What role does regression testing play in the software development process?

Regression testing is an essential activity in the software development process aimed at ensuring the stability and functionality of the application after changes have been made. The primary role of regression testing is to verify that recent updates—such as bug fixes, enhancements, or new features—have not introduced new issues or negatively impacted existing functionality. By executing regression tests, the team can confidently confirm that the software continues to perform as expected after modifications.

This process is crucial because even minor changes in the code can inadvertently affect other parts of the software due to the interconnected nature of codebases. Regression testing, therefore, acts as a safety net, providing assurance that the software retains its reliability and meets quality standards post-implementation of updates. It helps catch defects that may have been overlooked during the initial development or testing phases, protecting the integrity of the final product.