Verification
The process of checking whether the software conforms to its specification.
Validation
The process of checking whether the software does what the user actually requires.
Techniques
Both static and dynamic techniques should be used.
- Static V&V
Software examined without execution. Used for verification only, not validation. Done through inspection. - Dynamic V&V
Software executed with test inputs and behaviour observed. Done through testing.
V&V Confidence
Aim of V&V is to establish confidence that the system is fit for purpose.
Depends on:
- Software purpose
The level of confidence depends on how critical the software is to an organisation. - User expectations
Users may have low expectations of certain kinds of software. - Marketing environment
Getting a product to market early may be more important than finding defects in the program.