What is the primary focus of user acceptance testing (UAT)?

The primary focus of user acceptance testing (UAT) is to validate the system against business requirements. UAT is typically performed by the end-users of the software to ensure that it meets their needs and works in the intended manner according to the specifications outlined in the business requirements. This phase of testing is crucial because it verifies that the software not only functions correctly from a technical standpoint but also delivers the expected value to the users and aligns with their expectations and workflows.

In UAT, users assess the software's real-world application, ensuring functionalities are intuitive and effective in a practical context. This type of testing helps identify any discrepancies between what was built and what was actually required, enabling teams to address issues before the software is fully deployed.

In contrast, testing code efficiency, verifying software design, and testing system performance under load are aspects of different testing phases such as performance testing, unit testing, and system testing. These focus on technical criteria and performance metrics rather than on end-user satisfaction and business alignment, which is the essence of user acceptance testing.