Validation
1. Definition
Validation is the process of evaluating the actual software application to ensure it meets business needs and user expectations, by executing the software.
Validation answers the question: “Are we building the right product?”
2. Purpose of Validation
- Confirm software fulfills user requirements
- Ensure business workflows work as expected
- Detect defects in real usage scenarios
- Validate end-to-end functionality
- Provide confidence before release
3. Nature of Validation
- Dynamic activity (software execution required)
- Performed after or during development
- Focuses on product behavior
4. Validation Activities
- Executing manual test cases
- Performing functional testing
- Performing regression testing
- Conducting exploratory testing
- Supporting User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
- Verifying defect fixes
5. Validation Techniques
- Functional testing
- Scenario-based testing
- Exploratory testing
- End-to-end testing
- User acceptance testing
6. Validation in SDLC
| SDLC Phase | Validation Activity |
|---|---|
| Development | Feature-level testing |
| Testing | System & regression testing |
| UAT | Business validation |
| Production | Post-release validation |
7. Validation vs Verification (Clear Comparison)
| Aspect | Validation | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dynamic | Static |
| Execution | Required | Not required |
| Focus | Product | Process & documents |
| Goal | Meet user needs | Meet specifications |
8. Real-Time Example
Requirement:
“User should be able to reset password via email.”
Validation checks:
- Reset link is received
- Link works correctly
- Password rules are enforced
- User can log in with new password
9. Benefits of Validation
- Confirms business correctness
- Prevents user dissatisfaction
- Reduces production defects
- Ensures release readiness
10. Common Mistakes
- Validating without proper test data
- Ignoring negative scenarios
- Focusing only on happy paths
- Skipping UAT support
11. Interview-Ready Answers
Short answer:
Validation is the process of executing the software to ensure it meets user and business requirements.
Detailed answer:
Validation ensures that the developed software behaves as expected in real-world scenarios and fulfills business needs.
12. Key Takeaway
Validation ensures the right product is delivered to users, not just a correctly built one.