The process of examining whether or not the software satisfies the user requirements, it is called Select one: a. beta b. verification c. validation
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct answer: c. validation
Explanation:
Validation is the process of evaluating software at the end of development to ensure it meets the business needs and user requirements. It focuses on answering the question “Are we building the right product?” rather than just building the product right. This process ensures that the software actually fulfills its intended use when placed in its real-world environment.
Validation typically involves various activities such as user acceptance testing (UAT), system testing, and sometimes beta testing. These activities simulate real-life scenarios to confirm that the software behaves as expected from the user’s perspective. The goal is to ensure that all functions meet the original requirements provided by the client or stakeholders.
This is different from verification, which is the process of checking whether the software conforms to specifications and design documents. Verification answers the question “Are we building the product right?” It focuses more on internal processes like reviews, inspections, and walkthroughs.
Beta testing, on the other hand, is one part of validation. It is done by real users in a real environment just before the product is officially released. Although beta testing can contribute to validation, it is not the complete process of validation itself.
Validation is critical because software might be perfectly bug-free and well-designed but still fail to meet the needs of its intended users. In industries such as healthcare, aviation, or finance, failing to validate software can have serious consequences. This is why validation is an essential phase in the software development life cycle. It ensures that the final product aligns with user expectations, business goals, and operational requirements.