What does the term "test maintenance" mean in automation?

Test maintenance refers to the ongoing process of updating and refining existing test scripts to ensure their effectiveness and relevance to current software functionality. As software applications evolve through various releases, the code changes necessitate adjustments to the corresponding automated tests. This includes modifying scripts to accommodate new features, fixing defects, and enhancing the clarity or efficiency of the tests.

Maintaining tests is crucial because it helps ensure that the automated testing efforts remain aligned with the latest software version. If tests are not maintained, they may become outdated or irrelevant, leading to false positives or negatives during testing. By regularly updating test scripts, developers can improve test coverage and reliability, ultimately contributing to higher quality software.

Other choices, while related to test management, do not capture the essence of maintenance. For instance, creating new test scripts from scratch focuses on initial development rather than ongoing upkeep. Deleting obsolete tests pertains to a specific aspect of maintenance but does not encompass the broader concept of refining and updating existing scripts. Running all tests manually on each release shifts the focus back to manual testing processes, which is contrary to the purpose of automation and maintaining automated tests.