Software quality assurance involves various testing methodologies to verify software’s functionality, reliability, and robustness across different environments. Compatibility testing and retesting are two important types of testing that are often compared. Though both share the goal of improving software quality, they have differences. Compatibility testing ensures a product is able to perform adequately across various platforms, while retesting confirms that defects observed earlier have been rectified. This blog discusses their differences, key use cases, and best practices for both.
Understanding Compatibility Testing
What is Compatibility Testing?
Compatibility Testing checks whether a software application behaves properly for various operating systems, browsers/devices, or hardware configurations. This provides a consistent user experience despite variability in user environments.
Why is Compatibility Testing Important?
Today, compatibility is paramount with such a wide variety of devices and software configurations. Consecutive failures of such applications in varying environments can result in losing users as well as tarnishing the brand image. This risk can be mitigated by testing compatibility to highlight issues due to environmental differences before deployment.
| Type of Compatibility Testing | Description |
| Browser Compatibility Testing | Ensures the web app works across different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari). |
| Operating System Compatibility Testing | Checks app functionality on various OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS). |
| Device Compatibility Testing | Tests app performance on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. |
| Software Compatibility Testing | Ensures smooth integration with third-party software, plug-ins, and databases. |
| Network Compatibility Testing | Evaluate app performance under different network conditions (Wi-Fi, mobile data, slow speeds). |
In What Scenarios Should You Conduct Compatibility Testing?
Compatibility testing should be performed in the late stages of software development and prior to the application’s final deployment. But it is also good when deploying new updates to make sure you do not break anything specific to your environment.
How ACCELQ Enhances Compatibility Testing
ACCELQ is an AI-driven codeless test automation platform that makes it easy to test across browsers, operating systems, and devices. Using ACCELQ’s cloud-based test execution solution and intelligent automation, teams can seamlessly validate their applications in different environments without the complexities of configuring various test setups.
Understanding Retesting
What is Retesting?
Retesting is a software testing process used to determine if previously identified bugs have been successfully fixed. It executes those test cases from the previous test cycle that had no success over the same data and under the same conditions.
Why is Retesting Important?
Bug fixes do not always guarantee that an issue is resolved without affecting other functionalities. Retesting confirms that the identified defect has been properly addressed, ensuring no further issues remain.
Key Features of Retesting
- Verification of Bug Fixes – Ensures that reported defects have been fixed by developers.
- Repeated Execution – Involves running the same test cases that previously failed.
- Focused Scope – Unlike regression testing, retesting focuses only on the specific bug fixes.
- Manual Testing Preference – Although automated scripts can be used, retesting is often conducted manually for accurate verification.
When Should You Perform Retesting?
Retesting is performed after a defect has been fixed by developers and before new functionalities are introduced. It is typically executed in a controlled environment to ensure that the changes do not cause unexpected issues.
Compatibility Testing vs Retesting: Key Differences
| Aspect | Compatibility Testing | Retesting |
| Objective | Ensures software works across multiple environments. | Validates that fixed defects no longer exist. |
| Scope | Broad – involves multiple configurations. | Narrow – focused on a specific defect fix. |
| When Performed | Before release, during updates, or after major changes. | After a defect is reported and fixed. |
| Testing Approach | Conducted across different browsers, OS, networks, and hardware. | Involves rerunning failed test cases under the same conditions. |
| Automation Usage | Often automated for efficiency. | Usually performed manually for accuracy. |
| Primary Goal | Identifies environment-specific issues. | Confirms bug fixes are successful. |
Best Practices for Compatibility Testing
- Define Supported Environments – Create a list of OS, browsers, and devices to be covered before testing.
- Leverage Cloud-Based Testing Platforms – Use tools like ACCELQ, LambdaTest, BrowserStack, or Sauce Labs that permit cross-browser and cross-device testing without requiring physical arrangements.
- Prioritize Based on User Demographics – Focus on the most commonly used configurations based on market research.
- Use Automated Testing Tools – Automation helps in efficiently testing multiple configurations simultaneously.
- Monitor Real-World Performance – Conduct compatibility tests under real-user conditions to ensure accuracy.
When to Perform Regression Testing: Difference Between Retesting and Compatibility Testing
Retesting verifies individual bug fixes, and compatibility testing confirms seamless operation in different environments; regression testing supports the process in a distributed manner. It evaluates whether recent code changes, including bug fixes, impact existing functionalities. Unlike retesting, which is confined to fixed defects, regression testing covers a broader scope by revalidating unchanged areas of the application.
Teams often integrate regression testing with retesting to prevent unintended side effects. Additionally, regression testing is beneficial after compatibility testing, as changes made for better cross-platform performance may introduce unforeseen issues in the overall application.
Best Practices for Retesting
- Re-execute Failed Test Cases – Ensure that previously failed test cases are rerun after the bug fix.
- Maintain Detailed Defect Reports – Keep comprehensive records of reported defects, including reproduction steps and screenshots.
- Ensure Isolated Testing – Retesting should be performed independently from regression testing to avoid conflicts.
- Perform Testing in a Controlled Environment – Maintain the same conditions as the original test execution for accurate results.
- Use a Defect Tracking System – Tools like Jira, Bugzilla, or Trello help streamline bug tracking and retesting workflows.
Compatibility testing vs Retesting: Which one to choose?
Compatibility testing and retesting are both indispensable parts of software quality assurance, yet both address different requirements. Compatibility Testing: This is performed to verify that the application is running perfectly in multiple environments, as some of the features may fail on a specific platform. Retesting, in contrast, deals with checking whether bugs are fixed and if existing defects have been effectively resolved.
A balanced approach for software teams that includes compatibility testing and retesting is essential. Compatibility testing is necessary to cater to a diverse user base while retesting ensures that no lingering defects impact software stability.
Conclusion
Teams can make better quality testing decisions when they understand compatibility testing vs retesting. Compatibility testing on different devices, browsers, and networks – alongside retesting of confirmed bug fixes – are key components of ensuring a holistic testing process. Both play a significant role in preserving software quality and improving user experience.
By weaving together best practices for both, organizations can accelerate the delivery of high-performing, reliable software that works as intended in whatever environment it’s used. The need to invest in the right tools, approaches, and methodologies for compatibility testing and retesting cannot be stressed enough to deliver robust, bug-free applications that stay on top of their game in the competitive age.
