Verification and validation: what are these in simple words? What is the difference between validation and verification?

The concepts that we will thoroughly analyze are quite common in everyday life, as well as in specialized literature and professional activities. Many people want to know verification and validation - what are these in simple words? What is the difference between these terms? Let's reason together.

Validation and verification - what are these simple words?

Both concepts are related to testing a product and ensuring its quality. If we speak in simple terms, we will deduce the following:

• Validation - guaranteed manufacturer confidence that he created the product according to all necessary standards.
• Verification - helps to ensure that the product meets all the originally specified requirements for it.

Telling in simple words that this is verification and validation, we must also emphasize the following facts:

• The most important thing for the consumer is validation - the belief that he gets the right product that meets his requirements.
• For the manufacturer, verification will be more valuable - confirmation that the product that he sends for sale meets all the necessary standards and norms.

Another meaning

We will also analyze the difference in the concepts of “verification” and “validation” in testing. After all, by and large, they are associated with international requirements for testing, acceptance of technologies and various products.

However, at the same time, the words entered the life of Internet users tightly. For example, registering in payment systems like "Qiwi", "Yandex. Money", you must go through the verification process. In this case, this means verifying the authenticity of the specified data about yourself, the identification of you by the system.

And those who actively use social networks (VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, etc.), sooner or later see a window in front of them asking them to pass validation. This is the same verification of the truth of the data you entered. For example, an SMS with a code comes to the phone tied to the account, which must be printed in a certain field to confirm that you are the owner of the specified number.

Thus, in this case it is difficult to distinguish the difference between validation and verification. Both that, and another, as a matter of fact, here is a check on the indication of the data corresponding to reality. We also want to point out the fact that the developers of various viruses have successfully used validation / verification in order to lure your personal information. Why such data should be entered on reliable resources, from a computer protected by modern high-quality antivirus.

Definition of ISO 9000: 2000

To explain in simple words that this is verification and validation, the characterization of these terms given in ISO documents will help (ISO - International Organization for Standardization). Here we see the following:

• Verification - confirmation on the basis of objective facts provided that established standards have been met.
• Validation - confirmation on the basis of objective facts provided that the established standards for a specific application are met.

From these definitions, the difference between validation and verification already follows:

• The first procedure is carried out only when necessary. The product is analyzed under specified operating conditions. The result will be a verdict: is it possible to use it in a given setting.
• The second procedure is almost mandatory. This is a check for compliance of the product with the requirements that will be relevant under any conditions, in any use.

Other verification definitions

A number of common definitions of the concepts in question will help us to understand the topic. Here are the characteristics of verification:

• Confirmation of conformity of the released goods, product to certain standards.
• Almost mandatory procedure; comparison of the characteristics of the produced unit with a number of specified requirements. The result is the verdict of compliance or non-compliance by the latter.
• Proclamation of confirmation that the established standards for the product have been met.
• In simple words - a product is created that meets the necessary standards.

Other validation definitions

Consider now the definitions of validation:

• A practical definition of how a particular product meets the expectations of its immediate users.
• The procedure, which is carried out if necessary. This is a common analysis of given conditions and an assessment of the characteristics of a product regarding its operation in a given environment. The result is a conclusion about the possibility of using the goods, inventions in a certain area.
• Confirmation of compliance with the requirements of the system of standards, customer, direct user, etc.
• In simple words - the right product has been created that satisfies the consumer.

Translation Based Differences

To determine what the difference between validation and verification is, an appeal to the translation of these words with English roots will help:

• Verification - any verification.
• Validation - giving something legal force.

Even this implies that verification precedes validation is not finite. The final verdict of the product, which has legal force, is given by the latter.

Differences between verification and validation in comparison

In the comparison table, it is easier to identify the differences between these somewhat similar terms.

Let's talk a little more about the difference between validation and verification in the next section.

Key Concept Differences

So, let's put all the points over i. Verification is any testing through which a product passes. Checking the correctness of the technology of its production, as well as the quality of the product. Validation is a concept closer to certification. This compliance with some specific, not general requirements. How good the product is not at all, namely for a specific consumer, customer or given conditions.

It can also be noted that verification is a paper, theoretical testing of a technology or product. Validation is a real, physical verification, carried out in practice, in specific conditions.

If the product has passed verification, it means that it meets any given technological requirements. If validation is successfully passed, it turns out that in practice it is also applicable without complaints. From this it can be inferred that the latter concept is somewhat more important, more indicative than the first.

Verification Examples

Let's look at specific examples in order to fix in the head the difference between these concepts.

A pharmaceutical factory checks medicines for specific requirements. At the start of production, their safety for the patient in certain doses, the absence of a placebo effect, the lack of the possibility of manifestation of destructive addiction, etc. are established. Thus, the verification of the drug passed. And the validation in this case is carried out by the already treating doctor: he determines whether the medicine will help a particular patient, whether its use will lead to a risk to the life and health of this person, etc.

Consider the example of a bicycle. We check whether there is a steering wheel, seat, chains, wheels, brake system and so on. Everything is in place? Verification passed!

Validation Examples

Now examples of how the validation differs from verification.

In accordance with certain requirements, an enterprise produces universal pipes. There is a question from the customer: is it possible to lay this product on the bottom of the sea? The manufacturer must validate his pipes in accordance with the proposed conditions in order to objectively answer this question.

Using the same bike as an example, validation is also very easy to consider. Can I ride on the device? Can I brake? Can I turn right, left? Switch speed? If everything is possible, validation is passed. They could not brake, the seat fell, the steering wheel is shaken - alas, the bicycle did not go through this procedure.

So we analyzed the concepts of "verification" and "validation", trying to express everything in a simple language. We hope that this will help you to clearly trace the difference between them, the features of each.