Software testing is a critical process in the software development lifecycle that ensures applications function as intended and meet specified requirements. It involves evaluating and verifying the functionality of software products to identify defects and ensure quality. Testing can occur at various stages, from design to post-deployment, and encompasses different types, such as unit testing, integration testing, and acceptance testing. By systematically checking for bugs and performance issues, software testing helps mitigate long-term costs associated with fixes and enhances user satisfaction. Ultimately, it plays a vital role in delivering reliable and efficient software solutions.