Which statement BEST describes non-functional testing?

Non-functional testing focuses on testing attributes of a system that are not related to specific functionalities but rather how the system performs under certain conditions. This includes aspects such as usability, reliability, maintainability, performance, and security. These attributes are critical for ensuring that the software meets the quality standards expected by users and stakeholders.

For instance, usability assesses how easy and intuitive the software is for users, while reliability looks at the stability and uptime of the system. Maintainability evaluates how easily the software can be modified or improved over time. These types of tests do not verify specific behaviors or functions of the software but rather examine how the system performs as a whole in various scenarios.

Understanding non-functional testing is essential for delivering a product that not only meets the required functionalities but also satisfies performance benchmarks and user experience expectations. This holistic view of software quality is vital for the overall success of the product in a real-world environment.