As software grows, so does the need for reliable testing—because code changes can result in bugs or failures. That’s why we do regression testing to check that nothing breaks after updates.
But running them by hand takes too long. For busy teams, automation is the answer. When done correctly, it maintains high quality and saves time.
This blog explains how to automate regression tests step by step.
Step 1: Select the Right Test Cases to Automate
Not all tests can be tested through automated methods. The success of automated regression testing depends on what you choose to automate in the first place.
Focus on Repetitive and Stable Tests
Start with test cases that are stable and repeat often. These usually include core functionalities that don’t change frequently but need to be tested with every build.
For example, login flows, account creation, and basic navigation can be automated easily because their structure remains consistent over time. These tests can be run many times without requiring constant rewrites.
Avoid Volatile or One-Time Tests
On the other hand, avoid tests that frequently fail due to UI or logic changes. If a test case is linked to a feature still under development or undergoing frequent design updates, it’s better to test it manually for now.
Automation works best when there’s consistency. You don’t want to waste time rewriting tests every other sprint just because the layout shifted slightly.
Step 2: Pick a Suitable Automation Tool
Next, choose a test automation tool that fits your team and your app. There are many tools out there, but not every tool will suit your project.
Match the Tool to Your Tech Stack
Start by matching the tool with your application type. Are you testing a web app? A mobile phone app? An API? Opt for a tool that supports your platform. E.g.
- Selenium is good for web apps because it supports multiple browsers and languages.
- Appium is used for mobile testing because it works across iOS and Android platforms.
- Postman helps with API testing by simplifying the process of sending requests and validating responses.
- Cypress is growing in popularity for frontend website testing because it’s fast and developer-friendly.
- vStellar offers automated test solutions for web, mobile, and backend apps, providing end-to-end test coverage.
Selecting a tool that aligns with your framework and code language will reduce setup time and facilitate easy integration with your app codebase.
Consider Usability Thing and Community Support
Even the most feature-rich tool won’t help if your team personnel face troubles using it. Prioritize tools with good documentation. Dig around for active user communities. This assists when you get stuck.
Also, verify that the tool integrates well with your test case formats and supports reporting. The easier it is to set up, the quicker you’ll start seeing results from your regression tests.
Step 3: Design Reliable and Well-Structured Test Scripts
Test scripts have to be clean and organized for your tests to run smoothly and provide an accurate response.
Use Plain Naming and Structure
Always name your testing scripts clearly. If you’re testing a login function, name it kind of like login_test. Avoid names like test1 or abc123. These names won’t help anyone understand the purpose.
Maintain your file order. Group similar tests in folders—like Login, Checkout, or Profile. This way, anyone on your team can find and understand tests quickly.
Apply Adaptable Functions and Data
Steer clear of copying and pasting the same code across tests. Instead, write functions that can be put back in use. Let’s say that every test starts with a login—create a login function and use it everywhere.
Utilize external data files like CSV or JSON to oversee test inputs. This way, you don’t need to edit the testing script every time you want to change data. You just update the file.
Step 4: Integrate with CI/CD Pipeline
Once your testing scripts are ready, it’s time to put them to work in your developmental process. The best way to do this is by connecting them to your CI/CD pipeline.
Automate Execution After Every Code Patch
CI tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, and Bitbucket Pipelines let you schedule and trigger test runs after every code modification or pull request.
This means you don’t have to run tests manually. The tests run in the background and let you know if anything is broken.
Adding your regression tests to the CI/CD pipeline helps you find bugs early—before they reach end-users.
Get Fast Feedback for Dev Teams
Fast feedback is critical. Developers don’t like to wait. If a bug appears days later, they might not recall the code they jotted down.
Automated regression tests give almost immediate review. If something breaks, the team gets alerts right away. This saves bug-fixation time and avoids shipping broken features.
Step 5: Track Results and Fix Failures Quickly
Automation is not the final goal. The real goal is fixing problems quickly. For that, you need good reports and smart tracking.
Use Dashboards or Summaries
Settle on tools that give you clear reports. You should see which testing case passed, which failed, and why. Look out for features like screenshots, logs, or mistake messages. These help you find the problem quickly.
Different test automation frameworks offer detailed dashboards that present test results and trends over time. This helps your team personnel stay on top of failures and improve test stability.
Update Tests When Features Change
Your application will keep changing. That means your regression test suite must change too. If you don’t update your testing cases, they’ll start failing for the wrong reasons.
Review your testing scripts often. Remove tests for outdated features. Update test steps to align with new user flows. Keep your suite fresh, or it will lose value.
Final Thoughts
Automating regression tests should start with stable, high-impact areas. Use tools that slot into your technology and are easy to manage. Write clear, reusable scripts. Connect them to your build pipeline so they run automatically. And most importantly, keep your tests up to date. When all these pieces work in unison, you cut time, reduce bugs, and amp up team confidence.