Validation: What is it? Does Your Program Meet User Needs?
Understand the validation process in IT. Find out why working code isn't enough and how to ensure your product actually solves the customer's problems.
Validation: What is it and why is it crucial?
Imagine you ordered tomato soup at a restaurant. The waiter brings you a plate that is clean, the soup is hot, and has the right consistency (that was verification). However, after tasting it, the soup turns out to be way too salty and inedible. This is precisely where validation fails – the product is technically correct, but it doesn't meet your needs.
Validation
How does validation work in practice?
Unlike verification, validation usually takes place on a running system. It involves not just developers, but primarily users and acceptance testers.
Key validation methods:
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT) - the customer checks if the program does what it is supposed to.
- Beta Testing - releasing a trial version to a small group of real users.
- Usability Testing - checking if the program is intuitive to use.
- Demonstrations (Demos) - presenting progress to stakeholders.
Validation vs Verification - Quick Comparison
This distinction is an absolute foundation in software engineering and professional exams.
| Cecha | Feature | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Main Goal | Compliance with specification | Compliance with expectations |
| When? | During development | At the end of a stage/project |
| Code Execution | Not always required (static) | Always required (dynamic) |
| Who performs? | Developers, QA Testers | Users, Client |
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
Lack of user contact
Validation only at the very end
Example: Validation failure with correct code
Here is a situation where the code works perfectly (verified) but the product fails (lack of validation):
1# Technically correct program2print('Enter age:')3# No check if age is realistic (e.g., 500 years)
1# Program validated against business logic2if age > 0 and age < 120:3 process_registration()
Pro Tips
Collect feedback as early as possible
Quiz: Check your knowledge
Which of the following questions best describes the essence of validation?
Verification and Validation Lifecycle (Mermaid)
What's next?
- Conduct your first 'hallway test' (ask someone nearby what they think of your project).
- Learn more about the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) process.
- Read about Agile methodology, which prioritizes validation.
- Check out prototyping tools like Figma or Adobe XD.
- Solve INF.04 exam tasks regarding the software development lifecycle.
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