This article focuses on discussing the comparison between Regression Testing and Re-Testing.
What is Regression Testing?
Regression Testing is a type of software testing, which is used to verify that modifications in the software or the environment have not caused any unintended adverse side effects.
- This technique involves retesting the entire system or a part of the system to ensure that the existing functionality of the software is still working as expected after making changes.
- Regression testing can be performed manually or using automated tools.
- Regression testing is performed after making any change in the software system, including bug fixes, enhancements, or new features.
What is Re-testing?
Retesting is done to make sure that the bug is fixed and whether the failed functionality is working fine or not, this is a kind of verification method followed in the testing field for the fixed bugs. Most of the testers have confusion with Regression and Retesting.
- Regression testing and re-testing are two important software testing techniques that are used to ensure the quality and reliability of software applications.
- Although both techniques involve retesting software, there are some key differences between the two approaches.
- Re-testing involves retesting a specific part of the software that was previously identified as having a defect.
- Re-testing is typically performed after a bug has been fixed, and the software has been reworked to address the defect.
- The objective of re-testing is to ensure that the specific issue that was previously identified has been resolved, and the software now works as expected.
Regression Testing vs Re-testing
Parameters |
Regression Testing | Retesting |
---|---|---|
Known As |
Regression testing is known as a generic testing. | Retesting is known as planned testing. |
Objective |
Regression testing is to ensure that changes have not affected the unchanged part of product. | Retesting is used to ensure the test cases which failed in last execution are fixed. It is performed on a specific part of the system to verify that a specific defect has been fixed. |
Scope |
Regression testing is used for past test cases. It is performed on the entire system or a subset of the system to ensure that all previously tested functionality is still working as expected | Retesting is used only for failed test cases. |
Defect Verification |
Defect verification is not coming under regression testing. | Defect verification is coming under retesting. |
Manual/ Automation Testing |
Regression testing can be done either in automation or manual testing. | Retesting can not be automated. |
Priority |
Regression testing has lower priority than retesting testing but in some cases it can be done in parallel with retesting. | Retesting has higher priority than regression testing. |
Test Cases Executed |
Passed test cases can be executed during regression testing. | Only failed test cases are re-executed during retesting. |
Test Case Automation |
During regression testing test cases can be automated. | During retesting test cases can’t be automated. |
Time |
It takes more time as it explores the whole application to uncover the bugs. | It takes less time as it focuses only on the exploration of a certain defect of the product. |
Need |
Testing for regression is done to look for unanticipated side effects. | To ensure the functioning of original problem as expected retesting is carried out. |
When to Perform? |
Regression testing is only performed after a code modification, in case of implementation of a new feature, or an enhancement. | Retesting is performed in the same environment and with the same data, but a new build is used. |
Source of Test Cases |
Test cases are obtained from the document specification and bug reports. | Test cases are not obtained beforehand but only after the start of testing. |
Pros |
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Cons |
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In summary, regression testing and re-testing are two important software testing techniques that serve different purposes. Regression testing is used to verify that changes to a software system do not have unintended consequences while re-testing is used to verify that specific defects have been resolved. Both techniques are critical to ensuring the quality and reliability of software applications.