What is the difference between usability testing and user acceptance testing?

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What is the difference between usability testing and user acceptance testing?

Usability testing and user acceptance testing are both important aspects of software testing, but they focus on different aspects of the software.

Usability testing is conducted to evaluate the ease of use and user-friendliness of the software. It aims to identify any usability issues or design flaws that may hinder the user experience. Usability testing typically involves observing users as they perform specific tasks or scenarios with the software, and collecting their feedback and observations. The goal is to ensure that the software is intuitive, efficient, and meets the needs of the target users.

On the other hand, user acceptance testing (UAT) is performed to determine whether the software meets the requirements and expectations of the end users or stakeholders. It focuses on validating that the software functions as intended and meets the specified business requirements. UAT is typically conducted towards the end of the development process, and it involves real users or representatives from the user community executing predefined test cases or scenarios. The purpose is to gain confidence that the software is ready for deployment and meets the user's needs.

In summary, usability testing evaluates the user experience and ease of use, while user acceptance testing verifies that the software meets the specified requirements and is acceptable to the end users.