UAT stands for User Acceptance Testing. It is a type of testing where end-users of a system or software test the system in order to determine whether it meets the requirements and is ready for release. The goal of UAT is to ensure that the system or software meets the needs of the users and is easy to use.
During UAT, end-users are asked to perform tasks and provide feedback on their experience. This feedback is then used to make improvements and fix any issues before the system or software is released. UAT is typically performed after other types of testing, such as unit testing and integration testing, have been completed.
UAT can be performed in different ways, such as through formal testing sessions where users follow a script, or through informal testing where users are given a general task to complete. UAT can also be performed in different environments, such as in a test environment or in a production environment with a small group of users.
UAT is an important step in the software development process because it helps ensure that the system or software meets the needs of the users and is ready for release. It is also a way to gain feedback from end-users that can be used to improve future versions of the system or software.
The UAT process involves several important steps to ensure that the software meets the acceptance criteria and is ready for deployment:
- Define acceptance criteria: Stakeholders, including end-users, product owners, and developers, agree on the acceptance criteria based on the business requirements and expected outcomes of the software.
- Create test cases: End-users create test cases based on the acceptance criteria, defining specific steps to test the software.
- Execute test cases: End-users execute the test cases to confirm that the software meets the acceptance criteria and performs as expected.
- Report defects: If any defects or issues are identified during the UAT process, they are reported to the development team for resolution.
- Retest: After the defects have been fixed, end-users retest the software to ensure that the issues have been resolved and the software is functioning correctly.
- Document and prioritize defects: All defects found during the UAT process are documented and prioritized based on severity. The development team works to resolve any defects or issues found during the testing process.
- Review and validate: The UAT results are reviewed and validated, with stakeholders involved in the final review to ensure that the application meets their requirements and is ready for deployment.
By following these steps, the UAT process can help ensure that the software meets the acceptance criteria and is ready for deployment, with defects identified and resolved prior to release.