Glossaries
User Acceptance Testing
What is User Acceptance Testing (UAT)?
User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is a critical phase in software development where end-users verify that a system meets their requirements and functions as expected in real-world scenarios before it's released.
Synonyms: Acceptance Testing, Beta Testing, End-User Testing, Final Testing, Operational Acceptance Testing
Why User Acceptance Testing is Important
User Acceptance Testing is crucial for ensuring that software meets the needs of its intended users. It helps identify issues that may have been missed during earlier testing phases and validates that the system fulfills business requirements. UAT reduces the risk of project failure and increases user satisfaction by involving end-users in the final stages of development.
How User Acceptance Testing is Conducted
- Plan the UAT process
- Create test cases based on user stories
- Prepare the test environment
- Select and train testers
- Execute test cases
- Document and report issues
- Retest after fixes
- Sign off on the system
UAT is typically performed in a staging environment that closely mimics the production setting, allowing users to interact with the system as they would in real-world scenarios.
Examples of User Acceptance Testing
- A bank testing a new online banking platform with a group of customers
- An e-commerce company having employees test a new inventory management system
- A healthcare provider verifying a patient record system with doctors and nurses
- A government agency testing a new public-facing website with citizens
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between UAT and usability testing?: UAT focuses on verifying functionality and meeting business requirements, while usability testing evaluates the ease of use and user experience.
- When should UAT be performed?: UAT is typically conducted after system and integration testing, but before the final release to production.
- Who should participate in UAT?: Actual end-users or their representatives who are familiar with the business processes should participate in UAT.
- How long does UAT usually take?: The duration of UAT varies depending on the project size and complexity, but it typically lasts from a few days to several weeks.