Verification confirms that the software is built according to stakeholder's expectations Validation ensures the software meets user's expectations.
- Verification: "Are we building the product right?" (Static process)
- Validation: "Are we building the right product?" (Dynamic process)
What is Verification?
Verification is a static testing process that ensures the software meets predefined requirements without executing code. It focuses on reviewing design, architecture, and documentation before development.
Characteristics of Verification
- Ensures compliance with functional and technical specifications.
- Performed through reviews, walkthroughs, and inspections.
- Identifies defects early, reducing rework costs.
- Conducted by Quality Assurance (QA) teams.
What is Validation?
Validation is a dynamic testing process that ensures the developed software functions as intended in real-world scenarios. It involves actual execution to confirm the product meets user expectations.
Characteristics of Validation
- Focuses on real-world usability, performance, and security.
- Conducted through functional testing, system testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT).
- Detects runtime defects, integration issues, and usability flaws.
- Performed by Software Testing teams.
Key Differences Between Verification and Validation
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Aspect
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Verification
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Validation
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Definition
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Ensures correct implementation.
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Ensures the software meets user needs.
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Focus
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Documents, design, and code review.
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Executing the actual software.
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Testing Type
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Static Testing.
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Dynamic Testing.
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Execution
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No code execution.
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Requires code execution.
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Methods Used
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Reviews, walkthroughs, inspections.
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Black-box testing, white-box testing, non-functional testing.
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Purpose
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Ensures software conforms to specifications.
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Ensures software meets user expectations.
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Bug Identification
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Catches defects early in the lifecycle.
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Detects runtime and usability defects.
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Goal
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Prevent defects before development.
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Identify issues post-development.
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Responsibility
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QA teams.
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Software testing teams.
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Timing
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Before coding and during development.
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After development, before release.
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Error Focus
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Prevents errors at an early stage.
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Detects issues before deployment.
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Real-World Examples of Verification and Validation
Verification:
- Reviewing a mobile banking app’s UI/UX wireframes and architecture documents to ensure all required features are covered before development begins.
Validation:
- Performing functional testing on a mobile banking app to verify users can log in, transfer funds, and view account balances on various devices.
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