Fundamental difference between Quality Assurance and Software Testing

Both Quality assurance and software testing play a tactical role in an organization. Quality assurance is considered to be much broader in scope when compared to testing. In fact, software testing is a part of quality assurance, but, its responsibility is such that if software testing is carried out inadequately, then it can directly affect the outcomes of quality assurance, which, in turn, will deliver a low-quality product or application. Hence, both these methods require tact and a specific structure for successful implementation and obtaining beneficial results that create a win-win situation for both the clients and organization.

What is Quality Assurance (QA)?

It is a specific methodology that makes sure that the software product or application that is being developed is in line with the software development guidelines and conforms to certain quality protocols and standards. It ensures that the software product or application is built in accordance with certain specific standards, expectations and requirements in line with the quality aspect.

Quality assurance makes sure that the business goals of an organization are duly met by delivering software product that is built according to quality procedures that is able to meet both technology and business requirements. It is also known as QA testing. The software product is evaluated based on adaptability, performance and functionality. The quality of the process that is used to test, develop and release the application is also assessed.   

 

What is software testing?

It is a testing process that is used to verify and evaluate the software product or application and see that it meets the expected requirements. Some of the key benefits of software testing are improving performance, reducing development costs and preventing or eliminating bugs. The reliability, robustness and consistency of a software product or application are also determined by software testing. Requirements that are missing are evaluated based on the expected requirements.

Manual or automated tools are used to execute the system/software components in order to ascertain the properties of interest. The Application Under Test (AUT) is verified. The correctness of the software is analyzed by evaluating the attributes such as usability, reusability, portability, scalability, reliability, robustness, security, performance and functionality. An independent view of the software product or application is provided. All the important and specific components are thoroughly tested using the software testing method. It can be categorized into both white box and black-box testing.

Difference between quality assurance and software testing:

Quality Assurance	Software testing
It ensures that the product functions and design are in line with user expectations	It ensures that the product is bug-free, fully functional and secured
The whole software application development process is optimized and the testing process is controlled appropriately	The test cases and their implementation are focused upon
It is considered to be process-oriented as the features and functions of the product are validated as per client requirements	Software testing can be considered as a part of quality assurance and quality control activities, where system and application loopholes and faults are strategically identified and solved
It is a management approach that covers applicable tools, team building activities, training and policies to help achieve specific objectives	In here, different types of software testing are used based on the project scope and context
It is process-oriented	It is product-oriented
Defects are prevented	Defects are identified and fixed
It is a proactive process	It is a reactive process
QA makes sure that the procedures and processes are in place in order to achieve the required quality	The product is validated against the specifications
It is a subset of SDLC	It is a subset of Quality Control (QC)

 

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing any type of software testing for your software project, then do get connected with a reliable and renowned software testing services company UK that will provide you with a tactful testing roadmap in line with your project specific requirements.

About the author: I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.