What is the main objective of user acceptance testing (UAT)?

The main objective of user acceptance testing (UAT) is to ensure that the system meets user needs and requirements. UAT is typically the final phase of testing before a system goes live and is conducted by actual users who will be using the software in their daily tasks. This phase focuses on validating that the developed system aligns with the specified business requirements and functionalities anticipated by the users.

During UAT, users assess whether their expectations are met, looking for issues that may not have been identified in previous testing phases. This feedback is crucial as it determines whether the system is ready for deployment. If users find discrepancies between what they expected and what the system offers, adjustments can be made before the system officially goes live.

Other options relate to different aspects of testing. Evaluating system performance under heavy loads pertains to performance testing, while conducting security assessments is part of security testing. Performing integration with existing systems involves integration testing to ensure the new system functions correctly with other systems and components. These are all essential aspects of the software development lifecycle, but they do not capture the primary focus of user acceptance testing, which revolves around user satisfaction and requirement fulfillment.