What role does documentation play during the test execution phase?

During the test execution phase, documentation plays a crucial role in helping track and report test results and defects. This documentation serves as an organized record of what tests were conducted, what the outcomes were, and any issues that were encountered. By maintaining detailed records, teams can ensure that they have a clear understanding of the testing progress and can identify patterns or recurring defects that may indicate underlying issues in the code or system being tested.

Having this documentation readily available also aids in communication among team members and stakeholders, providing a transparent view of the quality status of the project. It is instrumental in assessing the overall effectiveness of the testing efforts and helps guide future testing strategies or improvements in the development process. Proper documentation during this phase can ultimately lead to more efficient problem-solving and higher quality in the final product.