What is the significance of test execution in the testing lifecycle?

The significance of test execution in the testing lifecycle lies in its role as the phase where test cases are actively run against the application to identify defects. This is a critical step in the testing process, as it allows testers to validate whether the software behaves as expected according to the requirements. During test execution, various testing techniques may be employed, such as manual testing or automated scripts, to ensure thorough coverage of the application’s functionality. This phase directly contributes to assessing the quality of the software and helps in identifying any discrepancies that need to be addressed before release.

The focus during this stage is on the actual interaction with the application. By running the predefined test cases, testers gather evidence regarding the application's performance and reliability, which is essential for making informed decisions about the software's readiness for deployment.