What does regression testing focus on within a software application?

Regression testing primarily focuses on assessing the impact of modifications made to a software application after updates, enhancements, or bug fixes. The main goal is to ensure that any changes introduced do not negatively affect the existing functionality of the software. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the application since even minor code changes can inadvertently introduce new issues or cause previously resolved bugs to resurface.

By running regression tests, teams can verify that the software behaves as expected after changes have been made, ensuring a stable and reliable application over time. This process helps identify any unintended consequences of code modifications and is essential in agile and iterative development environments where code is frequently updated.

While other areas, such as performance efficiency, compatibility with new hardware, and new feature testing, are important aspects of software development and quality assurance, they are not the primary focus of regression testing. The emphasis on the impact of modifications distinguishes regression testing from these other testing types.