Regression Testing Tool Evaluation: A Checklist

There are a vast number of tools available for automating regression test cases, which only makes it more difficult to find the right one.

Many testers choose Selenium because it’s an open-source framework, and it enables skilled testers to automate many processes that go on in the browser.

However, Selenium also has its disadvantages: It takes time to learn how to use it, it requires a fair amount of maintenance, and it can only be used to automate actions that go on in the browser.

The biggest disadvantage of Selenium is probably that it requires a decent amount of coding, meaning teams must rely on developers or other team members with testing skills to set up and maintain their tests. 

As a result, the amount of time taken to set up the automated tests supersedes the time saved, minimizing the return of the investment in the automation tool.

Fortunately, there are good alternatives available for automated regression testing that offer everything Selenium offers, without the disadvantages.

Here are 10 things you should look for in a regression test automation tool:

1. Short learning curve, enabling testers to set up test cases from day one
2. Easy-to-use, enabling anyone to set up, maintain and run tests
3. Visual, providing you with a good overview of your regression test suite
4. Collaborative, allowing your team to work together on the software
5. Code-free, enabling all testers to set up and understand test cases
6. Scalable, allowing you to run your entire regression suite at high speed and frequency
7. Cross-technological, working across all web, mobile and desktop apps and technologies
8. Keeps a record, capturing why test cases fail in videos and logs
9. Reliable, keeping your data and most business critical processes safe
10. Supported, getting you the help you need when you need it

Read on in our next blog post on building automated regression tests to learn how you can get the most out of your automated regression tests, or download our whitepaper on regression testing in agile teams below.