Let’s break it down first by defining quality and assurance and what it means to bring them together in software.
What is Quality?
Quality is the measure of how well a product, service, or process meets the expectations and needs of its users. It encompasses attributes such as reliability, usability, performance, and durability while adhering to predefined requirements.
In software development, quality ensures that the application is functional, user-friendly, secure, and free from defects, delivering value to the user. Quality is not just the absence of flaws but also the presence of features and experiences that delight customers and drive satisfaction. It is a continuous pursuit of excellence, requiring attention to detail, proactive planning, and ongoing improvement.
What is Assurance?
Assurance is the process of providing confidence that a product, service, or process meets defined standards, requirements, and expectations. It involves systematic activities such as auditing, testing, and monitoring to ensure reliability, consistency, and compliance.
In the context of software development, assurance focuses on preventing defects and ensuring quality throughout development. It emphasizes building trust among customers by validating that processes are followed correctly, risks are managed effectively, and deliverables meet both functional and non-functional requirements. Assurance is not just about identifying issues but proactively creating conditions to prevent them.
What is quality assurance?
Quality assurance (QA) is a systematic process aimed at ensuring that a product, service, or process meets specified quality standards and fulfills customer expectations. It involves defining best practices, implementing procedures, and conducting evaluations to prevent defects and promote reliability throughout the lifecycle of development.
In software development, QA focuses on enhancing processes to ensure that the final product is stable, functional, secure, and user-friendly. Rather than merely identifying and fixing issues, QA emphasizes a proactive approach to quality by continuously improving workflows, fostering collaboration, and building confidence among stakeholders that the deliverables meet the desired requirements.