What is the primary focus of regression testing?

Regression testing primarily focuses on ensuring that previously developed and tested software functions correctly after changes have been made to it, such as enhancements or bug fixes. The main goal is to verify that new code changes have not adversely affected existing functionalities. This type of testing helps maintain the integrity of the application, ensuring that it continues to perform as expected even after updates or modifications.

When a software application undergoes changes, there is always a risk that new features or bug fixes could unintentionally disrupt existing operations. Regression testing systematically checks these functionalities to ensure that they remain intact, thus providing confidence in the software's reliability over time.

Identifying performance bottlenecks relates more to performance testing, while validating security compliance focuses on security testing practices. Ensuring new features work is part of functional testing, which is different from the regression focus on previously established functionality.