What is the purpose of the testing phase in the SDLC?

The testing phase in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is crucial for verifying that the program meets the defined goals and specifications outlined during the earlier stages of the project. This phase involves systematically checking the software for defects, ensuring that it functions as intended in various scenarios, and validating that it satisfies both the functional and non-functional requirements.

During testing, different types of tests, such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing, are conducted. Each of these tests focuses on different aspects of the application, helping to identify bugs or weaknesses before the software is released to users. The aim is to ensure that the final product not only works correctly but also meets the expectations set during the requirements gathering phase.

In contrast, designing user interfaces focuses more on the layout and user experience rather than testing functionality. Gathering requirements is a preliminary step that occurs before the coding and testing phases. Deploying the application is part of the final stages in the SDLC, following testing, where the software is delivered to users. Thus, the testing phase is essential for confirming that the program aligns with its intended goals and is ready for deployment.