Verification and Validation in Software Testing

Introduction

Verification comes from the term verify. The main objective is to ensure everyone is on the same page—developer, tester, and client. Everyone knows the requirements, development steps, and the final product goal. Validation is finding the supreme truth. That is finding if the process is right and the approach is correct. That Validation comes from market research and user acceptance.

Verification Testing

1. Verification testing is involved in the requirement gathering phase, product planning, and product development
2. Verification testing ensures the process is going correctly. Requirements are correct, and development is going in accordance.
3. Verification helps to find the bugs and issues at the earlier stage of development. Verification testing is cheaper.
4. The quality assurance team does verification testing.

Advantages of Verification Testing

• Verification testing ensures that the software or product has been built correctly and adheres to the specified requirements.
• It validates that the design and implementation align with the intended functionality and meet the desired quality standards.
• Verification testing confirms that each component or module functions as expected, ensuring that the software or product operates as intended.
• By identifying and resolving defects in the early stages of development, verification testing helps prevent issues from propagating further in the development lifecycle.
• It provides a solid foundation for subsequent validation testing and deployment, ensuring that the software or product is thoroughly tested and ready for use.
• The overall quality and reliability of the software or product are enhanced through effective verification testing.
• Stakeholders can have confidence in the accuracy and compliance of the software or product, as verification testing offers reassurance regarding its adherence to specified requirements.

When to use Verification Testing

Verification testing is employed when there is a need to ensure that the software or product has been built correctly and adheres to the specified requirements. It is typically conducted during the earlier stages of development to validate that the design and implementation align with the intended functionality and meet the desired quality standards.

Verification testing focuses on confirming that each component or module functions as expected, identifying and resolving defects, and ensuring that the software or product aligns with the defined specifications. By conducting verification testing, organizations can enhance the overall quality and reliability of their software or product before proceeding to validation testing and deployment.

Validation Testing

1. Validation testing is done in the testing phase of SDLC. Validation is also done at the maintenance stage.
2. Validation testing is done to find the correct way of a process. And also ensuring that the process chosen is the best.
3. Validation is a costlier affair. If process A is used, after that, process B is found to be better. The validation testing took the duration of finding the better approach.
4. The product team does validation testing.

Advantages of Validation Testing

• Validation testing ensures that the software or product meets the specified requirements and is fit for its intended purpose.
• It helps in identifying and fixing defects or issues in the early stages of development, reducing the cost and effort required for fixing them later.
• Validation testing verifies that the software or product meets the user's needs and expectations, increasing customer satisfaction.
• It ensures that the software functions correctly and reliably under real-world conditions, minimizing the risk of failures or malfunctions.
• It helps in identifying usability issues, such as user interface problems or confusing workflows, leading to an improved user experience.
• Validation testing provides assurance to stakeholders, such as customers, investors, or regulatory authorities, that the software or product is reliable and compliant with relevant standards or regulations.

When to use Validation Testing

Validation testing should be employed when there is a need to ensure that a software or product meets the specified requirements and is fit for its intended purpose. It is particularly useful during the later stages of development, when the software or product is nearing completion and needs to be validated against user expectations, functionality, performance, security, and other critical aspects.

Validation testing is crucial when there are regulatory or compliance requirements that must be met, as it provides assurance to stakeholders that the software or product is reliable and adheres to relevant standards. Additionally, validation testing is essential when there is a need to validate the integration of various components or systems, ensure interoperability and compatibility, and minimize the risk of failures or malfunctions under real-world conditions. Overall, validation testing plays a vital role in enhancing the quality, reliability, and user satisfaction of the software or product.

Difference between Verification and Validation Testing

Example of Verification and Validation

For instance, a new mobile application for cab booking has been built. Ensuring each functionality is working fine. White box, black box, and gray box testing come under verification testing. After the product is done and is bug-free, the functionalities that have been built are useful for people, or people find it tedious. The customer is getting a good chance to cancel the ride, and customers finding the prices decent all come under the validation testing of the application.