Successful software delivery integrates two critical quality assurance practices: Verification rigorously ensures products are built according to predefined specifications and design, focusing on preventing defects early in the development lifecycle. Simultaneously, Validation confirms the developed software effectively addresses genuine user needs and performs as intended in real-world scenarios, identifying issues post-development before release.
- Establish Specification Adherence Early: Verification functions as a static testing process, primarily conducted by QA teams, reviewing designs, architecture, and documentation to ensure compliance with functional and technical specifications, preventing defects early without executing code.
- Confirm Real-World User Needs: Validation is a dynamic testing process executed by software testing teams, involving actual code execution through methods like functional and user acceptance testing, to ensure the developed software meets user expectations and performs as intended in real-world scenarios.
- Leverage Distinct Methodologies for Comprehensive Quality: While Verification focuses on building the product right through static analysis and early defect prevention, Validation ensures building the right product by detecting runtime and usability issues via dynamic execution, highlighting their complementary and essential roles in a holistic quality strategy.