Basic Definitions of Testing

What is 'Software Testing'?
Testing involves operation of a system or application under controlled conditions and evaluating the results (e.g., 'if the user is in interface A of the application while using hardware B, and does C, then D should happen'). The controlled conditions should include both normal and abnormal conditions. Testing should intentionally attempt to make things go wrong to determine if things happen when they shouldn't or things don't happen when they should. It is oriented to 'detection'.

What is 'Software Quality Assurance'?

1)Software QA involves the entire software development PROCESS
2) monitoring and improving the process,
3) standards and procedures are followed
4) ensuring that problems are found and dealt with. It is oriented to 'prevention'.

Testing vs. Quality Assurance:

Quality Assurance is the process of making sure that the customers gets enough of what they pay for to satisfy their needs. Testing is the means by which we perform the process. You can test without assuring quality, but you can't assure quality without testing.

What is Quality Control (QC) ?
Consists of monitoring, controlling and other tactical activities associated with the measurement of product quality goals.

What is Verification?
“Verification” checks whether we are building the right system, and Verification typically involves reviews and meetings to evaluate documents, plans, code, requirements, and specifications. This can be done with checklists, issues lists, walkthroughs, and inspection meetings.
What is Validation?

“Validation” checks whether we are building the system right. Validation typically involves actual testing and takes place after verifications are completed