The time spent on manual regression testing can prevent you from meeting targets efficiently and reduce overall productivity. You can automate regression testing with regression testing tools, but they vary widely in pricing, functionality, ease of interaction with other platforms, and ability to test mobile as well as web applications. This guide explains the pros and cons of some of the tools currently available for regression testing. 

What Tools Are Used for Regression Testing?

Some of the tools used for regression testing are Selenium, IBM Rational Functional Tester, Ranorex Studio, Sahi Pro, Subject7, and TestComplete. Let's take a closer look at each. However, please note these regression tools are not ranked and they're listed in no particular order. 

‍1. Selenium

If you want to automate your web application, then Selenium is the tool for you. It's a free and open-source automated tool for testing web applications in any web browser. Selenium supports a variety of languages for creating test scripts, including Python, Java, and Ruby. Additionally, it includes features such as Selenium WebDriver, which is used to create robust automated regression test suites that can be distributed across multiple environments; Selenium IDE, which is primarily a record/run tool that can be used to create a Selenium test case; and Selenium Grid, which allows you to scale efficiently if you want to distribute the test on different machines and manage multiple environments from a central point. 

Pros of Selenium Regression Testing Tools

• It's freely available.
• Selenium supports many languages, allowing you to develop test scripts in your preferred language.
• Several operating systems support it.
• You can use different browsers to perform test scenarios. In other words, it's compatible with all web browsers.
• You can easily integrate it with CI/CD workflows like Jenkins, Maven, etc.

Cons of Selenium Regression Testing Tools

• Selenium will not work with mobile apps. To test mobile apps, you can use uses Selenium WebDriver API, but should instead use Appium to test.
• Selenium has no formal technical support. For example, instead of an agent from the company who'll provide support whenever there's an issue, you'll need to seek support from the community since Selenium is open source.
• It lacks the ability to generate reports. To create test reports, you'll need to use another framework such as JUnit or TestNG.
• Selenium isn't a full suite package; it still requires some functionality from third-party libraries in order to perform a specific task (e.g., image testing).

2. IBM Rational Functional Tester

IBM Rational Functional Tester (RFT) is an all-in-one automated testing solution that supports functional, GUI, regression, and data-driven testing. RFT has several uses, including in web-based applications, .NET, Java, and PowerBuilder. RFT also has many benefits, including the ability to run a sequence of test actions with varying test data (also known as data-driven testing) and integration with other major software platforms. 

Pros of IBM Rational Functional Tester 

• RFT gives excellent support to its users, for example, by responding quickly and regularly, updating its system to match the needs of its consumers, and resolving issues.
• It's compatible with Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and other browsers.
• RFT also offers multi-programming language support.
• Additionally, when used in conjunction with other IBM Rational Collaborative Lifecycle Management tools, you can use it to keep track of test run outcomes.

Cons of IBM Rational Functional Tester

• RFT uses a significant amount of system memory.
• It's difficult for non-technical users because writing test scripts requires coding knowledge.

‍3. Ranorex Studio

Ranorex Studio is a multi-functional UI automation testing solution for mobile, web, and desktop applications. You can execute automation tests using Ranorex whether you're an automation expert or a newbie. Ranorex Studio provides a low-code automation tool as well as a full IDE automation tool where you can write the test script using C# or Visual Basic for endless extensibility. 

Pros of Ranorex Studio

• It's flexible, as it provides two methods for executing automation tests: coding and no code.
• Furthermore, Ranorex Studio is compatible with all platforms. For instance, you may run tests on common desktop apps for Windows, popular web browsers, and popular mobile devices.
• It also includes data-driven testing, like RFT. For example, you can pull test data from comma-separated value (CSV) files, databases, and so on.

Cons of Ranorex Studio

• Ranorex Studio is limited to only two languages (C# and Visual Basic). You'll need expertise in those languages, and while low code can be useful, keep in mind that it won't provide you with more extensibility.
• In Ranorex Studio, you can test only desktop applications on Windows platforms. You can't test applications for Mac, Linux, or Chromebooks.

4. Sahi Pro

Sahi Pro is an easy-to-use, low-code automation testing tool for web, desktop, and mobile apps. Some of its important characteristics include a built-in framework, detailed logging, and reporting. To use Sahi Pro, you need basic programming language. However, it offers ease of use across many browsers, continuous integration with other platforms, and so on 

Pros of Sahi Pro

• Sahi Pro requires little knowledge to use.
• Additionally, it's compatible with all web browsers.
• Sahi Pro has features such as auto-healing scripts, a good recorder, and an object spy for element identification.
• It has a large number of built-in APIs.

Cons of Sahi Pro

• Sahi Pro offers limited support. Additionally, there isn't much information available to learn more about what the tool comprises.
• On the local machine, it runs slowly.

5. Subject7

Subject7 is a codeless automation regression testing platform that offers scalable testing solutions by leveraging open-source technology like Selenium, Appium, and others. It allows you to execute automated tests regardless of your programming experience. Subject7 delivers web, mobile, desktop, API, and database testing applications, as well as integration with other software platforms. 

Pros of Subject7

• It's completely code-free and provides a user-friendly interface.
• Subject7 is a flexible platform that offers different types of automation.
• It integrates with other popular software platforms like Jira, Maven, and more.

Cons of Subject 7

• Subject7 lacks an online forum/community for beginners to discuss the tool.

6. TestComplete

TestComplete is an automated GUI testing solution for desktop, web, and mobile applications. Regardless of your automation skills, you may find it easy to work with TestComplete because its user interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate. It supports a variety of languages, including JavaScript, Python, and Visual Basic scripts. 

Pros of TestComplete

• You can construct tests using code by using modern languages such as JavaScript and Python, or without code by performing record and playback.
• It supports a wide range of desktop applications such as Windows 10, .NET, Java, and others.
• You may use TestComplete to construct a functional UI test on a physical mobile device or a virtual iOS and Android device.
• TestComplete includes plugins that allow for easy integration with different test automation and CI/CD workflows (Jenkins, Jira, etc).

Cons of TestComplete

• The application can be slow to execute at times.
• Its pricing plan is expensive.

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How to Choose the Right Regression Testing Tool

No regression tool can meet all of your needs; because they're purchased off the shelf, they are not custom-made to your specifications, although they can come close. However, while selecting a regression tool, it's critical to understand which tool best suits your needs in terms of pricing, functionality, user interface, and integration with other platforms. 

If you prefer to automate the testing of your mobile applications, you should check out Mobot – a complete mobile app testing solution. In contrast to existing mobile regression testing tools, which use emulators or virtual devices to test your mobile apps, Mobot uses robots to check for all of the features incorporated in your application. You don't have to set up or maintain your app with Mobot. Schedule a demo with Mobot to find out more.

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This post was written by Ibrahim Ogunbiyi. Ibrahim is a data scientist and an IT support specialist. He loves writing anything about data and IT operations.

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