What is the primary purpose of load testing?

Load testing primarily aims to evaluate system performance under high user traffic. This type of testing is critical to understanding how a system behaves when subjected to varying loads, which can include many simultaneous users accessing the application or service. During load testing, performance metrics such as response times, resource utilization, and system stability are measured to ensure that the system can handle expected or peak traffic conditions without degradation in performance or failures.

By focusing on how the system performs under stress, load testing helps identify potential bottlenecks and weaknesses that may not be evident during normal operating conditions. It provides insights into how the system scales and helps plan for capacity increases, ensuring that users have a reliable and responsive experience during peak usage times. This is why the correct choice emphasizes the evaluation of system performance specifically under high user traffic conditions.