System under test

System Under Test (SUT) refers to the system, component, or application that is being tested. In software testing, the SUT is the focal point for the testing effort, as it represents the entire system or a specific portion of it that is undergoing evaluation. This term is commonly used in test planning and execution to denote the specific target of testing activities, the performance of which is assessed against predefined requirements or test cases.

The concept of a System Under Test is crucial in both manual and automated testing processes. It provides a clear understanding and scope of what exactly is being tested, allowing testers to design and implement effective test cases. By focusing on the SUT, testers can systematically verify and validate the system's functionalities, performance, and compliance with the specified requirements. Understanding the SUT helps in identifying the boundaries and interfaces that need testing, and ensures comprehensive coverage of the testing objectives.