What is regression testing?
Theme: Software Testing Techniques Role: Qa Engineer/Test Engineer Function: Technology
Interview Question for QA Engineer/Test Engineer: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About QA Engineer/Test Engineer: Ensure software quality through testing and quality assurance. This role falls within the Technology function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Software Testing Techniques with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Definition: Regression testing is a type of software testing that ensures that changes or enhancements made to an application do not introduce new defects or negatively impact existing functionality
- Purpose: The main purpose of regression testing is to verify that previously developed and tested software still performs correctly after changes have been made
- Types of Regression Testing: 1. Unit Regression Testing: Testing individual units of code to ensure that changes made to one unit do not affect other units. 2. Partial Regression Testing: Testing a subset of test cases that are most likely to be affected by the changes. 3. Complete Regression Testing: Testing the entire application to ensure that all functionalities are working as expected after changes
- Regression Test Selection: Regression test selection techniques help in identifying the subset of test cases that need to be executed during regression testing. Some common techniques include: 1. Retest All: Executing all test cases in the test suite. 2. Test Case Prioritization: Prioritizing test cases based on their importance and executing high-priority test cases first. 3. Impact Analysis: Analyzing the impact of changes and selecting test cases that cover the affected areas
- Regression Test Automation: Regression testing can be time-consuming, so automation is often used to speed up the process. Test automation tools and frameworks can be utilized to automate the execution of regression test cases
- Regression Testing Challenges: 1. Test Case Maintenance: As the application evolves, test cases need to be updated to reflect the changes. 2. Test Data Management: Managing and maintaining test data for regression testing can be complex. 3. Test Environment Setup: Setting up and configuring the test environment for regression testing can be challenging. 4. Time and Resource Constraints: Regression testing can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially for large and complex applications
- Benefits of Regression Testing: 1. Detecting Defects: Regression testing helps in identifying defects introduced by changes, ensuring the stability of the application. 2. Ensuring Compatibility: It ensures that new changes do not impact the compatibility of the application with different platforms, browsers, or devices. 3. Maintaining Quality: Regression testing helps in maintaining the overall quality and reliability of the software product. 4. Building Confidence: It instills confidence in stakeholders that the application is functioning correctly even after modifications
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Knowledge: Assessing the candidate's understanding of regression testing and its importance in software development
- Experience: Evaluating the candidate's practical experience in planning and executing regression testing in previous roles
- Problem-solving skills: Determining the candidate's ability to identify and fix defects introduced during software changes
- Attention to detail: Assessing the candidate's ability to thoroughly test software changes and ensure existing functionality remains intact
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of understanding: Providing a vague or incorrect definition of regression testing
- Inability to explain purpose: Failing to articulate the importance of regression testing in ensuring software stability and identifying potential issues
- Limited knowledge of techniques: Not being able to mention common regression testing techniques like retesting, test case prioritization, and automation
- Neglecting impact assessment: Overlooking the need to assess the impact of changes on existing functionalities and features during regression testing
- Ignoring test environment considerations: Neglecting to mention the importance of having a representative test environment for regression testing
- Lack of awareness of tools: Not being familiar with regression testing tools and frameworks commonly used in the industry
- Failure to mention test coverage: Not discussing the need for comprehensive test coverage to ensure all critical areas are tested during regression testing
- Inability to address challenges: Being unaware of common challenges in regression testing, such as test data management, test environment setup, and test case maintenance