Regression Testing vs Retesting – What’s the Difference?

🔁 Regression Testing vs Retesting – What’s the Difference?

---

🔹 What is Regression Testing?

Definition: Regression testing is performed to verify that existing functionality still works after changes like bug fixes, enhancements, or code updates.

Purpose: To ensure that new code changes have not unintentionally broken existing features.

Example: A bug in the login module is fixed. After the fix, regression testing will check login, signup, and dashboard access—all related modules—to confirm that nothing else is broken.

🔹 What is Retesting?

Definition: Retesting is performed to verify that a specific bug fix works correctly using the same test case that initially failed.

Purpose: To confirm that the reported defect has been successfully fixed.

Example: If the "Submit" button didn’t work during the last test cycle and a fix was made, retesting involves checking that exact scenario again to verify that the bug is resolved.

🆚 Key Differences Between Regression Testing and Retesting

Criteria	Regression Testing	Retesting
Definition	Testing to confirm that new changes haven’t broken existing features	Testing to confirm a specific bug has been fixed
Test Case Used	Reusable old test cases	Same test case that failed earlier
Scope	Broad – covers multiple related modules	Narrow – focuses only on the fixed defect
Execution	Can be automated	Usually manual (critical checks)
Priority	After every build or code change	After a particular defect is fixed
Objective	Find side effects of changes	Verify that the fix works correctly
Dependency	Can be performed even if no bugs are found	Performed only when a bug is reported and fixed

🧪 Real-World Example

Scenario: A defect was found where the "Change Password" button was not working.

• Retesting: Check only the "Change Password" feature to verify the bug is fixed.
• Regression Testing: Check "Change Password", "Update Profile", "Login", "Logout"—all related user settings to ensure nothing else broke due to the fix.

✅ When to Use

Situation	Use
You fixed a known bug	✅ Retesting
You added a new feature or updated the codebase	✅ Regression Testing
Before a release or sprint demo	✅ Regression Testing
Verifying if a previously failed test now passes	✅ Retesting

📌 Conclusion

Retesting is about checking the fix.

Regression Testing is about checking the impact of the fix.

Both are essential for quality assurance. Retesting ensures bugs are fixed; regression ensures new bugs aren’t introduced.

👋 Hi, I'm Suriya — QA Engineer with 4+ years of experience in manual, API & automation testing.

📬 Contact Me | LinkedIn | GitHub

📌 Follow for: Real-Time Test Cases, Bug Reports, Selenium Frameworks.