Acceptance Testing is a crucial phase in software development where the software/application is tested to verify if it meets the customer's requirements and specifications. It is usually performed towards the end of the development process, after the completion of system testing.
The main objective of acceptance testing is to ensure that the software/application functions as intended and is ready for deployment and use by end-users. It focuses on validating the overall functionality, performance, and reliability of the system, based on predefined acceptance criteria.
Acceptance tests are typically conducted in a real-world scenario to simulate actual usage conditions and verify if the software/application meets the expectations of the stakeholders. This type of testing helps identify any deviations from the requirements and allows necessary corrections or modifications to be made before the final release.
Acceptance testing can be performed using various techniques such as User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Alpha/Beta Testing, and Operational Acceptance Testing (OAT). It involves the active participation of end-users or stakeholders to provide feedback and evaluate the system's performance against their specific needs.