What Is Retesting?

Retesting is a software testing technique that involves executing test cases again for a software application or system after defects have been fixed or changes have been made to ensure that the defects have been resolved and the changes made have not introduced new defects.  

The purpose of retesting is to verify that the previous defects have been fixed and that the application or system is working as expected. It is an important part of the software testing process as it helps to ensure that the application or system is functioning correctly and meets the specified requirements.  

Retesting can be performed manually or through automation, depending on the complexity and scope of the testing. However, it is typically carried out during the regression testing phase of the software testing life cycle. 

Retesting Example

Here’s an example of retesting: 

Suppose you are testing an e-commerce website where users can place orders for various products. During initial testing, you find a defect where the shipping address is not saved correctly. You report the defect, and the development team fixes it by making changes to the code. 

After the defect is fixed, the next step is to perform retesting. You would execute the same test case that initially revealed the defect to ensure that the issue has been resolved. You would verify that the shipping address is now saved correctly and that the user can proceed with placing the order without any issues. 

Importance of Retesting Software

If the test passes, then the defect is considered fixed, and the issue is closed. However, if the test fails again, then you would report the issue, and the development team would need to investigate further to determine what went wrong and how to fix it. 

Retesting software is crucial to ensure that the application or system is working as expected after changes have been made or defects have been fixed. Here are some key reasons why retesting is important:   

Verify That Defects Have Been Fixed 

When a defect is reported and fixed, it is important to ensure that the fix has actually addressed the issue. Retesting the same test case that initially revealed the defect helps to verify that the issue has been resolved. 

Detect Regression Issues

When changes are made to the application or system, there is a risk of introducing new defects or regression issues. Retesting helps to identify these issues and prevent them from going unnoticed. 

Ensure Application Quality

Retesting helps to ensure that the application or system is of high quality and meets the specified requirements. In addition, it helps to detect and fix any issues that may impact the user experience, such as incorrect data or functionality. 

Save Time and Costs

Detecting and fixing defects early in the development process can save significant time and costs. In addition, retesting helps to catch issues early before they become more complex and costly to fix.

Overall, retesting is an essential part of the software testing process that helps to ensure that the application or system is functioning correctly and meets the specified requirements. 

Pros and Cons of Retesting

Retesting is an essential part of the software testing process, but like any testing technique, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons of retesting:   

Pros 

• Verification of Fixes: Retesting helps to ensure that the defects identified in earlier testing phases have been fixed correctly. 
• Regression Testing: Retesting also helps to detect regression issues and ensure that changes made to the system do not impact the existing functionality. 
• Quality Assurance: Retesting helps to ensure that the system meets the required quality standards and delivers the expected functionality to end-users. 
• Cost-Effective: Retesting is cost-effective as it helps to identify and fix defects in the early stages of development. 

Cons

• Time-Consuming: Retesting can be time-consuming, especially if there are a large number of test cases to be executed. 
• Dependency on Initial Test Cases: The effectiveness of retesting depends on the quality of the initial test cases that are executed. 
• Human Error: Retesting may be subject to human error, and the results may not always be accurate. 
• Scope of Testing: Retesting only verifies the specific test cases that were initially executed. Therefore, it may not uncover issues that were not tested or not considered during the initial testing phase. 

In summary, while retesting is an essential technique for software testing, it is important to consider its pros and cons to determine the appropriate testing approach for a specific software application or system.