Regression Testing

Regression testing is any type of software testing that seeks to uncover new software bugs, or regressions, in existing functional and non-functional areas of a system after changes, such as enhancements, patches or configuration changes, have been made to them.

The intent of regression testing is to ensure that a change such as those mentioned above has not introduced new faults. One of the main reasons for regression testing is to determine whether a change in one part of the software affects other parts of the software.

Common methods of regression testing include rerunning previously-completed tests and checking whether program behavior has changed and whether previously-fixed faults have re-emerged. Regression testing can be used to test a system efficiently by systematically selecting the appropriate minimum set of tests needed to adequately cover a particular change.