In the context of testing, what does 'verification' mean?

Verification in the context of testing refers to the process of ensuring that the software product meets the specified design requirements and functionalities laid out during the development phase. It focuses on validating that the product is being built correctly according to the requirements and that all desired specifications are fulfilled. This can involve various methods such as inspections, reviews, and testing at different stages of the development process.

By focusing on whether the software aligns with its design specifications, verification helps to identify defects early in the development cycle and ensures that the development process adheres to quality standards before the product is released. This is crucial for creating software that meets user needs and expectations effectively.

Other options might involve different aspects of software evaluation, such as assessing performance under load, gauging user satisfaction, or measuring project timelines, but they do not capture the fundamental essence of verification, which centers on design and requirements compliance.