What is Retesting?
Retesting is a type of software testing carried out to ensure that the previously failed test cases have been fixed correctly and the components or systems under test now function as expected. It involves re-execution of failed test cases to validate the fixes made during bug resolution.
Examples of Retesting:
- Testing an application after applying a specific patch to fix a known issue.
- Testing the same functionality on different operating systems to ensure cross-platform compatibility.
Uses of Retesting:
- Ensures that the issues reported during the initial testing process have been resolved.
- Verifies that the fixes implemented in the software do not introduce new defects.
- Builds confidence in the reliability and stability of the application or system.
What is Regression Testing?
Regression testing is a type of software testing performed to ensure that changes or enhancements made to an application or system do not inadvertently introduce new defects or regressions into existing functionality. It focuses on retesting the impacted areas along with the unaffected areas to ensure overall system stability.
Examples of Regression Testing:
- Testing an e-commerce website after adding new payment methods.
- Verifying the functionality of an application after a major system upgrade.
Uses of Regression Testing:
- Detects and prevents the introduction of new defects or issues in the system.
- Ensures compatibility between new updates or changes and existing features.
- Provides confidence in the stability and reliability of the system after each modification.
Differences between Retesting and Regression Testing:
| Difference Area | Retesting | Regression Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | To ensure the fix of previously failed test cases. | To ensure no new defects are introduced in modified functionality. |
| Timing | Performed after bug resolution. | Performed after each software modification. |
| Scope | Targeted towards the failed functionality. | Focuses on both impacted and unaffected areas. |
| Test Cases | Executes only failed test cases. | Executes both new and existing test cases. |
| Effort | Requires less effort compared to regression testing. | Requires more effort to cover a wider range of scenarios. |
| Frequency | Performed in specific situations where fixes are applied. | Performed after each modification or enhancement. |
| Goal | Validation of the fix and closure of reported defects. | Verification of overall system stability and functionality. |
| Priority | Higher priority given to failed test cases. | Equal priority to both existing and new functionality. |
| Risk Coverage | Covers risks associated with specific failed test cases. | Covers risks associated with changes and overall system stability. |
| Regression Test Suite | Retest only focused areas. | Re-execute a complete set of regression test cases. |
Conclusion:
Retesting and regression testing are both essential components of the software testing process. While retesting focuses on the successful resolution of previously failed test cases, regression testing targets the overall stability of the system after any modification. The differences lie in their objectives, scope, timing, effort, and risk coverage.
People Also Ask:
- Q: What is the significance of retesting?
- Q: Why is regression testing necessary?
- Q: Is retesting only performed after bug fixes?
- Q: How frequently should regression testing be performed?
- Q: Can regression testing be automated?
A: Retesting ensures that the reported defects have been correctly resolved and that the fixed functionality is working as expected.
A: Regression testing is necessary to verify that modifications or enhancements do not introduce new bugs or regressions into the existing functionality.
A: Yes, retesting is typically performed after bug resolution to ensure the fix is successful.
A: Regression testing should be performed after each modification or enhancement to ensure the system’s stability.
A: Yes, regression testing can be automated to improve efficiency and reduce effort by re-executing test cases automatically.
