The primary purpose of performance testing in software development is to evaluate how a system responds under varying conditions, particularly under load. This process ensures that the software can handle the expected usage and performance requirements, including speed, scalability, and stability. By identifying bottlenecks and weaknesses, development teams can make necessary adjustments to improve overall system efficiency. Performance testing also assesses the application’s responsiveness and reliability, which ultimately enhances user satisfaction and reduces the risk of failure in production environments.