What is the difference between system testing and acceptance testing in RSI Phase 5?

System testing and acceptance testing serve different purposes in the software testing lifecycle, and understanding the distinction is critical.

System testing is a level of testing that evaluates the complete and integrated software system to ensure it meets specified requirements. This type of testing primarily focuses on compliance with functional and non-functional requirements, ensuring that all components work together as intended. It is conducted by the testing team and looks at the software from a technical standpoint, verifying that the system as a whole meets the necessary specifications established during the design phase.

On the other hand, acceptance testing is aimed at validating the software against user's needs and expectations. This level of testing is typically performed by the client or end-users and focuses on determining whether the system is ready for deployment and fulfills the usage requirements from the customer's perspective. Acceptance testing often involves verifying that the user requirements are met and that the software is usable and acceptable for its intended purpose.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial as they highlight the transition from a technical assessment, which system testing provides, to a more user-centric evaluation found in acceptance testing.