What is the role of test coverage in the software development process?

Test coverage is a metric that shows what part of the code is tested by tests. Its role in development:

• Ensures confidence that the code works as intended and changes do not break existing functionality.
• Helps identify errors and defects early.
• Improves the quality and reliability of the product.
• Serves as documentation of the code's behavior.
• Allows safe refactoring of code, knowing that tests will verify correctness.

It is important to understand that high coverage does not guarantee the absence of errors, but it significantly reduces risks and increases application stability.