Software performance refers to how efficiently a software application operates under various conditions. It encompasses factors such as response time, resource usage, and scalability. Good performance ensures that users experience minimal delays and that the software can handle increased loads without crashing or slowing down. Key metrics for measuring software performance include throughput, which indicates how many tasks can be completed in a given time, and latency, which measures the time taken to respond to a request. Optimizing performance is crucial for enhancing user satisfaction and maintaining the reliability of the software in real-world scenarios.