What are "User Acceptance Tests" (UAT)?

User Acceptance Tests (UAT) are a critical phase in the software development lifecycle where actual end-users test the system to ensure it meets their business needs and requirements. This process is essential because it validates the system's functionality from the users' perspective and confirms that the software behaves as expected in real-world scenarios.

In UAT, users focus on confirming that the system aligns with their business processes and workflows rather than on technical aspects such as performance or security. Therefore, the emphasis is on assessing whether the system delivers the expected outcomes and fulfills the original business requirements outlined during the planning phases. This can include evaluating user interfaces, data inputs, reporting capabilities, and other system functionalities relevant to daily operations.

The other options presented do not accurately capture the essence of User Acceptance Testing. While performance testing, security analysis, and functional validation are crucial in the software development process, they are generally conducted by technical teams such as developers, QA specialists, or security analysts, and do not embody the end-user perspective that is central to UAT.