Two significant concepts in software testing are retesting and regression testing. Despite having similar names, they have various functions and contribute in different ways to the stability and quality of software programs. This blog will examine the major distinctions between regression testing and retesting, illuminating their goals, techniques, and significance in the software development lifecycle.

Retesting

Retesting is an essential component of software testing that aims to confirm the patches or adjustments made to address flaws or problems discovered during previous testing cycles. It involves rerunning test cases that failed previously or were impacted by the reported issues. Retesting is done primarily to confirm that the discovered flaws have been properly addressed and that the impacted functionality again works as intended.

Retesting usually follows a well-defined bug-fixing process, where developers address reported issues and provide patches or code fixes. Once the fixes are implemented, the retesting phase begins. Testers execute the test cases that previously failed due to the identified defects to verify if the fixes have resolved the issues completely. The scope of retesting is limited to the specific areas or functionalities that were affected by the reported defects.

Regression Testing

Regression testing is a thorough testing strategy that tries to verify the whole system after changes or improvements have been implemented. It makes sure that the software updates are not implemented in a way that introduces new flaws or accidentally affects current functionality. Regression testing helps in mitigating the risks associated with changes in the software and maintains the stability and integrity of the system.

Regression testing involves re-executing previously executed test cases, not only in the areas directly affected by the changes but also in related areas to identify any potential side effects. This helps in uncovering any unforeseen issues that may have arisen due to the modifications. Regression testing is critical because changes made in one part of the software can sometimes unintentionally break functionality or introduce unexpected behaviour in other areas.

Differences between Retesting and Regression Testing

Objective:

The primary objective of retesting is to validate the fixes made to resolve previously identified defects, ensuring they have been successfully addressed. In contrast, regression testing aims to verify the overall system after changes have been made, detecting any new defects or unintended impacts. This can be said to be the main difference between retesting and regression testing.

Scope:

Retesting focuses on the specific areas or functionalities affected by the reported defects, whereas regression testing encompasses a broader scope, including both directly and indirectly impacted areas.

Timing:

Retesting occurs after bug fixes have been implemented, while regression testing is performed after modifications or enhancements have been made to the software.

Test Cases:

Retesting involves rerunning the failed test cases from previous cycles, while regression testing requires executing a comprehensive set of test cases to ensure the stability of the entire system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, retesting and regression testing are distinct yet complementary approaches in software testing. Retesting ensures that the identified defects have been fixed successfully, while regression testing verifies the overall system after changes have been made. Both play vital roles in ensuring software quality and stability.