What is the main goal of beta testing?

The main goal of beta testing is to involve real users who interact with the product under actual operating conditions, using genuine data. This phase of software development occurs after the development team completes internal testing (also known as alpha testing) and aims to identify any issues or bugs that could negatively impact the user experience before the final release. Feedback gathered during beta testing can lead to crucial improvements and refinements, as it provides insights into how the software performs in the hands of its intended audience. This user-centric approach helps ensure that the software is reliable, functional, and meets user expectations upon launch.

In contrast, other options focus on theoretical concepts or specific aspects that don’t encompass the full scope and purpose of beta testing. For example, conducting theoretical tests with hypothetical data lacks the practical insights gained from actual user interaction, while preparing software for final release encompasses a broader range of activities beyond the user testing phase. Similarly, assessing the code's efficiency is more aligned with earlier stages of development, rather than the goal of beta testing, which emphasizes user feedback and real-world usage.