Verification and Validation

Verification and Validation (V&V)

Verification and Validation (V&V) are two crucial aspects of software testing that help ensure the quality and correctness of the software. Though they sound similar, they serve different purposes:

Verification

Verification = Are we building the product right? (Process-oriented)

Definition: Verification is the process of evaluating software during development to ensure it meets the specified requirements. It checks whether we are building the product right.
Focus: It focuses on processes, documents, and design specifications.
Purpose: To ensure that the software is being developed correctly according to the requirements and design specifications.
Activities: Includes reviews, inspections, walkthroughs, and static testing.
Example: Reviewing the software design documents to ensure they conform to the specified architecture.

Verification Techniques

Static Testing: Involves checking the code, design documents, and requirement specifications without executing the program.
Reviews: Peer reviews and management reviews of documents and code.
Walkthroughs: Step-by-step analysis of the project documents by the developer with team members.
Inspections: Formal and detailed examination of documents and code by experts.

Validation

Validation = Are we building the right product? (Product-oriented)

Definition: Validation is the process of evaluating software after it is completed to ensure it meets the user’s needs and requirements. It checks whether we are building the right product.
Focus: It focuses on the actual product and its functionality.
Purpose: To confirm that the software fulfills its intended purpose and meets user expectations.
Activities: Includes dynamic testing, such as functional testing, system testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT).
Example: Testing the software with real-world scenarios to ensure it works as expected for the end-user.

Validation Techniques

Dynamic Testing: Involves executing the software and testing its functionality.
Unit Testing: Testing individual components or modules for correctness.
Integration Testing: Testing the interaction between integrated modules.
System Testing: Testing the complete system to verify it meets the requirements.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT): The final testing phase where end-users validate the software’s functionality.