Which is more important verification or validation?

Verification and validation are both crucial aspects of the software development and quality assurance process, but their importance can vary depending on the stage of the development life cycle.

Verification primarily focuses on ensuring that a product is built correctly according to its specifications. It involves activities such as code reviews, inspections, and testing to identify and fix defects in the early stages of development. On the other hand, validation is concerned with assessing whether the software meets the customer’s needs and expectations. It involves activities like system testing, acceptance testing, and user feedback.

While both verification and validation are essential, their significance may depend on the context. Early in the development process, verification is crucial for identifying and rectifying issues promptly. As the development progresses, validation gains importance to ensure the software aligns with user expectations and requirements. Ultimately, a balance of both verification and validation is necessary for delivering a high-quality and reliable software product.