What does regression testing typically aim to ensure?

Regression testing is a crucial aspect of software maintenance and quality assurance that aims primarily to verify that previously developed and tested software continues to function correctly after changes have been made. These changes could include enhancements, bug fixes, or the introduction of new features.

The main goal of regression testing is to ensure that any modifications to the codebase do not inadvertently introduce new bugs or unintended side effects in existing features. By re-running previously conducted test cases, teams can confirm that the software behaves as expected after adjustments, which helps maintain the integrity and reliability of the application over time.

While the other choices relate to different testing objectives—such as ensuring new features work, maintaining performance under load, or enhancing user experience—they do not capture the essence of regression testing. This focused nature distinguishes regression testing from other types of testing, reinforcing the importance of software stability amidst ongoing development efforts.