What Is User Acceptance Testing (UAT)?

User acceptance testing (UAT) is the final stage of software development, in which end users and clients test the software in real-world conditions to assess its functionality and usability. Unlike other tests performed within the development cycle, UAT is not concerned with receiving feedback on a software’s appearance or desired features but rather with whether it can actually function in their users’ real-world systems. 

Development teams must perform UAT because their assumptions when developing the software may not hold true in an actual work environment due to miscommunication, misunderstanding, oversight, or simply evolving requirements. During UAT, beta testers working in real-world conditions test software and provide feedback to developers so that they can resolve any issues before rolling out the software. 

User acceptance testing example

In software development, user acceptance testing (UAT) is the final stage of the development cycle. During testing, project managers and developers examine how the software will function in real-world scenarios, such as within a specific business environment. 

For example, a company creating a business intelligence tool might conduct UAT to ensure that the software will function properly within the business's suite of systems. During this period, beta testers will provide feedback on performance to developers, who will, in turn, make the necessary changes to ensure that the software will perform as expected. Once UAT is completed, the product will be ready to be rolled out and sold to the larger business community.

Related terms

• Development team 

• Software development life cycle

• Project management life cycle

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UAT is software development’s final state, where end users and clients test the software in real-world conditions to assess its functionality and usability. Continue learning and gain an immersive understanding of the practices and skills needed to succeed in an entry-level project management role with the Google Project Management: Professional Certificate on Coursera. Practice strategic communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management through real-world scenarios at your own pace.