Why is version control important in testing artifacts?

Version control is crucial in managing testing artifacts because it ensures systematic management and tracking of changes over time. When a testing artifact—such as test cases, test plans, or bug reports—is updated, version control keeps a record of what changes were made, who made them, and when they occurred. This functionality enables teams to revert to previous versions if necessary, facilitates collaboration among team members, and helps maintain a clear history of the testing process.

By employing version control, teams can also better manage multiple versions of the software under test, ensuring that the corresponding test artifacts are synchronized with the right version of the application. This management is particularly important in scenarios involving continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), as it ensures that changes do not introduce inconsistencies in testing and that all team members are on the same page.

Other options do not capture the essence of version control accurately. For instance, instant execution of all test cases or eliminating the need for manual testing pertain to testing processes rather than version control. Likewise, reducing required documentation is more closely related to lean testing practices than to the core functionality of version control. Thus, the systematic management and tracking of changes that version control provides is fundamental to maintaining organized, effective, and collaborative testing efforts.