What is the purpose of regression testing?

The purpose of regression testing is fundamentally linked to ensuring that modifications made to an application—such as bug fixes, enhancements, or new features—do not introduce new defects or negatively affect existing functionality. After changes are implemented, regression testing re-executes previously completed test cases to confirm that the unchanged parts of the software remain unaffected.

This practice is crucial in Agile environments, where continuous integration and frequent updates are common. Since software evolves rapidly, the potential for unforeseen issues stemming from recent changes increases, making regression testing a vital quality assurance activity. By systematically retesting the application, teams can maintain high software reliability and confidence in the system's integrity as it grows.

While other options highlight important aspects of the software development lifecycle—like improving performance or verifying compliance—these do not encapsulate the primary objective of regression testing, which is specifically aimed at safeguarding against the introduction of new defects post-modification.