Tools for Regression Testing: 2020 Overview

Sometimes a deployment of a new version of an app unexpectedly affects the ‘untouched’ functionality. It happens because the code changes are unpredictable. Ironically, bug fixing can cause new bugs. To take precautions against it, QA engineers run regression testing.

Regression testing services cover the unchanged parts of an application to verify that the code change hasn’t impacted the general functionality. You can learn more about how to run regression tests and how they are different from retesting in one of our earlier posts.

Sometimes, manual testing services aren’t sufficient or fast enough to check all the changes quickly. That’s when automated testing comes in with some helpful practices and tools. So, today, let’s focus on the regression testing tools. It would be difficult to come up with the “best to worst” rating or list them all, so we decided to go with 10 popular programs QA specialists use in 2020.

1. Selenium

Selenium is one of the most powerful and wide-known browser based regression testing tools that fits perfectly for frequent regression testing. It offers high flexibility, including support of numerous programming languages, testing frameworks, and third-party libraries. It is also compatible with many browsers and OS. Several large browser vendors even consider making Selenium the native part of the browser.

2. IBM Rational Functional Tester

IMB Rational Functional Tester is a commercial tool, which is often regarded as the best for automated regression testing, so it is worth the money. It supports a variety of apps, including web-based and terminal emulator-based ones, Java, NET, SAP, Ajax, Adobe PDF documents, etc. Users can create different types of scenarios very quickly. Storyboard Testing feature facilitates the visualization and test editing thanks to recording screenshots.

3. Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing (UFT)

UFT is formerly known as QTP – Quick Test Professional. To a large extent, its popularity is due to an activity recorder feature, which allows recording user’s actions and convert them into scripts. It is a data-driven keyword-based tool that uses VBScript language created by Microsoft for automation. It runs on all major browsers and is suitable for testing various software applications and environments.

4. Sahi Pro

Users prefer Sahi Pro for testing large web applications, especially in tough-deadline projects when quick testing and minimum maintenance are essential. It offers cross-browser & OS support, easy integration with build systems, data-driven suits, in-built logging and reporting, and in-program Excel framework. One of the best features of Sahi Pro is its flexibility: the smart assessor doesn’t let the script fail even after slight changes in GUI.

5. Watir

This is an open-source tool for web application regression testing. Watir uses Ruby programming language and supports a wide range of apps developed in different technologies. Watir is lightweight and easy to use. It offers cross-platform OS support, has a built-in test recorder, and allows writing tests that are easy to read and to maintain. By the way, Watir is used by many big companies, including Oracle and Facebook.

6. TestComplete

This one is good for running parallel regression tests. The platform quickly creates automated regression tests across the web, mobile, and desktop applications. These tests are stable and unbreakable under GUI changes. It is unlikely that users will need manual intervention as the tests are scheduled and run automatically. Among the highlights, we should mention test recording, test visualizer, custom extensions, and database testing support.

7. SilkTest

SilkTest is a universal testing environment that supports a wide range of applications – desktop, mobile, web, rich-client, and enterprise applications, SAP, NET, etc. It is possible to run tests parallely to reduce the testing time and provide quick feedback. SilkTest is designed to make even most complex test plans look neat and clear. Also, it allows creating test cases in collaboration with stakeholders.

8. TimeShiftX

This tool offers exactly what its name suggests: shifting dates to go back and force in time to perform temporary or date simulating testing. TimeShiftX operates virtual time, and users don’t need to deal with time changes and settings. You can use this tool for testing applications and databases, all platforms and OS. It is easily customizable, requires no code modifications or environment reboots.

9. TestDrive

TestDrive is a solution for running fast regression tests – dynamic, flexible, and easily deployable. Unlike the majority of automated regression testing tools, it also supports manual testing, once again reminding that 100% automation is not achievable and usually not effective. TestDrive supports multiple technologies, interfaces, and application types. It is especially good for testing browser apps and GUIs, even though it is rarely mentioned among visual regression testing tools.

10. Ranorex Studio

This is an all-in-one solution for test automation suitable for working with the web, desktop, and mobile apps. It is perfect for both beginners and companies of different sizes. The highlights include a codeless click-and-go interface and a built-in Selenium WebDriver. It offers integration with multiple tools (Jira, Jenkins, TestRail, etc.), data-driven and keyword-driven testing, customizable test report, and video reports of test execution.

11. Telerik Test Studio

Telerik Test Studio is a test automation platform for web and desktop, supporting a variety of testing types and technologies, including functional UI, load/performance and RESTful API testing across web and desktop. It is used by less experienced QAs as well as automation engineers with coding skills and software developers in test. Test Studio’s underlying .NET based framework is proprietary technology that gets frequent updates and commercial support.

During the regression testing in QA Madness, we select a part of already executed test cases (or sometimes use all of them) and re-execute these tests to ensure that all the existing functionalities work just fine. The existing application may not be intact with the newly added features, and we need to know nothing is broken. We always make sure that program or code changes haven’t affected the existing features before handing it to a development team or product manager.