What is the primary purpose of a test execution tool in software testing?

The primary purpose of a test execution tool in software testing is to run automated test scripts to test the test object. These tools facilitate the execution of predefined test cases which have been automated, allowing testers to verify whether the software behaves as expected under the conditions defined in the test scripts. This aspect of automation is crucial as it not only increases the efficiency of the testing process but also allows for consistent and repeatable results. By running automated tests, teams can quickly identify issues in the software and validate changes made during development cycles, leading to improved software quality.

Other tools and functionalities mentioned, such as defect tracking and code analysis, serve different aspects of the software development and testing lifecycle, but they do not directly align with the core function of executing test scripts. Each of those functions, while important, supports different processes that are complementary to executing tests but do not encompass the main purpose of a test execution tool.