How I built a test automation framework for regression testing?

Regression testing is an important testing component of a software development process, as it meticulously checks the new features and changes made in the code, and if there are any bugs that have been detected, and then they are fixed at the earliest. If an automated regression testing approach is implemented, then a lot of valuable resources and time are saved to a great extent. Upon that, there is an improved speed of execution with greater accuracy. The testing and development team must put in strategic efforts to build a regression test automation framework that can eventually prove to be worthwhile. In this article, you will get to know how to build a test automation framework for regression testing. 

What is a Regression test automation framework?

When regression test cases are automated by a team, the first step is to plan, analyze and define the right test automation framework. The structure is defined by the test automation framework, which will eventually be passed on to the test cases when they are automated.

When a test automation framework is properly defined, the following are a few key advantages that can be expected:

• A standard structure is used to create all the test cases

• As the test cases are automated through a standard structure so it becomes easier to maintain it

• As a predefined structure is followed, it becomes easier to create test cases

• The test automation framework is known for its scalability, which means more test cases can be added by testers as and when required

• Integration-related tasks are performed when a test automation framework is being developed. 

Following are the five steps that help in building a framework for the proper execution of automated regression testing:

1. Selecting the appropriate test cases: Regression testing is performed after a change is made in the application’s code. Based on the changes made, the test cases will be selected and also the specific areas that would be impacted are ascertained. 

Keeping the above points into perspective, a framework is created. For example, test cases should have a specific way, so that a feature and its impacted areas can be tested.

2. The test cases that have been selected should be executed: For an automated testing framework, a basic requirement is to easily execute test cases. But, for executing automated regression testing, an effective framework is required. For this purpose, there should be an independent execution of test cases in order to make sure the selected test cases do not fail to execute.

3. Analyzing the report: After the test execution is successfully completed, a test execution report should be sent. A proper place should be there so that all the essential information is provided for the test execution status to be properly understood.

Testers and developers can use this report to effectively work.  These reports can also be useful to managers who want to check the test execution results in order to properly decide about the next deployment.

4. Test results should be recorded and documented: There should be a specific location, where the test results need to be stored. The results need to be aggregated to understand the frequency and causes of error. The errors reported are reviewed and the specific areas that have been impacted over a period of time will help in understanding those areas. Further, a plan of action can be prepared to rework on those specific areas.

5. Test cycle management: The value of a test suite will increase if it is pruned and updated frequently. New test cases are added in accordance with new changes made in the application. Those test cases are removed that are no longer useful or redundant.    

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing regression testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a leading software testing services company that will provide you with a tactical implementation roadmap that is in line with your project specific requirements.

About the author: I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.