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?
Both processes are meant to improve product quality, but they are not alike.
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
When you go to a grocery store to buy some apples, you look for products with the highest quality, right? Of course, the first things that draw your attention are the visual aspects. You judge an apple by its size, color, ripeness, etc. But you can’t bite a piece off before you buy it. So only when a purchase is made and you taste the apple, you can tell whether it is actually good or bad. After all, even the best-looking apples can be with a worm inside.
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.
Yojji successfully delivered the project within schedule. They demonstrated excellent project management via weekly sprint demos and promptly made adjustments based on the client's feedback. Their responsiveness and collaborative attitude were key elements of their work.
5.0
Yojji was an instrumental part of the client’s team, working closely with them to achieve the product’s success. The team was very collaborative and timely, and their performance was amazing. Additionally, their resources were experienced, professional, and enjoyable to work with.
5.0
Yojii is impressive both in quality of development work as well as their commitment. Strong focus on delivery, highly technical personnel, flexible approach that allows for rapid development. Strong processes that allow for solid controls.
5.0
We’re very happy with the way that Yojji works, which is why we’ve spent so much money and engaged them for such a long time. We treat them as employees in regard to responsibilities and expectations, and they haven’t disappointed us.
5.0
As a company, we find Yojji to be excellent development partners - we cannot recommend them more highly and will be very happy to continue working with them in the future.
5.0
They are really nice people with excellent technical backgrounds.
5.0
We used Agile project management methodology and were in contact with the team and project manager daily.
5.0
They all had a super positive outlook and were dedicated to getting the work completed to a high standard.
5.0
Yojji has delivered an accessible product with thorough consideration for the client's requirements. Users have commented on the platform's user-friendliness and speed. Moreover, the team is easy to communicate with and provides frequent updates. Their development and design skills are impressive.
5.0
