How does software testing differ from software quality assurance?

[ruhiparveen]

Software testing and software quality assurance (QA) are closely related but distinct practices. Software testing focuses on identifying defects or bugs within the software by executing it under various conditions, verifying its functionality and performance. It is more about detecting issues and ensuring the software works as expected. On the other hand, software quality assurance encompasses a broader scope. QA involves ensuring the entire software development process adheres to standards and procedures that lead to high-quality software.

 

[khushnuma123]

Software testing focuses on identifying defects in a specific software application by executing it under controlled conditions. It is a subset of quality assurance (QA), which encompasses the entire software development process. QA aims to improve development and testing processes to prevent defects and ensure quality from the start. While testing is reactive and detects issues, QA is proactive and sets standards, procedures, and methodologies to manage software quality throughout the lifecycle. In essence, software testing finds bugs, whereas software quality assurance ensures that proper processes are followed to minimize the occurrence of bugs in the first place.