What is the primary role of UAT in software development?

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) plays a crucial role in the software development lifecycle by validating that the software meets the business and user requirements before it goes live. This testing phase is conducted by end-users or clients in a real-world environment, allowing them to interact with the application to assess whether it performs as expected and fulfills their needs.

During UAT, users provide feedback based on their experience and may identify any discrepancies between what was developed and what they expected, as outlined in the requirements. This process is vital for ensuring that the final product is usable and beneficial for its intended audience, helping to minimize the risk of issues once the software is deployed.

In contrast, while training users on software functionalities, checking hardware compatibility, or establishing project documentation are important aspects of the overall project management and software delivery process, they do not directly address the primary aim of UAT, which is centered around confirming that the software aligns with user requirements.