How Code Coverage Can Help Prioritize Testing Efforts in Large Codebases?

In large and complex software projects, it’s often difficult to know where to focus testing efforts. Code coverage provides valuable insight by highlighting which parts of the code are exercised by automated tests — and, more importantly, which aren’t.

Instead of chasing 100% code coverage, smart teams use these insights to identify critical or high-risk modules that lack sufficient testing. This approach ensures that effort is spent improving reliability where it matters most, rather than spreading resources thinly across the entire codebase.

Modern tools can even visualize coverage trends over time, helping QA and development teams make data-driven decisions about where to add or refactor tests. By using code coverage strategically, teams can continuously improve their test suites, reduce defects in production, and maintain confidence in fast-paced release cycles.