The evaluation process that verifies and validates software products to ensure they meet specified requirements and function as expected is a critical phase in the software development lifecycle. This process encompasses various techniques and methodologies aimed at identifying defects, errors, and gaps in the software, thereby improving its overall quality and reliability. For instance, running a series of pre-defined scenarios on a newly developed application to confirm it handles user input correctly represents a common instance of this evaluation.
Its significance stems from its ability to mitigate potential risks associated with faulty software, prevent financial losses resulting from software failures, and enhance user satisfaction by delivering stable and dependable applications. Historically, this practice has evolved from rudimentary debugging methods to sophisticated, automated testing frameworks, reflecting the increasing complexity of software systems and the growing demand for high-quality software.