What does maintaining visual test baselines prevent?

Maintaining visual test baselines is crucial as it helps in identifying any unrecognized visual changes in production. When baselines are established, they serve as a point of reference for what the visual appearance of an application should be. As code changes occur, comparing the current visual output against these established baselines allows testers to easily spot deviations that might go unnoticed otherwise.

If visual changes occur in production that deviate from the established baseline, it could indicate potential issues with the user interface or user experience that need to be addressed. This proactive approach ensures that any unintended visual discrepancies are caught early in the development process, which is vital for maintaining the integrity and quality of the product. By recognizing and addressing these changes, teams can avoid introducing visual defects that could impact users' interactions with the application.