What is the purpose of a build verification test?

The purpose of a build verification test is to ensure that the essential functionalities of a new software build are working correctly after changes have been made, such as code modifications or new features added. This type of testing, often referred to as a smoke test, focuses on validating that the most critical paths and components of the application are intact and functioning as expected.

When a new build is deployed, it is crucial to confirm that it has not introduced any significant issues that could prevent further testing or deployment. By validating the integrity of key functionalities, teams can quickly assess whether the build is stable enough for more comprehensive testing. This process helps catch critical defects early and ensures that the development process can continue without major disruptions.

Other options, while related to the software development and testing lifecycle, do not specifically align with the primary objective of build verification testing. User acceptance, integration validation, and performance assessment each serve different purposes in the broader context of software quality assurance. They are critical but occur at different stages or focus areas in the test strategy.