Regression testing: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:40, 24 March 2005

Revision as of 20:36, 13 April 2005

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'''Regression testing''' is any type of [[software testing]] which seeks to uncover [[regression]] bugs. Regression bugs occur whenever software functionality that previously worked stops working. Typically regression bugs occur as an unintended consequence of program changes. Regression means to step backward. It is the opposite of [[progress]].

Common methods of regression testing areinclude re-running previously run tests and checking whether previously-fixed faults have reemerged.

Experience has shown that as software is developed, this kind of reemergence of faults is unfortunately quite common. Sometimes it occurs because a fix gets lost through poor [[revision control]] practices (or simple human error in revision control), but just as often a fix for a problem will be "fragile" - if some other change is made to the program, the fix no longer works. Finally, it has often been the case that when some feature is redesigned, the same mistakes will be made in the redesign that were made in the original implementation of the feature.