retester

Retester is a term used in software development and quality assurance to describe a tester who re-executes previously performed tests. This re-execution is typically done to verify that defects, once fixed, have been resolved correctly and have not introduced new issues in the process. Retesting is a crucial part of the bug fixing lifecycle.

The primary goal of retesting is to confirm the effectiveness of a bug fix. Once a developer believes they have resolved a defect, the retester will attempt to reproduce the original scenario that led to the bug. If the bug no longer occurs, the defect is considered closed. However, if the bug persists or if new bugs are discovered as a result of the fix, the defect is reopened and returned to the development team for further work.

Retesting is distinct from regression testing, although they are often performed in conjunction. While retesting focuses specifically on verifying a particular fix, regression testing aims to ensure that the fix, or any other code change, has not negatively impacted other, unrelated parts of the software. A retester might perform both types of tests, but the scope of retesting is narrower than that of regression testing. Effective retesting requires clear communication between testers and developers, as well as well-documented test cases that can be easily re-executed.