What Is Progression Testing? Definition, Examples, and How It Compares to Regression Testing

Progression testing, also known as incremental testing, is a crucial software testing technique that ensures new features, enhancements, bug fixes, or configuration updates integrate seamlessly with existing systems without negatively impacting functionality. It serves as a safeguard for maintaining software quality and user trust while supporting the evolution of software through rigorous testing of new modules and changes. Progression testing combines functional, regression, and user acceptance testing to validate that the software works as expected after changes. Unlike regression testing, which focuses on ensuring existing features remain intact, progression testing emphasizes forward progress and system evolution. It is performed by QA testers, developers, and sometimes product managers and end-users, during the development of new features, system integration, and incremental builds. Automated tools such as testRigor, TestComplete, Appium, and Playwright are commonly used to expedite this process. While progression testing is essential for maintaining product stability and preventing unexpected failures, it requires a strategic approach to test design, prioritization, and automation to overcome challenges such as test maintenance overhead and incomplete coverage. By incorporating progression testing into continuous integration and delivery pipelines, teams can ensure reliable software growth and safeguard business reputation.