Regression Test
A test that checks existing behavior still works after a change.
Plain English
Make sure the new work did not break old behavior.
In context
Regression tests preserve known contracts and can be automated or performed manually based on risk.
Example
“Add a regression test for the file upload bug.”
When you'll hear this
- development
- release validation
- bug fixes
Common misunderstanding
A regression test should encode intended behavior rather than every historical implementation detail.
Commonly used by
Related terms
Updated: 2026-08-25
