What is true regarding the cost of fixing a fault?

The correct answer reflects the reality of software development and the cost implications associated with identifying and fixing faults. As a product progresses closer to its live use or deployment, the costs associated with fixing faults typically increase significantly. This is due to several factors:

1. Complexity of Changes: Fixes identified later in the development process can require more extensive changes, which can ripple through the codebase and affect other components. As the product nears completion, any changes need to be carefully evaluated against the entire system.

2. Impact on Delivery Timeline: Fixing faults at a later stage can also impact the overall delivery schedule. Developers may need to allocate resources to address these issues, which can lead to delays in meeting deadlines.

3. Testing and Verification Costs: The cost of regression testing also increases as the product nears deployment. Once the product is live, additional steps need to be taken to ensure that the fix has not introduced new issues, leading to further testing efforts.

4. User Impact: The later a fault is found, the more likely it is that it will affect end-users. This can lead to costs associated with user dissatisfaction, support calls, and potential reputational damage.

Understanding this principle underscores the