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Test cycle vs test run: what is the difference?

A test cycle groups multiple runs across a release or period. A test run is one execution of a chosen set of cases. Cycles answer "how was this release tested?"; runs answer "what happened on this specific execution?"

2 min read

01Cycle examples

  • "v1.4 regression"
  • "Sprint 23 testing"
  • "Pre-launch QA for the marketing site"

A cycle is a container. It groups related runs so reporting is meaningful at the release or period level.

02Run examples (within a cycle)

  • "v1.4 regression — Chrome desktop"
  • "v1.4 regression — Safari mobile"
  • "v1.4 regression — staging API smoke"

Each run is a specific execution against a specific environment, with a defined set of cases.

03Why both exist

Without cycles, you'd have a flat list of runs and no easy way to roll up reporting per release. Without runs, you'd have a label ("v1.4 testing") with no actual execution detail.

04Related

05Frequently asked questions

Can I have a cycle without runs?
A cycle starts empty and gets runs added over time. An empty cycle is a planned-but-not-yet-executed period.
Should I create a cycle per release?
Per release is a common pattern. So is per sprint, per environment, or per major customer demo. Match cycles to the unit of testing you actually report on.

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