1.2.2. Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)
While people often use the terms “testing” and “quality assurance” (QA) interchangeably, testing and QA
are not the same. Testing is a form of quality control (QC).
QC is a product-oriented, corrective approach that focuses on those activities supporting the achievement
of appropriate levels of quality. Testing is a major form of quality control, while others include formal
methods (model checking and proof of correctness), simulation and prototyping.
QA is a process-oriented, preventive approach that focuses on the implementation and improvement of
processes. It works on the basis that if a good process is followed correctly, then it will generate a good
product. QA applies to both the development and testing processes, and is the responsibility of everyone
on a project.
Test results are used by QA and QC. In QC they are used to fix defects, while in QA they provide
feedback on how well the development and test processes are performing.