What is the purpose of regression testing?

The purpose of regression testing is to ensure that new code changes do not adversely affect the existing functionality of the software. This type of testing is conducted after modifications such as bug fixes, enhancements, or new features have been introduced. It focuses on verifying that the overall system continues to perform as expected, confirming that existing functionality remains intact and no new issues have been introduced as a consequence of the changes. Regression testing plays a crucial role in maintaining software quality and reliability, as it helps identify any unintended side effects resulting from code alterations, allowing teams to address potential problems before releasing updates to users.

Other options address different objectives in software testing. For instance, testing the software under load pertains to performance testing, which evaluates how a system behaves under heavy usage. Identifying requirements for new features is associated with requirement gathering or analysis phases, while evaluating usability focuses on how user-friendly and intuitive the software is rather than on its stability after changes.