Types of Regression Tests Used by Software Quality Assurance Companies
Since regression testing is a re-run of a standard test cycle, regression testing types are similar to the types of routine testing types. For example, we can consider a modular regression testing and functional regression testing. Software quality assurance companies execute regression tests to make sure that bug fixes do not negatively affect the old functionality and it still works as expected.
Another way of classifying types of regression testing links them to types of product maintenance, which, in turn, are determined by the types of modifications. There are three types of software maintenance:
- Corrective maintenance, usually called the error correction is performed in response to detecting an error that does not require changes in the requirements specification. Corrective maintenance involves identifying and correcting defects in the software in order to keep the system in working condition.
- Adaptive maintenance is carried out in response to the demands for change in data or execution environment. It is used when the existing system is improved or extended, and the requirements specification is modified or amended in order to implement new features.
- Update (progressive) maintenance includes any processing aimed at improving the system’s performance or effectiveness of its maintenance.
During adaptive or progressive maintenance it is common to introduce the new modules. To announce about a particular improvement or adaptation in the system, its specification is complemented with the relevant information.
Third party software testing services are usually preferred over in-house qa work due to their cost-effectiveness, skilled and experienced manpower, improved software quality, reduced life cycle costs, accelerated time-to-market, flexibility.
In corrective maintenance the specification is not usually changed and no new system modules are introduced. Modification of the program within the product development phase is analogous to the modifications performed during corrective maintenance, as due to detecting program errors it will be hardly necessary to change a technical specification document for the program. This does not apply to the rare moments when the major changes are made, during maintenance phase the system usually undergoes insignificant changes that are made to fix problems or gradually expand the functionality.
Terms of Reference document is not changed during corrective regression testing. Only some operators of the program and, probably, design solutions can be modified.
Mobile app testing companies are looking forward to improving quality of mobile applications as they are tasked with ensuring smooth performance of these products across all imaginable platforms!!