There has never been a greater need for effective and thorough testing in the constantly changing world of software development, which is defined by quick technological breakthroughs and rising demand for feature-rich apps. The significance of making sure that every new release retains the integrity of existing functionality increases along with the complexity and size of software projects. This is when progression testing, as a key component of the software development process, comes into play. The idea of progression testing, its indisputable importance in the field of software testing, and how automation may transform our approach and execution are all covered in-depth in this blog post.
Understanding Progression Testing
Let’s first establish a thorough comprehension of progression testing’s core and function before we begin our investigation. Unquestionably a crucial aspect of software testing, regression testing frequently coexists with its more well-known counterpart, progression testing. It does so, but from a very different perspective.
Progression testing plots its route on a somewhat different compass course than regression testing, which carefully focuses on the crucial duty of verifying that new code modifications do not unintentionally introduce novel flaws that could impair the functionality that has been developed. Its main goal is to conduct a methodical assessment, similar to that of a careful keeper, to confirm that the software’s current features and capabilities continue to work exactly as expected and intended, even after introducing new updates or improvements. Essentially, progression testing aims to respond to a fundamental query that goes beyond the scope of code-centric examination:
“Does the introduction of new features or code changes disrupt the seamless flow and functionality of the existing features, thereby preserving the holistic integrity of the software?”
Now that you have this understanding, let’s continue exploring the area of progression testing to learn more about its complexities and importance.
Progression Testing vs. Regression Testing
Most software developers and testers are familiar with the term “regression testing.” Regression testing entails retesting existing features to verify that they continue to function properly following code revisions. Catching unforeseen side effects or flaws brought on by recent adjustments is the main goal here.
Progression testing, on the other hand, is less frequently mentioned but just as significant. The key differences between the two are as follows:
Regression Testing:
- Detecting Defects: The primary aim is to catch defects introduced by new code changes.
- Code-Centric: Focuses on the code and its impact on existing functionality.
- Scope: Narrower in scope, targeting specific code changes.
- Frequency: Typically executed after each code change or build.
Progression Testing:
- Verifying Functionality: Ensures that existing functionality remains intact when new changes are introduced.
- User-centric: emphasizes the user experience and end-to-end functionality.
- Scope: Broader in scope, covering the entire application or a significant portion of it.
- Frequency: usually performed less frequently, such as during major releases or feature updates.
Regression testing seeks to find what is broken, whereas progression testing concentrates on ensuring what still functions as planned.
The Significance of Progression Testing in Software Testing
Now that we have a clear understanding of progression testing, let’s explore why it holds such a significant place in the realm of software testing.
1. Ensuring a Seamless User Experience
The user experience is crucial in today’s fiercely competitive software business. Even as new features are released, users anticipate that the current ones will work as intended. Making sure that this expectation is fulfilled is crucially dependent on progression testing. By automating this process, you can quickly spot any user experience disturbances and fix them before your users notice them.
2. Reducing Manual Testing Efforts
Progression testing has historically required significant manual testing efforts, which makes it time-consuming and error-prone. By handling repeated tests with automated scripts, progression testing can greatly lessen the workload on your testing team and free them up to work on more challenging and innovative testing projects.
3. Catching Hidden Interactions
There are frequently undetected interactions between various components of the codebase as software systems become more complex. These interactions might not be noticeable during the first testing, but they might become apparent when fresh adjustments are made. Automated progression tests can methodically investigate the program’s functionality, revealing these covert relationships and interactions.
4. Supporting Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)
Automating progression testing becomes crucial in the era of CI/CD pipelines when software updates are routinely deployed. Before deploying to production, it enables teams to make the necessary adjustments by providing immediate feedback on whether new code changes have interfered with already-existing functionality.
Implementing Progression Testing in Software Testing
Now that we understand the significance of progression testing, let’s explore how it can be implemented in your software testing process.
1. Identify Critical User Flows
Start by determining which user flows or functionalities are essential for your application. No matter what changes are made to the code, these functionalities ought to always function as intended. To direct your progression testing efforts, compile a list of these essential pathways.
2. Create Automated Tests
Once you have identified the critical user flows, create automated tests to validate them. This involves writing test scripts that mimic user interactions with your application. These scripts should cover the essential functionality and ensure that it remains intact after new code changes.
3. Integrate into CI/CD Pipeline
Integrate progression tests into your CI/CD pipeline to make sure they are run consistently. This implies that progression tests should run automatically each time new code changes are pushed. Any test that fails ought to stop the pipeline from continuing to move the code forward.
4. Monitoring and maintenance
Automated progress tests aren’t a “set it and forget it” kind of solution. They need constant upkeep as your application changes. Review and update your test scripts frequently to account for new features and modifications. In addition, keep an eye on test results to spot any problems that require rapid care.
The Future of Progression Testing: A Paradigm Shift
Progression testing is poised for a substantial revolution as software development methodologies continue to change. The following are some trends and developments in progression testing that we can anticipate seeing in the future:
1. AI-Driven Test Generation
Machine learning and artificial intelligence are entering the testing environment. Based on code modifications and previous test results, AI-driven technologies can produce test cases for advancement testing automatically. This can improve test coverage and hasten the testing process.
2. Visual Testing
With visually rich applications, Visual testing is becoming more significant due to the increase in visually stimulating applications. To verify that UI elements are rendered appropriately, visual testing tools can automatically evaluate an application’s visual look before and after code changes.
3. Greater Integration with DevOps
The DevOps approach will be more firmly coupled with progression testing. It will be regarded as an essential checkpoint in the CI/CD pipeline, making sure that code changes do not impair existing functionality while they are being sent to production.
4. Shift-Left Testing
Progression testing will also be impacted by the tendency of “Shift-Left Testing,” or moving testing activities to earlier phases of development. Regressions will be less likely since teams will test new code changes more thoroughly before merging them.
Advantages for software development teams:
Here are some of the key advantages of automating progression testing:
- Time and Cost Efficiency: Compared to manual testing, where testers would need to retest the entire application, automation greatly decreases the time needed for testing. Since automated tests may be reused for numerous versions and require little upkeep, it lowers total testing expenses.
- Consistency: Automated tests are carried out consistently over time to guarantee repeatable outcomes. Human mistakes or variations in test execution might cause manual testing to be inconsistent.
- Quick Feedback: Automated tests can be executed regularly, giving developers rapid feedback following changes to the code. This quick feedback loop aids in identifying and resolving problems early in the development process.
- Regression Detection: Regressions, or unintended consequences of code changes, are very easy to find with automated testing. This makes sure that any new features or bug remedies don’t cause further issues.
- Resource Savings: Automated tests can be run during non-working hours without human intervention, saving valuable testing and development time.
- Parallel Execution: With the help of automation technologies, testing can be completed more quickly, especially for complicated and large-scale applications.
- Faster Time-to-Market: Development teams can deliver updates more quickly and confidently by automating progression testing since they can be more certain that new changes won’t break old functionality.
- Scalability: Automated tests are appropriate for both small projects and substantial enterprise-level systems since they can be scaled to accommodate larger and more complicated software applications.
Conclusion
It becomes increasingly clear that progression testing, despite being frequently disregarded, is essential for ensuring the dependability and usefulness of your product. This aspect of software testing becomes progressively more crucial as software systems get more complicated and user expectations change.
Progression testing protects the user experience by methodically ensuring that existing functionalities are preserved and uninjured in the face of ongoing development. It makes sure that your software keeps up with user expectations and keeps its edge in a quick-moving industry.
Automation in progression testing is not just a fad; it is also strategically necessary. This crucial testing may be effectively and reliably carried out by development teams, freeing up vital time and resources for more innovative and challenging testing activities. Organizations are now able to provide software at a faster rate without sacrificing quality because of the shift toward automation.