Are verification and validation synonymous?

Verification and validation are distinct processes in the field of software engineering and quality assurance. Verification is the process of assessing whether a product meets specified requirements at a specific stage of development. It answers the question "Are we building the product right?" This typically involves checking design documents, code reviews, and other assessments to ensure that each aspect of the development conforms to the intended specifications.

On the other hand, validation refers to evaluating whether a product meets the needs and requirements of the user in the real world. It addresses the question "Are we building the right product?" This process usually involves actual testing in the environment for which the product is intended, to ensure that it fulfills its purpose and functions as expected.

Understanding that verification is about adherence to requirements and validation is about meeting user needs highlights the distinction between the two processes. They are complementary, but they serve different roles in the overall quality assurance process.