{"id":59135,"date":"2025-09-09T14:02:13","date_gmt":"2025-09-09T08:32:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techjockey.com\/blog\/?p=59135"},"modified":"2025-09-09T14:02:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T08:32:28","slug":"types-of-regression-tests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.techjockey.com\/blog\/types-of-regression-tests","title":{"rendered":"7 Types of Regression Tests You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
No software product can remain static; it will always evolve with new features. This could include fixing bugs, improving product performance, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, with these changes, there\u2019s a risk that your team could accidentally break some previous features that were working fine. In this situation, regression testing plays a crucial role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s get started with understanding regression testing in detail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regression testing in software engineering is all about re-testing the existing features of a software product after releasing new updates. It\u2019s done to check whether the new features have negatively impacted the previous features or not. If yes, the team has to work again to fix any bugs found during regression testing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a regression testing example: <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s say you own an e-commerce app, and you run a new feature – \u201cBuy 2, Get 1 Free\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You have to use regression testing here to avoid any serious issues like: <\/p>\n\n\n\n With regression testing, all the old features like pricing, checkout, and payment are tested again. This is to make sure that the new change doesn\u2019t break anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, in short, regression testing means confirming that old features still work as expected after new code changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It helps developers and QA teams: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggested Read: 15 Best Open Source Testing Tools List to Choose From<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Regression testing can be performed using several types. It depends on the project size, budget, and timeline. Let\u2019s explain the types of regression testing with examples. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By the name, it says that it performs testing for individual units, such as a function, method, or module, without unifying them into the larger system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it\u2019s performed:<\/strong> Unit Regression Testing Example:<\/strong> Benefits:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drawbacks:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This performs testing whenever the developer adds new code to an existing code. It ensures the newly added part doesn\u2019t negatively impact existing features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it\u2019s performed:<\/strong> Partial Regression Testing Example:<\/strong> Benefits:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drawbacks:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Selective regression testing means running tests on selected use cases related to the changed code and its dependencies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it\u2019s performed:<\/strong> Selective Regression Testing Example:<\/strong> Benefits:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drawbacks:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Used when new features are added or existing specifications change, requiring new test cases alongside old ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it\u2019s performed:<\/strong> Progressive Regression Testing Example:<\/strong> Benefits:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drawbacks:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Applied when no changes are made to the product\u2019s core specs or code, but existing test cases are rerun to verify functionality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it\u2019s performed:<\/strong> Corrective Regression Testing Example:<\/strong> Benefits:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drawbacks:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Used when major code changes occur that could affect the core system. Tests cover the entire application. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it\u2019s performed:<\/strong> Complete Regression Testing Example:<\/strong> Benefits:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drawbacks:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most thorough approach: re-execute all test cases, comparing current outcomes with previous results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it\u2019s performed:<\/strong> Retest-all Regression Testing Example:<\/strong> Benefits:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drawbacks:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a need to keep applications updated with advancements in technology. But it\u2019s always risky to update the fresh code as it could conflict with the existing code. Teams use regression testing to fix this, but if it is not used: <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why regression testing in software testing is considered a backbone of quality assurance. It helps teams confidently release updates while protecting what already works. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s tough for teams to execute a number of test cases manually; thus, the need for a regression testing software<\/a> becomes important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Below are some popularly used tools: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Playwright:<\/strong> Playwright<\/a> is an open-source automation library by Microsoft for browser testing. It supports Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit using a single API, enabling reliable end-to-end tests in headless or non-headless modes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cypress:<\/strong> Cypress<\/a> is a development-friendly, test execution tool with a fast front-end interface. It provides real-time reloading and visual test runners, which makes it easy to debug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Selenium:<\/strong> Selenium<\/a> is a time-tested option to automate the testing of browsers across various programming languages and browsers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BrowserStack:<\/strong> BrowserStack<\/a> is a cloud-based solution to execute automated front-end tests on real devices and browsers without needing any local test environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Different Types of Regression Tests in Software Testing\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Type<\/strong><\/th> Scope<\/strong><\/th> Purpose<\/strong><\/th> When to Use<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Unit Regression<\/strong><\/td> Single unit (function\/module)<\/td> Ensures the unit works after changes<\/td> Small\/local code fixes<\/td><\/tr> Partial Regression<\/strong><\/td> Changed modules + dependencies<\/td> Verifies new changes integrate well<\/td> Localized updates<\/td><\/tr> Complete Regression<\/strong><\/td> Entire system<\/td> Ensures no area is broken<\/td> Before major release<\/td><\/tr> Corrective Regression<\/strong><\/td> Existing functionality only<\/td> Confirms stability without new features<\/td> Routine checks, no new changes<\/td><\/tr> Progressive Regression<\/strong><\/td> New + existing code<\/td> Validates new features don\u2019t break old ones<\/td> Adding new functionality<\/td><\/tr> Selective Regression<\/strong><\/td> Subset of impacted test cases<\/td> Saves time by testing only affected areas<\/td> Time-limited testing cycles<\/td><\/tr> Retest-all Regression<\/strong><\/td> All test cases<\/td> Maximum coverage, thorough verification<\/td> Critical systems, major changes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/span>1. Unit Regression Testing\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
During the coding phase, right after writing or modifying a small code unit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suppose you write a function to calculate tax. A unit regression test ensures it works correctly before integrating it with the rest of the billing system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>2. Partial Regression Testing <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After code changes are added, and after conducting an impact analysis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adding a new field in a user profile form. Partial regression testing checks that the existing fields and functions still work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>3. Selective Regression Testing <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After new code is added, and you identify specific areas affected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you change a calculation logic in billing, selective regression tests will cover billing-related modules and skip unrelated parts like the user login system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>4. Progressive Regression Testing <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When product requirements or design specs change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adding a \u201cwishlist\u201d feature to an e-commerce app. New test cases ensure wishlist functionality works and doesn\u2019t impact existing cart or payment modules. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>5. Corrective Regression Testing <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When there\u2019s a need to validate that the software still behaves correctly, even without recent changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before a minor patch release with no new features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>6. Complete Regression Testing <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After large updates or before a major release. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rewriting the backend architecture or changing the database system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>7. Retest-all Regression Testing <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When you suspect something critical might have been missed earlier or before significant releases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After integrating multiple modules developed separately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Why Regression Testing Matters in Software Testing?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Top Regression Testing Tools<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Playwright<\/span><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Cypress<\/span><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Selenium<\/span><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n