Test independence is very useful because it avoids author bias in defining effective tests.

The benefit of test independence in software testing is that it allows for unbiased and objective evaluation of the software. Test independence refers to the separation of the testing process from the development process, ensuring that the testing team operates independently of the development team. This independence brings several advantages:

Objectivity: Testers can approach the software without preconceived notions or biases, allowing them to identify defects and issues more objectively.
Different Perspective: Testers often have a different perspective than developers, which helps in uncovering defects that developers might overlook. Independent testing teams bring fresh eyes to the software.
Conflict of Interest: When testing is performed by a team separate from the development team, there is a reduced likelihood of conflicts of interest. Developers may be emotionally invested in the success of their code, while testers focus on finding potential issues.
Quality Assurance: Test independence contributes to a more effective quality assurance process by ensuring that the software is evaluated from a user’s perspective, helping to deliver a higher-quality product to end-users.
Increased Confidence: Stakeholders, including project managers and customers, gain increased confidence in the quality of the software when it undergoes independent testing. They are reassured that the software has been thoroughly evaluated by a team with a different focus.
Risk Mitigation: Test independence helps in mitigating risks by providing a separate and dedicated effort to uncover defects and issues early in the development lifecycle, reducing the likelihood of critical problems in the production environment.

Overall, test independence is a fundamental principle in software testing that contributes to the effectiveness and thoroughness of the testing process, leading to improved software quality.