What is the purpose of a test metric?

The purpose of a test metric is to assess the effectiveness and quality of the testing process. Test metrics provide quantifiable measures that help in evaluating various aspects of testing activities, including the coverage of testing, the rate of defect discovery, test execution progress, and overall quality assurance. By analyzing these metrics, teams can identify areas that may require improvement, track the success of the testing strategy over time, and ensure that the testing efforts align with the project's objectives and quality standards. This focus on evaluating and improving the testing process ultimately leads to a higher quality product and more efficient use of testing resources.