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Verification vs. Validation in Software Testing

Verification ensures the software meets specifications, while Validation confirms it meets user needs. Learn more about Verification vs Validation.

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Smart Summary

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.
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Verification vs. Validation in Software Testing

Verification vs. Validation in Software Testing

QA Consultant Updated on

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

Aspect

Verification

Validation

Definition

Ensures correct implementation.

Ensures the software meets user needs.

Focus

Documents, design, and code review.

Executing the actual software.

Testing Type

Static Testing.

Dynamic Testing.

Execution

No code execution.

Requires code execution.

Methods Used

Reviews, walkthroughs, inspections.

Black-box testing, white-box testing, non-functional testing.

Purpose

Ensures software conforms to specifications.

Ensures software meets user expectations.

Bug Identification

Catches defects early in the lifecycle.

Detects runtime and usability defects.

Goal

Prevent defects before development.

Identify issues post-development.

Responsibility

QA teams.

Software testing teams.

Timing

Before coding and during development.

After development, before release.

Error Focus

Prevents errors at an early stage.

Detects issues before deployment.

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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Vincent N.
Vincent N.
QA Consultant
Vincent Nguyen is a QA consultant with in-depth domain knowledge in QA, software testing, and DevOps. He has 10+ years of experience in crafting content that resonate with techies at all levels. His interests span from writing, technology, building cool stuff, to music.
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