What does functional testing verify?

Functional testing is primarily concerned with validating that a system performs its intended functions according to the specified requirements. This type of testing ensures that after maintenance or updates, the system behaves as expected and meets predefined criteria for success. It assesses whether specific features and functionalities operate correctly, and whether the system can execute key tasks without errors.

This focus on performance post-maintenance is crucial to ensure that any changes made do not disrupt existing capabilities and that the system continues to meet user expectations and operational goals. Therefore, the verification of expected performance after maintenance aligns directly with the objectives of functional testing.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of system evaluation, such as compliance with regulations, data security, and financial efficiency, which do not fall under the specific scope of functional testing. While those areas are important for overall system management and governance, functional testing is distinctly focused on the operational effectiveness and reliability of system functionalities.