Testing provides a cost-effective means of detecting defects. These defects can then be removed (by debugging – a non-testing activity), so testing indirectly contributes to higher quality test objects.
Testing provides a means of directly evaluating the quality of a test object at various stages in the SDLC.
These measures are used as part of a larger project management activity, contributing to decisions to move to the next stage of the SDLC, such as the release decision.
Testing provides users with indirect representation on the development project. Testers ensure that their understanding of users’ needs are considered throughout the development lifecycle. The alternative is to
involve a representative set of users as part of the development project, which is not usually possible due to the high costs and lack of availability of suitable users.
Testing may also be required to meet contractual or legal requirements, or to comply with regulatory standards.