In the world of software development, there are dozens of tests that must be applied to ensure the proper functioning of the tool. These tests need to be executed in all phases of development. 

Each test has its unique characteristics and pre-established objectives, so that all possible errors and faults are identified and resolved. Among the existing tests are regression testing and progressive testing.

In this content, we will explain everything about regression testing, what it is, its types, why it is important to perform it, and the differences between it and progressive testing. Keep reading to the end to clear any doubts!

What is regression testing?

As mentioned in the introduction of this content, software testing needs to be conducted at every stage of tool development. However, we know that the vast majority of developers only test at the end, unfortunately. 

Regression testing is a test that should be done at a specific point in time. This is because it is used to test software that has undergone updates or code changes after its release. 

The goal of regression testing is to ensure that even after updates, the software continues to function perfectly. During this test, some tests that were performed before the updates are run again. All of this is to ensure the best final result.

What is its importance?

It is essential to perform regression testing whenever software undergoes updates. These updates may be necessary to correct an error identified in a test or to make the tool more comprehensive.

Either way, it's only through regression tests that developers and testers can ensure that the software continues to function without any hindrance or failure. 

When performing regression testing, it is also possible to find errors that went unnoticed in previous tests. Additionally, this test serves as a risk management technique.

Types of regression testing

As we mentioned, there are many types of tests, each specific to a problem found in the software. Therefore, to know which test to perform in the regression test, you need to know which bug you are dealing with.

Among the possible regression tests are:

• All previous tests: Perhaps this is the most common way to perform regression testing. In this case, all tests that have been previously conducted are done again after updates.
• Corrective: corrective regression testing involves testing the existing functionality and the associated test cases. This is undoubtedly the simplest form of regression testing and doesn't require much effort.
• Unit: this test is usually conducted only outside of peak hours because it is done in isolation. Only a single unit of code is tested, while the other interactions, integration, and dependencies are disabled during this period.
• Selective: in this type of test, the impact of the existing code and the effect of the new code are analyzed. Variables are incorporated to obtain faster results without affecting the process.

These are just some of the main regression tests that exist. Below, we will discuss in more detail another type of regression test, the progressive one. Check it out!

What is progressive testing?

Regression tests are meant to ensure that changes to the software haven't adversely affected existing functionalities and haven't disrupted the code in a way that introduces errors and flaws in the tool.

Progressive testing, on the other hand, is the type of application testing that assesses and tests only the new features before they are actually implemented. With this test, it is possible to determine if the new functions are working as expected.

Progressive testing is typically conducted manually by developers and testers, often during the development phase, to identify and address issues as early as possible.

What are the differences between regression and progressive testing?

We hope that it has become clear with this content, the difference between regression testing and progressive testing. To reinforce, the main difference between the two is the timing when each of them is applied.

Regression tests are performed after all updates and changes have been implemented in the software, while progressive testing is done during the development of new features, even before they are officially released.

In this way, it is possible to understand that the two are quite different, with distinct purposes, but still extremely important for software quality. And the best way to use them is together. 

Auditeste offers various types of tests.! Get in touch and learn how to hire the available services!