What is the primary purpose of debugging?

The primary purpose of debugging is to identify the cause of a defect and verify the fix. Debugging involves a systematic process of isolating the error's source in a program or system and understanding why it occurs. This process often includes reviewing code, running tests, and observing system behavior. Once the cause of the defect is identified, a fix can be applied, and subsequent verification ensures that the defect is resolved and that the software behaves correctly under expected conditions.

This approach aligns with the software development and testing lifecycle, where identifying root causes is crucial to producing stable and functional software. By effectively debugging, testers and developers can enhance the reliability of the software, making it an essential activity in maintaining software quality.