Software regression

A software regression is a type of software bug where a feature that has worked before stops working. This may happen after changes are applied to the software's source code, including the addition of new features and bug fixes.[1] They may also be introduced by changes to the environment in which the software is running, such as system upgrades, system patching or a change to daylight saving time.[2] A software performance regression is a situation where the software still functions correctly, but performs more slowly or uses more memory or resources than before.[3] Various types of software regressions have been identified in practice, including the following:[4]

  • Local – a change introduces a new bug in the changed module or component.
  • Remote – a change in one part of the software breaks functionality in another module or component.
  • Unmasked – a change unmasks an already existing bug that had no effect before the change.

Regressions are often caused by encompassed bug fixes included in software patches. One approach to avoiding this kind of problem is regression testing. A properly designed test plan aims at preventing this possibility before releasing any software.[5] Automated testing and well-written test cases can reduce the likelihood of a regression.

  1. ^ Wong, W. Eric; Horgan, J.R.; London, Saul; Agrawal, Hira (1997). "A Study of Effective Regression Testing in Practice". Proceedings of the Eighth International Symposium on Software Reliability Engineering (ISSRE 97). IEEE. doi:10.1109/ISSRE.1997.630875. ISBN 0-8186-8120-9. S2CID 2911517.
  2. ^ Yehudai, Amiram; Tyszberowicz, Shmuel; Nir, Dor (2007). Locating Regression Bugs. Haifa Verification Conference. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-77966-7_18. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  3. ^ Shang, Weiyi; Hassan, Ahmed E.; Nasser, Mohamed; Flora, Parminder (11 December 2014). "Automated Detection of Performance Regressions Using Regression Models on Clustered Performance Counters" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 January 2021. Retrieved 22 December 2019. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. ^ Henry, Jean-Jacques Pierre (2008). The Testing Network: An Integral Approach to Test Activities in Large Software Projects. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 74. ISBN 978-3540785040.
  5. ^ Richardson, Jared; Gwaltney, William Jr (2006). Ship It! A Practical Guide to Successful Software Projects. Raleigh, NC: The Pragmatic Bookshelf. pp. 32, 193. ISBN 978-0-9745140-4-8.