Verification and Validation
Verification and Validation (V&V) is a software engineering methodology that ensures a system meets its specified requirements and fulfills its intended purpose. Verification involves checking whether the software is built correctly according to design specifications, while validation confirms that the software meets user needs and expectations in real-world scenarios. Together, they form a critical quality assurance process to reduce defects and improve reliability throughout the development lifecycle.
Developers should learn and apply V&V to enhance software quality, especially in safety-critical domains like aerospace, healthcare, or finance where failures can have severe consequences. It is essential during testing phases to catch bugs early, comply with industry standards (e.g., ISO 26262 for automotive), and ensure user satisfaction by aligning the product with actual requirements. Using V&V helps prevent costly rework and builds trust in software deployments.