With a variety of terms describing testing methodologies that attempt to be explicit but often fail, the vocabulary of testing can sometimes be confusing.
In this article, we will clarify the differences between the functional validation tests and non-regression testing (NRT)but first we need to establish that the way in which the category "regression testing" is referred to can be interchanged.
In other words: regression test = non-regression test
THE ISTQB prefers the term regression test, but many people in the field also use the term non-regression test (in France at least).
However, before discussing the differences between functional validation tests and non-regression tests, let's first examine what they are.
Functional validation testing is a type of testing performed to verify that each function or feature of the software application works according to the requirements specification.
The tester is not concerned with the underlying code.Functional validation tests focus on the mechanical fluidity or on the verification of the proper functioning of each module.
It is performed using test cases that recreate all possible scenarios, both negative and positive. Ideally,functional validation testing begins at the initial stage of productdevelopment and verifies:
Properly executed functional validation tests help deliver a high-end product. They help produce a bug-free product or software to ensure end-user satisfaction.
*Unlike regression testing, the terms "functional validation tests" and "non-functional tests" cannot be interchanged.Unlike regression testing, the terms "functional validation testing" and "non-functional testing" cannot be interchanged. Non-functional testing consists of testing the application on non-functional aspects such as performance, usability, security, reliability, load, stress, etc. They are performed based on real-world scenarios to verify the performance of the system when kept under such circumstances.
Regression: an evolution that brings back to an earlier stage.
Regression testing are performed to detect any regression in a previously tested feature.
These regressions in the code can occur as a result of "bug fixes", "new features added to the code" or "requirement changes".
The goal is to test all code that could be impacted by recent changes to ensure that no new bugs are introduced.
In short, a regression test is used to verify that advanced changes to the software, site or mobile application, such as adding a new feature or an update, have not impacted existing previous functionality.
The purpose of functional validation tests is to determine to what extent the developed application corresponds to the desired requirements.
The purpose of regression testing is to verify that any changes in the application or systems have not resulted in code breakage and that the system is functioning properly.
The functional validation tests allow to understand all the cases and functionalities, which have never been tested and executed before. The test cases are re-run when a defect is found against a requirement. Then it is corrected and assigned for retesting. In the retest, if the defect is resolved, the related test cases that failed earlier are passed.
The regression suite contains cases that have been previously tested and resolved. Basically, in regression testing, test cases are run to ensure that changes have not impacted previously tested functionality.
The functional testing process begins with testers reading and understanding the requirements, raising a discrepancy in the requirement, followed by identifying the test input. Passing the input values to the systems and comparing the output with the expected results.
If the result does not match, the fault is reported and the test case is marked as having failed.
The entire functional testing process includes:
In contrast, the regression testing process is entirely different because this activity only takes place when the existing application is modified or new functionality is added.
The activities involved in this type of testing are as follows:
Functional validation tests are first performed manually. Once a feature is stable, the test cases are automated.
In regression testing, test cases can be executed manually or automatically. Since the test cases are already stable by default (since they have already passed their functional test) in regression testing, they can be automated.
Functional test cases do not require much modification because they are fewer in number and focused on a specific functionality.
Whereas in regression testing, test scripts require more maintenance and may contain older test cases.
Test cases may contain features that have changed, new features that have been added or some features that have been removed, so the regression suite must be updated after each release.
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