Which of the following is a major objective of testing?

A major objective of testing is to prevent defects. The testing process plays a crucial role in identifying potential issues before the software is released to the end users. By thoroughly testing the software, testers can uncover bugs and other issues early in the development cycle, which not only helps to improve the quality of the final product but also reduces the cost and effort associated with fixing these defects later on.

Preventing defects through testing contributes to creating a reliable and stable software application, which meets user requirements and performs as expected. This proactive approach is foundational to quality assurance, allowing teams to focus on delivering a high-quality product and enhancing user satisfaction.

Other objectives, such as validating the project plan or assessing the development team's confidence, while relevant in their contexts, do not directly relate to the core aim of testing, which prioritizes the early identification and prevention of defects. Making release decisions is also an important aspect, but that decision-making process relies heavily on the outcomes of the defect prevention efforts to ensure that the software is ready for deployment.