Manual Regression Testing is a critical quality assurance technique aimed at ensuring that changes made to a system or component do not introduce new defects or unexpected side effects. This type of testing is typically performed after system modifications, such as the addition of new features or bug fixes, to verify that these changes have not adversely affected the system’s previous functionality.

The process of Manual Regression Testing can involve rerunning existing system tests and creating new tests to cover the parts of the system impacted by the modifications. This step is essential in the testing process because it helps identify any unforeseen consequences of modifications, ensuring the system’s stability and reliability.

There are various approaches to performing Manual Regression Testing, including selecting a subset of tests based on the modified system components or regularly re-executing a predefined set of tests using automated testing tools. The choice of method depends on the nature of the system changes and the available testing resources. Here are some valuable tips for effectively conducting Manual Regression Testing:

1. Identify System Changes: Begin by identifying the specific changes made to the system, which may include new features, resolved defects, or other alterations.
2. Define Testing Parameters: Determine the scope of your regression testing by identifying the system components affected by the modifications and selecting the relevant tests to execute.
3. Review and Update Existing Tests: Evaluate the existing tests and update them if necessary to accommodate the new functionality introduced by system changes. This may involve modifying expected outcomes or adjusting test steps.
4. Create New Tests: If the system changes introduce new functionality, consider developing new tests to adequately cover these additions.
5. Prepare the Test Environment: Ensure that the testing environment, including the system and any required test data, is set up appropriately.
6. Execute the Tests: Run the selected tests and thoroughly verify the results to confirm that the system is functioning correctly.
7. Document Findings: Maintain a detailed record of the test outcomes, including any defects discovered during testing.

In conclusion, Manual Regression Testing is an indispensable process for validating that system or component modifications do not introduce new defects or unexpected side effects. It should be an integral part of your overall testing plan. Whether you choose selective testing, comprehensive regression testing, incremental testing, or automated testing, meticulous planning and execution are crucial to ensuring the system’s intended functionality is preserved.

Happy testing!

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Moses has been part of Tester Work for over 1 year and he shares his software tester expertise in this article.

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