Understanding the Difference Between Automated Testing and Automated Regression Testing

16 July 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment QA

Automated testing and automated regression testing are terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct purposes and characteristics. This article aims to clarify these differences, providing you with a comprehensive understanding to better implement these testing strategies in your projects.

What is Automated Testing?

Automated testing is an overarching term that encompasses various types of tests executed via automated tools. These tests are designed to validate the functionality, performance, and reliability of software applications. Key types of automated tests include:

• Unit Tests: These tests check individual components or functions of the code.
• Functional Tests: These tests validate the software against functional requirements.
• Exploratory Tests: These involve automated tools running through different scenarios to discover unexpected behaviors.
• Fuzz Tests: These tests input random data to find security holes or crashes.
• Performance and Stress Tests: These tests assess the application’s behavior under load or stress conditions.

What is Automated Regression Testing?

Automated regression testing is a subset of automated testing focused on ensuring that new code changes do not adversely affect existing functionalities. Regression tests are typically run after code modifications to verify that previously working features still function as expected. Characteristics of regression tests include:

• Consistency: They check for consistent outcomes and compare results against established baselines.
• Repeatability: These tests are designed to be repeatable, providing predictable outcomes each time they are run.
• Coverage: They aim to cover a wide range of functionalities to detect any unintended side effects of code changes.

Differences Between Automated Testing and Automated Regression Testing

While automated testing and automated regression testing share similarities, they differ in their primary objectives and implementation:

• Objective: Automated testing aims to validate new functionalities and overall software quality. In contrast, regression testing focuses on verifying that existing functionalities remain unaffected by recent changes.
• Scope: Automated tests can include a variety of test types, such as unit tests, performance tests, and exploratory tests. Regression tests, however, specifically aim to revalidate previously tested functionalities.
• Frequency: Automated tests are often run during initial development phases or when new features are introduced. Regression tests are typically run after each code change to ensure stability.

Practical Examples

Let’s consider a practical scenario to illustrate these differences:

Automated Testing Example

Imagine you are developing a new feature for a mobile application. You write unit tests to ensure individual functions work correctly. Then, you create functional tests to validate the new feature’s behavior against user requirements. Finally, you run performance tests to check how the new feature affects the app’s overall performance.

Automated Regression Testing Example

Once the new feature is integrated into the existing application, you run regression tests. These tests revalidate existing functionalities to ensure they still work as expected. For example, you verify that the login function, which was working before the new feature was added, still operates correctly.

Enhancing Your Testing Strategy with Repeato

Efficient test automation is crucial for maintaining high-quality software, especially in fast-paced development environments. Repeato, a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android, can significantly streamline your testing processes. With Repeato, you can create, run, and maintain automated tests quickly and efficiently. Its computer vision and AI-driven approach make it easy to set up and use, ensuring your regression tests are robust and reliable.

For more information on how to optimize your testing strategy, check out our blog and documentation sections.

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