Based on web search results, software testing is important for the following reasons:

- **Improved quality**. Testing and quality go hand in hand. Testing helps to identify and fix defects in the software, which leads to better performance, reliability, and usability¹.
- **Reduced risks**. Testing helps to prevent bugs that can cause failures, losses, or damages to the software users or clients. Testing also helps to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards¹⁴.
- **Cost effectiveness**. Testing can save money and time by avoiding rework, maintenance, and customer support costs. Testing can also increase the return on investment by enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty¹².
- **Customer confidence**. Testing can help to gain and maintain customer trust by delivering software that meets their expectations and needs. Testing can also help to showcase the value and features of the software product¹⁴.
- **Software engineering process**. Testing is a key element of the software development life cycle, whether it is waterfall or DevOps. Testing helps to verify and validate the software functionality, usability, and compatibility at different stages of development. Testing also helps to provide feedback and insights for improvement²³.

Source:
1. The Importance of Software Testing & why we need it - eTestware. https://www.etestware.com/the-importance-of-software-testing/
2. 7 Reasons Why Software Testing is Important. https://www.indiumsoftware.com/blog/why-software-testing/
3. What is Software Testing and How Does it Work? | IBM. https://www.ibm.com/topics/software-testing
4. What Is Software Testing? - Codecademy News. https://www.codecademy.com/resources/blog/what-is-software-testing/
5. The Importance of Software Testing - Momentum. https://www.m-inc.com/article/the-importance-of-software-testing/