When is unit testing typically performed in the software development life cycle?

Unit testing is typically performed during the coding phase of the software development life cycle. This is the stage where individual components or modules of the software are developed. As developers write code for each unit, they also create tests to ensure that the specific functionality of that unit works as intended.

By conducting unit tests in this phase, developers can immediately identify and correct defects or issues within their code before it is integrated with other parts of the application. This early detection of bugs helps maintain code quality and reduces the amount of time spent in later testing stages, such as integration or system testing.

This approach aligns with best practices in software engineering, emphasizing fast feedback and continuous integration to support the development process.