Verification vs. Validation: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Verification is the process of checking whether a product meets specified requirements, while validation ensures the product meets the user's needs and intended uses.
Key Differences
Verification involves checking if a product, system, or component conforms to a set of predefined requirements or specifications. Validation, on the other hand, is the process of ensuring that the product fulfills its intended purpose and meets the end user's needs.
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Nov 21, 2023
Verification is often seen as an internal process, focusing on consistency, accuracy, and completeness of certain specifications. Validation is external, concentrating on the suitability and effectiveness of the product for its intended use.
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Nov 21, 2023
In verification, the question asked is, "Are we building the product right?" It's about adhering to standards and procedures during development. Validation asks, "Are we building the right product?" focusing on whether the final product meets user needs and expectations.
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Nov 21, 2023
The methods used in verification can include reviews, inspections, and tests that are based on the product’s design and development. Validation typically involves actual testing and usage scenarios to ensure the product’s relevance and effectiveness in real-world conditions.
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Nov 21, 2023
In software development, verification might involve code reviews and static analysis to ensure the code aligns with design documents. Validation in this context would include user acceptance testing to confirm the software meets user requirements and expectations.
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Nov 21, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Conformity to requirements/specifications
Fulfillment of user needs and intended use
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Nature
Internal process, checking accuracy and completeness
External process, assessing suitability and effectiveness
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Fundamental Question
"Are we building the product right?"
"Are we building the right product?"
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Nov 21, 2023
Methods
Reviews, inspections, specific tests
Usage scenarios, real-world application testing
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Nov 21, 2023
Example in Software Development
Code reviews, static analysis
User acceptance testing
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Nov 21, 2023
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Verification and Validation Definitions
Verification
Verification in software involves ensuring code adheres to its design documentation.
The development team performed code verification to ensure it matched the design.
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Validation
Validation is the process of ensuring a product meets the user's needs and intended uses.
User testing was part of the validation process for the new mobile app.
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Verification
Verification is the process of confirming that a product meets specified requirements.
The engineering team conducted a verification of the new software against the design specifications.
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Nov 16, 2023
Validation
Validation involves evaluating a system’s effectiveness in a real-world scenario.
The validation of the water filtration system was done in a rural setting.
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Verification
Verification entails the assessment of whether a system complies with certain standards.
Verification of the building’s electrical system ensured it met safety standards.
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Validation
Validation is the confirmation that a product performs as intended for the end user.
Validation of the software included feedback from end users about its functionality.
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Verification
Verification is the confirmation through evidence that specified requirements have been fulfilled.
The verification process confirmed the product met all regulatory requirements.
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Validation
Validation in software development includes user acceptance testing.
The final phase of the project was validation through user acceptance testing.
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Nov 16, 2023
Verification
Verification is the act of checking the accuracy and completeness of a document or system.
Document verification was completed before the project was approved.
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Nov 16, 2023
Validation
Validation is the assurance that a system fulfills its intended purpose.
The medical device underwent validation to ensure it worked effectively in clinical settings.
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Nov 16, 2023
Validation
To establish the soundness, accuracy, or legitimacy of
Validate the test results.
Validate a concern.
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Verification
A sworn statement attesting to the truth of the facts in a document.
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Verification
A sworn statement attesting that a pleading is true to the best of one's knowledge.
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Validation
To mark with an indication of official sanction
The official validated my passport with a stamp.
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Validation
Something, such as a certificate, that validates something; attestation, authentication, confirmation, proof or verification.
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Verification
Confirmation; authentication.
The detective needs verification of your whereabouts last night.
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Validation
The process whereby others confirm the validity of one's emotions.
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Verification
(legal) A formal phrase used in concluding a plea, to denote confirmation by evidence.
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Validation
(US) The process of identifying a new prisoner's gang affiliation.
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Verification
(mathematics) The operation of testing the equation of a problem, to see whether it truly expresses the conditions of the problem.
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Verification
The act of verifying, or the state of being verified; confirmation; authentication.
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Validation
The act of validating; finding or testing the truth of something
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Verification
Additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct;
Fossils provided further confirmation of the evolutionary theory
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Verification
(law) an affidavit attached to a statement confirming the truth of that statement
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is validation?
Validation is ensuring a product fulfills its intended purpose and meets user needs.
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How do verification and validation differ in purpose?
Verification checks for conformity to requirements, while validation ensures suitability for user needs.
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When is validation performed?
Validation is usually done post-development, before the final release of the product.
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In which phase of development is verification done?
Verification is typically conducted throughout the development phase.
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Is verification more technical than validation?
Verification is generally more focused on technical aspects and specifications.
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What is verification?
Verification is the process of confirming that a product meets specific requirements or standards.
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Can you have validation without verification?
While possible, it's not advisable as both processes serve important but different roles.
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Can a product pass verification but fail validation?
Yes, a product might meet all technical specifications but still fail to meet user needs.
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Are verification and validation necessary in software development?
Both are crucial to ensure the software is both correct and useful to users.
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Nov 21, 2023
What methods are common in validation?
Validation commonly uses methods like beta testing, user surveys, and field trials.
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What is an example of validation in product development?
Consumer testing to ensure a product meets the market's needs is an example of validation.
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Is user satisfaction a part of validation?
Yes, user satisfaction is a key aspect of validation.
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Does validation involve user feedback?
Yes, validation often includes user feedback and real-world testing.
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Who performs verification?
Verification is typically performed by the development team or quality assurance professionals.
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What tools are used for verification?
Verification might use tools like static analysis software, checklists, and test scripts.
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Who is involved in validation?
Validation often involves end-users, stakeholders, and quality assurance teams.
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Why is verification important?
Verification ensures that a product technically fulfills its designed purpose.
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Nov 21, 2023
Why is validation important?
Validation confirms that the product is useful and meets user expectations.
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What is an example of verification in manufacturing?
Checking a product against its design blueprints is an example of verification in manufacturing.
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Does verification guarantee product success?
Verification alone doesn’t guarantee success; it must be paired with validation.
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Nov 21, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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