Regression Testing vs Retesting-Differences and Examples
During the multiple phases of the software development life cycle(SDLC), multiple types of testing are performed depending on the stage of development. Each stage of the SDLC has different requirements and objectives for the testing to fulfill. The testing phase starts with unit testing, followed by integration testing, system testing, system integration testing, acceptance testing, and regression testing.
During each testing phase, if something does not work as per the requirements, the defects detected by the testers are raised and assigned to the developers to fix. Once defects are fixed, they are retested by testers to ensure it works as desired. This is called retesting. But isn’t it the same as regression testing? They are not. Let us discuss regression testing vs retesting in detail in this article and understand all about regression testing vs retesting.
Regression Testing:
Regression testing checks if code changes affect existing features. It confirms that the application still functions correctly after updates. It includes functional and non-functional tests and is not done on new modules.
| Read all about Regression Testing |
Retesting:
Retesting, also called confirmation testing, ensures that previously identified defects are fixed correctly. It involves re-running failed test cases to verify they now pass.
| Read all about Retesting |
Table Of Contents
Regression Testing vs Retesting Differences
Let’s explore the key differences between Regression Testing and Retesting in software testing:
| Regression Testing | Retesting | |
| Purpose | The primary purpose of regression testing is to ensure that recent code changes have not adversely affected existing functionalities. It involves running previously executed test cases to verify that new code modifications haven’t introduced new defects. | Retesting is focused on verifying that a specific bug or issue reported earlier has been fixed correctly. It involves running test cases related to the particular issue to confirm that it no longer exists. |
| Scope | It encompasses many test cases, not just those related to recent changes. The goal is to check the overall integrity of the software after any modifications. | It is narrowly focused on a specific defect or issue and involves re-executing only the test cases directly related to it. |
| Automation | Automation is commonly used for regression testing because it involves running many test cases. Automated test suites help efficiently execute these tests whenever there are code changes. | Automation can be used for retesting, but it’s only sometimes necessary, especially for one-time verifications of specific issues. Manual testing is often sufficient for retesting. |
| Test Plan | It is typically part of the overall test plan and is executed at various stages of the development cycle, such as during integration testing, system testing, and even post-release maintenance. | Retesting is usually planned and executed when a specific defect is reported. It may only be explicitly mentioned in the test plan if necessary to verify the fix. |
| Test Cases | Test cases for regression testing cover a wide range of functionalities and scenarios to ensure the overall stability of the software. They are not limited to specific defects. | Test cases for retesting are specific to the reported defect. They are designed to replicate the conditions that triggered the issue initially. |
In summary, while regression testing and retesting are important aspects of software testing, they serve different purposes and have distinct scopes. Regression testing is a broader practice aimed at ensuring overall software stability, often automated while retesting is a focused verification of specific bug fixes, typically done manually or with fewer test cases.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, “Regression Testing vs Retesting” illustrates two vital yet distinct facets of the software testing process.
Regression Testing is a method that ensures the stability and functionality of a software system during modifications. It involves passed and failed test cases and can be performed manually or with automation tools. While it ensures business continuity and detects potential side effects, optimizing can be time-consuming and challenging. Retesting, on the other hand, is a specific practice that re-executes failed test cases to verify defects, enhancing product quality and reducing verification time.
Understanding the disparities and advantages of these two testing approaches is essential for maintaining software integrity and delivering high-quality products to users. The choice between regression testing and retesting hinges on the goals and priorities of the testing phase within the software development lifecycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Retest done after Regression test, What comes first Retesting or Regression Testing?
Yes, retesting is done after regression testing. Retesting is done after a software release to ensure that the new features function properly, but regression testing is done before the software is released to ensure that the new features work properly, while regression tests are conducted to determine if there are any earlier issues in the software.
What is the difference between Retesting and Sanity Testing?
Retesting entails testing a specific software functionality. It is not good for automation because the test case varies every time. If a defect or problem is discovered in the code, it is merely a portion of the testing process.
Sanity testing is performed to ensure that each function performs as intended. Only one component of the entire system is subjected to sanity testing. The primary goal of the testing is to ensure the system’s stability.
