creating test scripts, and executing tests—contributes to the process’ thoroughness and effectiveness.
By employing best practices, including selective test case execution, test data management, and routine maintenance, regression tests’ reliability, and correctness are also enhanced. Using Selenium, testers can automate time-consuming test cases, save time, and improve test coverage. By identifying and fixing any potential regressions or flaws through rigorous planning, execution, and analysis, regression testing using Selenium helps produce high-quality software.
