Assertion refers to a statement or claim made with confidence. In software development, assertions are used to check if certain conditions or assumptions about the program are true during runtime.
The main purpose of assertions is to ensure that the program is operating as expected by verifying critical conditions. It helps developers identify and diagnose issues early in the development process.
In practice, assertions are embedded within the code to validate assumptions about data, variables, or program state. When assertions fail, they indicate discrepancies or potential errors that need attention.
Assertions help in debugging and troubleshooting by pinpointing errors quickly. They improve code reliability and assist in maintaining software quality throughout the development lifecycle.
Assertions play a crucial role in software development by providing automated checks that validate program assumptions. They contribute to better code quality and faster issue resolution, ultimately enhancing overall software performance and reliability.