An In-Depth Analysis for Software Testers
Verification and validation play indispensable roles in building effective software that meets user needs. But even seasoned testers can confuse the two terms or underestimate their unique values.
This article dispels the fog around verification and validation, arming you with clarity on how each one contributes to software testing success. Read on to decode the critical differences once and for all!
Back to Basics: Defining Terms
First things first, let‘s define verification and validation:
Verification refers to the process of checking whether a software system meets the specifications outlined in the requirements documents. It asks: "Are we building the product right?"
Validation refers to evaluating whether a completed software system meets the real-world needs of end users as intended. It asks: “Are we building the right product?”
Verification focuses on design alignment with guidelines. Validation focuses on the functionality and usability of the working product.
The Origin Story: A Brief History
The distinction between verification and validation emerged in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. It aided quality control in industrial food production, machinery, electronics, and infrastructure development.
As software engineering matured as an industry, verification and validation were adopted to serve the same purpose. By the 1980‘s, verification and validation became standard vocabulary in software engineering and testing spheres.
Industry standards like Common Criteria, IEEE Std. 610.12-1990 and ISO 9000 further solidified precise definitions to foster universal understanding.
Side-By-Side Comparison
While interconnected, verification and validation diverge in key aspects:
| Key Area | Verification | Validation |
| Definition | Checking alignment with specifications | Evaluating if requirements are met |
| Key Question | "Are we building it right?" | "Are we building the right thing?" |
| Timing | During development process | After development near release |
| Focus | Product design and specifications | Functionality and usability |
| Methods | Reviews, walkthroughs, inspections | Testing with users |
| Evidence | Objective such as documents | Subjective feedback |
| Scope | Individual components | Entire integrated system |
| Outcomes | Compliance to standards | Real-world usability |
Now let‘s decode the key distinctions.
Process vs. Product
Verification represents the process-driven approach throughout the software development life cycle…
