In software testing, knowing the distinction between verification vs validation is essential for maintaining quality throughout the development lifecycle. Both aim to catch defects, but they focus on different aspects and stages of the process.
Verification is a process-oriented activity that ensures the software is being built correctly according to specifications. It answers the question: Are we building the product right? Common activities include:
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Reviewing requirement and design documents
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Conducting code inspections and walkthroughs
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Performing static analysis on deliverables
Validation is a product-oriented activity that ensures the final software meets user needs and expectations. It answers: Are we building the right product? Common activities include:
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Functional and system testing
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User acceptance testing (UAT)
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Testing in real-world scenarios
Both verification and validation are critical for delivering high-quality software. Verification prevents defects early in development, while validation ensures the software fulfills its intended purpose for end-users.