What is the effect of testing on software quality?

Testing plays a crucial role in assessing software quality, and the primary effect it has is to provide an indication of that quality. By executing test cases, testers collect data about how the software behaves under various conditions, identifying defects, inconsistencies, and areas for improvement. This process helps stakeholders understand the extent to which the software meets its requirements and performs as expected.

An indication of software quality through testing means that while testing can reveal many issues and provide insights into areas that may need attention, it cannot cover every scenario or catch all potential problems. Therefore, the outcome of testing must be analyzed in conjunction with other quality measures, such as code reviews and static analysis, to form a comprehensive picture of quality.

In contrast, the other options suggest absolutes—either an assurance of no remaining problems or a definitive conclusion about software quality—neither of which is achievable through testing alone. Testing may lead to improvements and higher quality, but it does not guarantee perfection or complete knowledge of quality status. As such, the best representation of testing’s role in software quality is its ability to offer an indication of that quality.