Verification vs Validation in Software Testing (Key Differences & Examples)

Vincent N.

QA Consultant Updated on

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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.

Explain

FAQs

What does verification mean in software testing?

Verification is a static process that checks whether software meets predefined requirements through reviews and inspections without executing code.

How is validation different from verification?

Validation is a dynamic process that executes the software to ensure it meets user expectations and behaves correctly in real-world scenarios.

Which teams typically perform verification and validation?

Verification is done by QA teams reviewing artifacts, while validation is performed by software testing teams executing the application.

When do verification and validation occur in the development cycle?

Verification happens before coding and during development, while validation occurs after development and before release.

What kinds of issues does each method catch?

Verification prevents early defects in design or requirements, while validation detects runtime defects, usability issues, and integration problems.

Vincent N.

QA Consultant

Vincent Nguyen is a QA consultant with in-depth domain knowledge in QA, software testing, and DevOps. He has 5+ years of experience in crafting content that resonate with techies at all levels. His interests span from writing, technology, to building cool stuff.