Software Testing - Software Testing vs Quality Assurance

1. Definition

• Software Testing:
  The process of executing software to identify defects and verify it works as intended.

• Quality Assurance (QA):
  A process-oriented activity that ensures quality is built into every stage of software development.

2. Focus

• Software Testing: Focuses on finding bugs in the final product.

• QA: Focuses on preventing bugs through process improvement.

3. Nature

• Software Testing: Product-oriented (checks the final deliverable).

• QA: Process-oriented (improves the way the product is built).

4. Timing

• Software Testing: Performed after development or in parallel with it.

• QA: Continuous throughout the entire development lifecycle.

5. Objective

• Software Testing: Verify that the software meets functional and non-functional requirements.

• QA: Ensure the development process consistently produces high-quality products.

6. Example Activities

• Software Testing: Unit testing, integration testing, system testing, acceptance testing.

• QA: Code reviews, process audits, documentation reviews, training.