User Acceptance Testing (Test Level)

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User acceptance testing is a test level in software testing that is performed by the end users or the customers, or even independent testers to validate and accept the software system before deploying it in the production environment. User acceptance testing is done after unit, integration and system testing are done. User acceptance testing evaluates the functionality and quality of your software against business requirements, in real-world conditions.

User acceptance testing (UAT) examples

• Alpha testing: It is a type of UAT that is done by the internal employees or testers of the software company at their own site.
• Beta testing: It is a type of UAT that is done by the external users or customers at their own site. Beta testing is done after alpha testing.
  
• Contract acceptance testing: It is a type of UAT that is ordered by the client to test if the software meets the contract or agreement specifications.
• Regulation acceptance testing: It is a type of UAT that is done to test if the software complies with the applicable legal or regulatory standards.
• Operational acceptance testing: It is a type of UAT that is done to test if the software can operate smoothly in the intended environment.

Tips for user acceptance testing

• Define clear and measurable acceptance criteria for your software, before UAT begins.
• Select skilled users who can represent end users.
• Design realistic and relevant test scenarios, test cases, and test data. Include end-to-end (E2E) test cases.
  
• Use appropriate methods for UAT, such as kick-off, triage, surveys, feedback forms, interviews, etc.
• Report defects and issues and analyze them promptly.

FAQ (interview questions and answers)

1. What is the difference between system testing and user acceptance testing?
   System testing is done by a team of testers who are independent of the development team to test your software as an entire system. UAT is done the end users or the customers, or even independent testers to validate and accept the software system before deploying it in the production environment. System testing is more detailed than UAT. UAT follows successful system testing.
   
2. What are the benefits of UAT to your client?
   It increases customer confidence, because it is done by the end users who execute realistic tests in an environment that is exactly like or very similar to the production environment.
3. What challenges do you face during UAT?
   It requires time and resources. It depends on the availability, skill level, and cooperation of users. Coordination with a large number of users is challenging.
4. How do you measure the progress of UAT (user acceptance testing)?
   By measuring number of test cases executed, number of defects found and fixed, number of users involved and satisfied, number of requirements met and verified, etc.

Remember to just comment if you have any doubts or queries.