What Are The Differences Between Regression Testing & Retesting?
Regression and retesting are two confusing concepts; not only do they sound alike but they do have some similarities between them. As both of these processes involves testing the same product again. But the trick lies in what they test and under what conditions. So let’s now take a closer look into the difference between these two testing techniques.
What is regression testing?
It is a black box type of software testing which is performed to ensure that any recent code change in the software does not affect the existing functionality of the software. It involves re-running functional and non-functional tests to ensure that software works as expected even after frequent code changes.
This test should be taken up in the following conditions:
· Whenever new functionalities are added to the application
· Change requirement/requests arise
· Defect is fixed
· Performance issues are fixed
· The environment is changed (e.g. updating the DB from MySQL to Oracle)
What is retesting?
It is also known as confirmation testing and is performed to ensure that the defects which were raised during the SDLC (software development life cycle) are fixed and work according to the specifications. During retesting, the failed test cases are re-executed and passed.
What is the difference between regression testing and retesting?
Below mentioned are the major point of differences that exist between these two testing techniques:
Regression Testing
· It ensures the code changes have not affected any existing features
· It is performed for passed test cases
· It does not include defect verification
· It can be run in parallel with retesting depending on project and resource availability
· In this testing type, automation testing is preferred
· The test cases are derived from the functional specification, the user manuals, and user tutorials
· It is the generic type of testing
Retesting
· It ensures that the test cases which failed earlier are passed after the defects are fixed
· It is performed for failed test cases
· It includes defect verification
· It is performed before the regression testing process
· Automation is not possible, hence it is done manually
· Test cases that are failed in the prior execution are only re-executed
· It is planned to test
Conclusion
Today every enterprise wants quality software and wants to deliver a good UX. Therefore enterprise updates their software from time-to-time. But usually, whenever any change is made, a bug arises in software, or existing functionalities get affected. Also, there are chances that some tests will pass and some will fail, which again need to be tested until they are passed or the bug is fixed. This is where retesting and regression testing play their role. But often people get confused between these two testing types. Therefore we have mentioned the major point of difference between these testing methods. Leverage regression testing from a next-gen QA and software testing services provider to achieve high-quality software.
About the author: I am a technical content writer and I write articles on various IT-related topics. In this article, I have tried to share my views on the difference between regression testing and retesting.