The primary goal of performance testing is to assess the system's response under various conditions, especially under load. This helps identify performance bottlenecks, measure response times, and ensure that the software can handle the expected user load. Performance testing contributes to optimizing system performance and ensuring a positive user experience even during periods of high demand.

Data independence is a fundamental principle in managing test data effectively. It refers to the concept of separating test data from test scripts, allowing for flexibility and reusability. By maintaining data independence, changes to test data do not impact the test scripts, making it easier to update and manage test scenarios. This principle is crucial for creating robust and maintainable automation scripts.

Modularity in automation projects involves breaking down the entire testing process into smaller, independent modules. This approach ensures the adaptability of the testing process to changing requirements, as modifications or additions can be made to individual modules without affecting the entire testing suite.

The principle of reusability in script writing ensures that each test case is independent and self-contained. Reusable scripts help in optimizing testing efforts, maintaining consistency, and reducing redundancy by allowing the same script to be used across multiple test cases.

Automated testing is more efficient for repetitive tasks, where the same set of tests needs to be executed frequently, ensuring consistency and accuracy. On the other hand, manual testing is preferable for exploratory and ad-hoc testing scenarios, where human intuition and creativity are essential for identifying unexpected issues and exploring the application in an unscripted manner.

A common first step in debugging an automation script is checking for syntax errors. Syntax errors can prevent the script from running successfully, so reviewing the code for any syntax issues is crucial. This step ensures that the script is free from basic coding mistakes and can be executed without encountering immediate errors.

Cross-browser testing needs to consider screen resolutions to ensure compatibility across various browsers. Different browsers and versions may render web pages differently based on screen resolutions. By testing with various screen resolutions, testers can identify and address issues related to layout, design, and content display, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly experience across different browsers.

Automation testing is particularly effective in reducing human errors in the software development lifecycle. By automating repetitive and manual tasks, the likelihood of human errors is minimized, leading to improved accuracy and reliability in the testing process. This, in turn, contributes to the overall quality and efficiency of the software development lifecycle.

Risk-Based Testing in test automation strategy involves prioritizing tests based on the impact of the test on the business. It allows for the efficient allocation of resources and focuses on testing the areas of the application that are critical for the business, helping to ensure that the most important functionalities are thoroughly tested.

Breakpoints allow testers to pause the execution of a script at a specific point, facilitating step-by-step execution and variable monitoring. This is crucial in debugging complex scripts, as it helps identify the exact point where an issue occurs and monitor the values of variables during execution. Watch expressions further aid in monitoring specific variables, making the debugging process more efficient and enabling testers to identify and address issues in a more targeted manner.