Abstract: A method for preventing regression defects when updating software components is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes providing a source repository storing multiple software components (e.g., software modules, source files, sections of program code, etc.). The method determines associations between the software components and stores these associations in a database. The method further enables a user to check out a software component from the source repository in order to make updates, and check in the software component to the source repository once updates are made. At a designated time, such as when the software component is checked in or out, the method automatically checks the database to determine whether the software component has an association with any other software component in the source repository. The method notifies the user if an association is discovered. A corresponding computer program product and apparatus are also disclosed.