What is the difference between verification and validation?
Theme: Software Testing Concepts Role: Qa Engineer/Test Engineer Function: Technology
Interview Question for QA Engineer/Test Engineer: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About QA Engineer/Test Engineer: Ensure software quality through testing and quality assurance. This role falls within the Technology function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Software Testing Concepts with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Definition: Verification is the process of evaluating a system or component to determine whether it meets specified requirements. Validation is the process of evaluating a system or component during or at the end of the development process to determine whether it satisfies the specified requirements
- Purpose: Verification ensures that the system or component is designed and implemented correctly, while validation ensures that the system or component meets the user's needs and expectations
- Timing: Verification is typically performed early in the development process, focusing on design and implementation. Validation is performed later in the process, focusing on the final product
- Methods: Verification is often done through reviews, inspections, and walkthroughs to check for adherence to requirements. Validation is typically done through testing, including functional, performance, and usability testing
- Scope: Verification aims to ensure that each individual component or system meets its specified requirements. Validation aims to ensure that the integrated system meets the overall requirements and functions as intended
- Outcome: Verification provides confidence that the system or component is built correctly. Validation provides confidence that the system or component is fit for its intended purpose
- Documentation: Verification focuses on documentation review, code inspection, and design analysis. Validation focuses on user acceptance testing, test plans, and test cases
- Responsibility: Verification is primarily the responsibility of the development team. Validation is a joint responsibility of the development team and the quality assurance team
- Objective: The objective of verification is to ensure that the system is built right. The objective of validation is to ensure that the right system is built
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Knowledge & understanding: Assessing the candidate's understanding of the fundamental concepts in QA engineering and their ability to explain them accurately
- Communication skills: Evaluating the candidate's ability to articulate complex concepts in a clear and concise manner
- Problem-solving skills: Assessing the candidate's ability to differentiate between verification and validation and apply them appropriately in real-world scenarios
- Attention to detail: Determining the candidate's attention to detail by assessing their ability to differentiate between two similar concepts with subtle differences
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Confusing verification & validation: Mixing up the definitions or using them interchangeably
- Lack of understanding: Not being able to explain the concepts clearly or provide examples
- Overgeneralization: Providing vague or generic answers without specific details or examples
- Inability to differentiate: Failing to highlight the key differences between verification and validation
- Lack of relevance: Not relating the concepts to the role of a QA Engineer/Test Engineer in the Technology function