What is patch testing?
Patch testing is a type of software testing that evaluates a specific change or "patch" applied to an application. The goal is to ensure the patch resolves the intended issue without introducing new defects. It focuses on the areas of the software affected by the update.
Do you have any examples of patch testing?
Consider a patch that fixes a password reset bug. Your patch testing should include:
- Testing the direct fix (password reset functionality)
- Verifying related features (login, account recovery, password requirements)
- Checking downstream systems (email notifications, database updates)
- Confirming the original bug is resolved
- Testing common user workflows that interact with the changed code
Why is patch testing important?
Patch testing helps maintain software stability while moving quickly to resolve issues. It provides a focused way to verify fixes without running full regression tests, which saves valuable time during critical updates. More importantly, it catches potential side effects before they reach users.
What are the challenges with patch testing?
The biggest challenge in patch testing is determining the full scope of what needs to be tested. Modern applications often have complex dependencies, making it difficult to predict how a single change might affect the entire system.
