A testing framework is a set of guidelines or tools that help developers create and run tests for their software applications. It provides a structured environment for writing test cases, executing them, and reporting results. Common features of testing frameworks include test automation, test organization, and support for various programming languages. Popular examples include JUnit for Java, pytest for Python, and Selenium for web applications. These frameworks streamline the testing process, making it easier to identify bugs and ensure that the software behaves as expected. By using a testing framework, developers can save time, improve code quality, and enhance collaboration within teams. Overall, they play a crucial role in the software development lifecycle.