What is verification and validation, and why it is important?
To better understand the importance of verification and validation, It would help if I explained these core methodologies and what they do. To better help my explanation, I would like to talk about how it can be used more efficiently, and that would be to eliminate defects using this process. The objective here is to continue process improvement by verifying and validating all the software development processes. Six Sigma quality management plays an important role here, even though it's not mentioned much. These methods offer a methodical way of figuring out the defects and how to rectify them accordingly. It's a unique approach to achieving a high-quality level of zero defects for your environment. Some of the methodologies I have used are DMAIC and DMADV. These work to define, measure, analyze and improve the processes.
Verification and validation are essential in the software development process. If you can't verify or validate a set of activities to ensure that the software is not implemented correctly, hasn't been built to specification, or is functioning properly, you will surely have problems with your production environment. Interviewers know how important this is and will ask questions about it to ensure that you practice doing your due diligence to ensure the highest quality software development. When questions come up about verification and validation, it might score an extra point in the interview if you give the interview history of how V&V was formed. It is actually an application of Six Sigma and its principles. It was used to design products in the manufacturing and support process areas. It's important to remember if asked that there are two important aspects of software quality management. Verification answers whether the software is being developed correctly, and validation provides the answer to whether the right software is being produced.
"In my opinion, verification and validation are at the heart of every development project. I take this step very seriously, and it shows in my work. This includes all the steps and procedures of Validation. Prospective validation is important because it is done to ensure the product is functioning properly. Retrospective validation is done against the written specifications and verifies actual data. Periodic validation is used to repair, relocate or dismiss data that serves no purpose. Partial validation is mostly used for research but can come in handy for pilot studies. Cross-validation is suitable for estimating the performance of statistical models. Concurrent validation is usually carried out during regular maintenance or service routines in the post-development process."
Unlock all 30 Software Developer questions
Unlock expert responses to technical and behavioral questions interviewers ask developers.
Get Started