What benefit does independent testing provide?

Independent testing is highly beneficial because it introduces an unbiased perspective on the software being tested. When testers who are not involved in the development process conduct tests, they bring a fresh viewpoint and can explore the application without preconceived notions or assumptions that might influence their judgment. This objectivity is crucial because independent testers often discover defects that the development team might overlook due to their familiarity with the code and its intended functionality.

Additionally, the separation of roles means that the testers can prioritize consumer concerns rather than the developers' technical perspectives. This leads to more comprehensive testing and a higher likelihood of identifying critical issues before the software goes live, ultimately ensuring a better quality product. This advantage emphasizes the importance of having an independent verification and validation phase in the software development lifecycle.