What is the primary goal of the testing phase in software development?

The primary goal of the testing phase in software development is to identify and fix bugs or errors. This phase is crucial because it involves systematically checking the software for any issues that might affect its functionality, performance, or user experience. By thoroughly testing the software, developers can detect problems such as coding errors, incorrect algorithms, or integration issues before the software is released to end-users. Fixing these issues ensures that the software operates as intended and meets the requirements set during its development.

Other activities, such as creating new features, training users, or ensuring security, may be important in the overall software development lifecycle, but they do not primarily define the testing phase. The testing phase specifically concentrates on verifying that the software is free of defects and ready for deployment.