Differences between Verification and Validation

Verification and Validation is the process of investigating whether a software system satisfies specifications and standards and fulfills the required purpose. Verification and Validation both play an important role in developing good software development. Verification helps in examining whether the product is built right according to requirements, while validation helps in examining whether the right product is built to meet user needs. In this article, we will learn the difference between Verification and Validation.

Differences between Verification and Validation

What is Verification?

Verification is the process of checking that software achieves its goal without any bugs. It is the process to ensure whether the product that is developed is right or not. It verifies whether the developed product fulfills the requirements that we have. Verification is static testing. Verification means Are we building the product right?

What is Validation?

Validation is the process of checking whether the software product is up to the mark or in other words product has high-level requirements. It is the process of checking the validation of the product i.e. it checks what we are developing is the right product. It is validation of the actual and expected products. Validation is dynamic testing. Validation means Are we building the right product?

Differences between Verification and Validation

Verification refers to the set of activities that ensure software correctly implements the specific function

Validation refers to the set of activities that ensure that the software that has been built is traceable to customer requirements.

Type of Testing

Human or Computer

Verification is based on the opinion of reviewer and may change from person to person. Validation is based on the fact and is often stable.

Real-World Example of Verification vs Validation

• Verification Example: Imagine a team is developing a new mobile banking app. During the verification phase, they review the requirements and design documents. They check if all the specified features like fund transfer, account balance check, and transaction history are included and correctly detailed in the design. They also perform peer reviews and inspections to ensure the design aligns with the requirements. This step ensures that the app is being built according to the initial plan and specifications without actually running the app.
• Validation Example: In the validation phase, the team starts testing the mobile banking app on actual devices. They check if users can log in, transfer money, and view their transaction history as intended. Testers perform usability tests to ensure the app is user-friendly and functional tests to ensure all features work correctly. They might also involve real users to provide feedback on the app’s performance. This phase ensures that the app works as expected and meets user needs in real-world scenarios.

Advantages of Differentiating Verification and Validation

Differentiating between verification and validation in software testing offers several advantages:

1. Clear Communication: It ensures that team members understand which aspects of the software development process are focused on checking requirements (verification) and which are focused on ensuring functionality (validation).
2. Efficiency: By clearly defining verification as checking documents and designs without executing code, and validation as testing the actual software for functionality and usability, teams avoid redundant efforts and streamline their testing processes.
3. Minimized Errors: It reduces the chances of overlooking critical requirements or functionalities during testing, leading to a more thorough evaluation of the software’s capabilities.
4. Cost Savings: Optimizing resource allocation and focusing efforts on the right testing activities based on whether they fall under verification or validation helps in managing costs effectively.
5. Client Satisfaction: Ensuring that software meets or exceeds client and user expectations by conducting both verification and validation processes rigorously improves overall software quality and user satisfaction.
6. Process Improvement: By distinguishing between verification and validation, organizations can refine their testing methodologies, identify areas for improvement, and enhance the overall software development lifecycle.

In essence, clear differentiation between verification and validation in software testing contributes to a more structured, efficient, and successful software development process.

Conclusion

Verification is a static process focused on reviewing and analyzing documentation and design without running the code. It ensures that the software is being built correctly according to specifications. In contrast, validation is a dynamic process that involves executing the software to check its functionality, usability, and suitability, ensuring the right product is built to meet user needs. Both processes are essential for delivering a high-quality software product.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Verification vs Validation

What is verification and validation also known as?

Verification is also known as static testing. Validation is also known as dynamic testing.

Which is done first verification or validation?

Verification comes before validation. Validation comes after verification.

What is more important validation or verification?

Both are equally important verification ensures correctness, while validation ensures utility and satisfaction of user needs.

Why validation is more difficult than verification?

The complexity of understanding and addressing user needs, the subjectivity of requirements, and the challenges associated with real-world testing make validation a more intricate and demanding process compared to the more straightforward nature of verification.