What triggers maintenance testing?

Maintenance testing is primarily triggered by various activities related to the ongoing management and evolution of software after its initial release. These activities include modifications to enhance functionality or address user needs, migrations that involve moving the software to a different environment or platform, and retirements which might require validation that existing functionalities are no longer affected during the decommission process.

Each of these factors plays a significant role in maintaining the software’s integrity, performance, and relevance to user requirements. For instance, when modifications are made, it's crucial to ensure that existing features are still functioning correctly and that new features integrate seamlessly. Similarly, during migrations, testing ensures that the software operates as expected in the new environment.

Maintenance testing thus encompasses a broader range of activities beyond just bug fixes or software updates, ensuring that all aspects of the software continue to deliver reliable performance and fulfill user expectations during its lifecycle.