People involved in software testing frequently use the terms regression testing and integration testing in a laid-back manner. The two forms of testing are often used interchangeably as if checking were their primary function in determining if a program operates as expected. This essay will clarify the differences and similarities between these two methods of testing and maybe put an end to this widespread misunderstanding.
What is Regression Testing?
Regression testing entails re-testing an application using previously executed test data to identify any flaws. Regression testing seeks to ensure that a recently added feature or modified code does not interfere with an existing system’s functionality. Each build is subjected to regression testing after passing all unit tests.
What is Integration Testing?
To answer what is integration testing, it examines the complete system to ensure that it functions accurately as a whole. It attempts to identify integration-related flaws by ensuring that the software’s modules function together accurately and produce the expected results when used together. Integration testing occurs once all modules have been integrated and unit testing has been completed.
In a word, regression testing determines if the addition of a new feature or the change of existing code has jeopardized functionality that had previously worked. A new module’s proper integration with the rest of the system is also ensured via integration testing.
Comparison of Regression and Integration Testing
Now we will examine the distinctions between regression testing and integration testing in depth. These two testing categories exhibit several similarities, although their objectives are fundamentally different.
There are notable distinctions in the outcomes yielded by these two assessment methods.
Both types of test data should be executed periodically to ascertain the program’s adherence to the specifications.
In the context of software development, regression testing is conducted to validate the continued functionality of existing features following the addition of a new feature or code modification. On the other hand, integration testing is performed to ensure the compatibility of the new feature or modification with all existing modules.
Therefore, regression testing examines functionality, while integration testing examines features and modules.
Regression testing is done just before every system build to make sure no previously written code or functionality has been broken. However, after all modules have been linked and unit testing has been finished, it is time for integration testing, which verifies that the newly introduced feature or updated code works in tandem with the current code.
A system’s ability to function as intended in the actual world is evaluated during Integration Testing, which also covers performance testing and sanity testing.
While integration testing aims to verify the program as a whole, regression testing’s goal is to revalidate the system.
Final Words
Let’s quickly review the first parts of the article to summarize the key distinctions between integration testing and regression testing. Integration testing is always performed after unit testing has been concluded. After any modification to the software’s original code structure, a regression test is conducted.
Integration Testing is performed to validate the interoperability of the individual elements. Regression Testing is performed to determine whether previous flaws have been reintroduced into the system following code modifications. Integration Testing is typically performed prior to the application’s initial deployment. Regression testing is conducted at every stage and can be executed either before or after the initial deployment, depending on the timing of modifications.
