What Is Regression Testing and How It Is Different From Retesting
Tags: retesting, and, regression, testing
Published: 2023-07-12 10:23:29

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Software testing is a technique to determine whether the actual software product is fulfilling the expected requirements of the customer or not. Finding the error, bugs, gaps, and missing requirements in comparison to the actual requirements is the primary goal of software testing. There are different types of testing and techniques of testing. But in this blog, we will specifically deal with retesting and regression testing.  

**What Is Regression Testing**?

It is the type of software testing that re-executes the functional and non-functional tests to check whether the software application is working as intended after the code changes, updates, revisions, improvements, and optimizations. Regression testing helps the developers in detecting unexpected faults in the software application that may occur due to enhancements, tweaks, or changes in the code. Regression testing plays an important role in the software development cycle as it provides overall stability to the software application. Furthermore, sometimes, retesting and regression testing are performed in parallel. 

**How to Perform Regression Testing**?

The regression testing is performed in a stepwise manner. The process of regression testing comprises some important phases. Here are the phases of regression testing:-

**Selection of Test Cases**

To conduct the regression testing, the selection of proper test cases is required. In order to select the appropriate test cases, the developers majorly look for the areas in the program that are more prone to frequent defects.

**Determine the Right Tools for Regression Testing**

Once the cases of regression tests are recognized, then the developers choose the tools to successfully execute the process. Depending on the particular project, there are some regression testing tools included:-

**Functional Testing Tools**: These tools are used to test the specific part of the software program for defects and errors. These tools help the developers in knowing the next step to follow.

**API Testing Tools**: These tools help developers to set the appropriate criteria of input so that it can be ensured whether the software’s output demands meet the performance expectations or not.

**Unit Testing Tools**: These tools help developers comprehensively validate the software program. These tools help ensure the optimal quality and functionality of the software product.

**Configuration Management** 

When regression testing is conducted, there might be chances that the actual code gets disrupted. That is why developers maintain a database of test cases that are not changed or updated during the regression testing.

 **When to Perform the Regression Testing**

In the field of software, regression testing can be performed on a variety of applications. However, there are some scenarios where regression testing should be done, which are given below:-

**Changes in Code and Requirements**

When the code is changed or modified, then there is the need to perform regression testing. The changes or modifications may lead to changes in the actual functionalities. That is why the execution of regression test cases helps software developers in knowing the effect of code change and modification.

**Introduction of New Features**

When new features are added to the current application, then it can override the existing essential features. So, to verify the existing functionality, software developers perform regression testing.

**Fixing defects in the Program**

When changes or modifications take place in the software program, then the developers fix the bug or defect if found. So, in that case, there is a possibility that while fixing the error, the code may alter. Moreover, programmers can retest the software programs. Though, remember that there are key differences between retesting and regression testing.

**Key Differences Between Retesting and Regression Testing**

- Generic testing is another name for regression testing, while planned testing is the other name for retesting

- Regression testing is performed to ensure whether the changes have affected the actual program or not, whereas retesting is done to check whether the failed test in the last execution is fixed or not

- Regression testing is performed on the passed test cases, whereas retesting is performed only on the failed test cases
Defect verification is part of retesting and regression testing 

- Regression testing can be performed manually or in an automated manner, whereas retesting is only performed in a manual manner, it cannot be automated

- Regression testing holds less priority as compared to retesting. However, there are some cases in which the regression testing is performed parallel with the retesting.

- The test cases can be easily automated during regression testing while the test cases cannot be automated in the retesting

- Regression testing is time-consuming because it explores the overall application to uncover the bugs, whereas retesting focuses only on the exploration of specific product defects

- Regression testing can only be performed when the changes, updates, or modifications take place in the code, whereas retesting is performed in the same environment and a new build is used

- In regression testing, bug reports and document specifications are used to obtain the test cases, whereas, in retesting, the test cases are obtained only after the start of testing

**Final Thoughts**

Retesting and regression testing are both essential for the successful development of the software product. However, choosing the right platform to perform software testing is also crucial. To conduct regression testing and retesting in a significant manner, you can opt for the Opkey platform. Opkey is a no-code testing platform that streamlines the process of retesting and regression testing.