Software Quality Assurance Practice Exam

What does it mean to perform regression testing?

1. Testing the system for existing capabilities

2. Testing new features without affecting existing ones

3. Testing a system to ensure previous functionality has not been broken

4. Testing a system for performance under heavy load

The correct answer is: Testing a system to ensure previous functionality has not been broken

Performing regression testing is fundamentally about ensuring that any modifications, updates, or enhancements made to a software application do not disrupt or degrade its previously functioning capabilities. This testing process involves executing a suite of tests that have been previously created to validate that the existing functionalities remain intact after changes such as bug fixes, new feature implementations, or upgrades. By focusing specifically on confirming that the software behaves as expected after such updates, regression testing plays a crucial role in maintaining software quality. It helps identify unintended side effects that changes might introduce, confirming that the software continues to meet its specifications and user expectations. This practice is vital in a software development lifecycle, especially in agile environments, where continuous integration and deployment can frequently alter the codebase. In contrast, other options touch on different aspects of software testing that do not encapsulate the essence of regression testing. For example, while testing the system for existing capabilities or confirming new features without affecting existing ones are important testing activities, they do not specifically address the need to verify that the previous functionality has not been compromised. Similarly, testing for performance under heavy load pertains to performance testing, which is a different focus entirely from regression testing, emphasizing the system's behavior under stress rather than its fundamental functionality.