Quality Assurance vs Quality Control

For a person who has nothing to do with software development and testing, quality assurance and quality control seem to be the same thing. The truth is, these two terms are commonly confused and used interchangeably. However, there are some differences between the notions and we are here to help you figure them out. So, in this article, you will get acquainted with the head-to-head comparison of quality assurance vs quality control, learn the distinctions between them, and find the examples of each.
What Exactly Do Quality Assurance and Quality Control Mean?
QA (the short form of Quality Assurance ) ensures that all the necessary techniques, procedures, standards, and methodologies have been followed to guarantee a defect-free product.
QC (the short form of Quality Control ) stands for a process of validation which ensures that the product has met the previously set requirements. Simply put, this is a process that assures expected quality for the product.
The focus of QA will be on the quality of the verification process and preventing defects while the QC will focus on the entire end product and fixing flaws.
A Comparison Table Showing the Difference Between QA and QC
Definition | |
---|---|
Quality Assurance
| Quality Control
|
Objective | |
Quality Assurance
| Quality Control
|
What approaches are used to meet the objectives? | |
Quality Assurance
| Quality Control
|
Who is responsible for quality? | |
Quality Assurance
| Quality Control
|
Focus | |
Quality Assurance
| Quality Control
|
Direction | |
Quality Assurance
| Quality Control
|
The type of method | |
Quality Assurance
| Quality Control
|
The sequence of processes | |
Quality Assurance
| Quality Control
|
The Importance of QA and QC
The same can be said about software products. Let’s say, you go on the Internet and search for an online candy store. You pick the one with the most attractive design. However, while examining the site, you find tons of bugs: a cart doesn’t show a number of chocolates you want to buy, every time you try to enter your contact details, an error notification pops up and things like that. Chances are, after several tries you will just leave this e-store and find another one.
The described situation makes the importance of QA and QC processes crystal clear. Thanks to these procedures it is possible to avoid defects in software products before they are released and assure the best outputs.
We are all humans. To make mistakes is in our nature. However, some flaws in software development can have significant consequences. To avoid this, it is better to check everything twice. There’s a reason why people say, “Look before you leap”. So, what we are trying to say here is, one shouldn’t underestimate the importance of QA and QC.
QA vs QC: The Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, there is a number of differences between quality assurance and quality control processes. The two terms shouldn’t be mistaken for one another. We have singled out the key differences below:
- QA is a list of proactive measures oriented on a process of preventing defects from the appearance whereas QC is a list of reactive measures oriented in a process of finding and fixing defects.
- QA procedures are performed by all members of a development team during the software development life cycle while QC is the job of a team of testers only and it is done during the software testing life cycle.
- QA puts a focus on a process whilst QC puts a focus on an end-product.
In conclusion, we’d like to point out that at Yojji we utilize both QA and QC as they are essential parts of software development and help us deliver effective IT solutions in a wide array of industries.
Have an idea?
Let’s work together
01
Fill out contact form or call us. We’ll set a call or in person meeting for free consultation.
Your application has been successfully sent!
We will contact you soon as possible
02
We discuss your project even if you have just an raw idea
03
We choose a model and approach that are suitable for your case and budget
Drop us a line: info@yojji.io
- React
- Angular
- Vue JS
- JavaScript
- React Native
- Flutter
- Nest JS
- Node. JS
- Express
- GCP
- Azure
- AWS
- Figma