When adding new code on your website, you need to ensure that everything is working properly afterward. The testing of the new functionality will help you ensure that there was nothing wrong with the process. But, you’ll be sure that any design-related changes are made without issue.
This is where visual regression testing tools enter the picture. They will help you verify that your pages appear as they should even after making modifications to the code of your website. These kinds of tools can reduce the risks that come with WordPress updates and any changes that you make to your site.
In this article we’ll go over the concept behind visual regression testing and how it operates. Then, we’ll present four tools for visual regression testing you can use. Let’s get start!
What is Visual Regression Testing?
If you make modifications to your WordPress website, there’s always an opportunity that the change could result in unwanted changes to the functionality or layout on your site. The new code could alter the way elements were previously design and work.
In short Visual regression testing can be describe as a method to detect visual issues on your websites. It will help you make sure that WordPress changes and updates do not cause havoc to your layouts and layouts.
Visual regression testing involves taking pictures of your websites and comparing them. The baseline version of your website (the result is usually known as a “diff’). The goal is to find any variations between versions so that you can eliminate the inadvertent discrepancies swiftly.
This is especially important in the context of responsive and mobile-friendly design. Let’s say you’re trying to access the website using their mobile. But, they’re having difficulty using the site or reading it due to the overlapping text or images. Of course, this could hinder an effective User Experience (UX) as well, which boost your bounce rate by causing the visitor to leave.
Visual regression testing allows you to prevent this kind of issue. It also allows you to enhance the front-end or user Interface (UI) for the WordPress website.
What are the visual Regression Testing Tools Perform?
Testing for visual regressions, at its heart is the process of capturing and comparing images. Although you can perform this manually, it’s not the most effective method. However, automated testing could make it easier to save time.
Tools for visual regression tests provide an alternative, automated method to test websites. They are used to run through a site or application by taking screenshots and comparing versions to make sure that every page displays correctly across all browsers.
Additionally the tools don’t only analyze the site as it is, but specific elements and blocks also. For instance, if you add text blocks to an online page Visual regression testing does more than just ensure that there is a visible text. It also assists in making sure that the text is displayed exactly how you would like it to appear.
Furthermore, these testing tools will help you identify subtle changes, such as tiny details and differences in pixel levels. Let’s take an example: that a change affects the font size of the Call to Action (CTA) button to increase by one or two pixels. It’s not something you’d be able to detect by yourself.
When you employ the tool for visual regression the tool will take a picture of the page that has been updated and then compare it with the baseline or original version. If there are any changes it will show exactly what’s changed, so you can make the necessary changes should you need to.
4 Regression Testing Tools for no-risk WordPress updates
Once you’ve got knowledge of the purpose of visual regression testing and the purpose for which it is used you can begin to look into the various tools that can help get the job done. The four instruments for visual testing we’ll cover are:
- Screenster
- Wraith
- PhantomCSS
- BackstopJS
Closing Up
When you make modifications on or to your WordPress site, it’s important to make sure that the changes don’t cause any aspect of the site. This includes ensuring that the functionality of your site and its design remain in place.
In this article we’ve examined four different tools to test visual regression you can make use of for risk-free WordPress updates:
- Screenster is a web-based visual comparator tool that integrates screenshots with CSS and DOM verifications (without needing any programming).
- Wraith: A great tool to test and compare sites that have dynamic content.
- PhantomCSS: A free , visual software for testing regressions that’s great for those who are proficient in JavaScript.
- BackstopJS automates visual regression testing to test responsive websites and apps.
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