Final answer:
During the program debugging stage, software is tested by developers, users, and testers. Developers conduct initial tests, users participate in UAT, and testers perform various specialized tests. Managers oversee the process, but do not typically test the software themselves.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the program debugging stage, the software is typically tested by all of the following: developers, users, and testers. Developers often start the testing process with unit testing and integration testing. Users may be involved in testing during the user acceptance testing (UAT) phase. Professional testers or quality assurance (QA) specialists also play a crucial role in this process, as they perform various forms of testing, such as system testing, performance testing, and security testing. Managers are generally not the ones who test the software; their role is more about overseeing the process and ensuring that the goals of the testing are met. An important aspect of the testing phase is the use of prototypes, which allows the team to evaluate the quality of a design. Testing and refinement are key steps in ensuring that prototypes meet the desired attributes and standards before the final product is released. If prototypes are not tested adequately, it can lead to unexpected issues in the finished product. Quality testing and effective feedback loops help in identifying any potential flaws early on, which can then be addressed through reiterations of the design and testing phases.