What is the purpose of "compatibility testing"?

The purpose of compatibility testing is to ensure that an application works as intended across different devices, browsers, and operating systems. This type of testing is crucial because users may access applications from a variety of platforms, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities. Compatibility testing assesses whether the application functions correctly in a wide array of environments, helping to identify potential issues related to user experience, interface inconsistencies, or functionality that may arise due to differences in device hardware or software configurations.

By focusing on the various environments in which an application might be used, compatibility testing helps to ensure that a consistent user experience is maintained regardless of the user's specific setup. This is vital for reaching a broader audience and ensuring customer satisfaction, as any discrepancies in functionality can lead to frustration or the abandonment of the application.

In contrast, the other options address different testing purposes: verifying security measures relates to security testing, checking performance features pertains to performance testing, and assessing adherence to coding standards is associated with code quality and review processes. Each of these other types of testing focuses on a specific aspect of software quality rather than the broader compatibility across different platforms.