Comparing Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC)

 

Aspect	Quality Assurance (QA)	Quality Control (QC)
Definition	QA is the process of ensuring that the methods, techniques, processes, and procedures used to develop a product are of the highest quality. It focuses on preventing defects.	QC is the process of verifying that the product meets the specified requirements and standards. It involves identifying defects and correcting them before the product is released.
Goal	To prevent defects from occurring by implementing processes and procedures that ensure quality throughout the product development lifecycle.	To identify defects in the product through testing and inspection and to rectify them before the product is delivered to the customer.
Responsibility	Shared responsibility among all members of the development team, including developers, testers, project managers, and stakeholders.	Primarily the responsibility of the testing team, which includes testers, quality engineers, and quality analysts.
Timing	Begins at the early stages of the project and continues throughout the development lifecycle.	Occurs after the product has been developed, typically during the testing phase.
Activities	- Establishing quality standards and processes<br>- Implementing quality management systems<br>- Performing code reviews<br>- Conducting audits and inspections<br>- Providing training and guidance to team members	- Executing test cases<br>- Conducting inspections and reviews<br>- Analyzing defects and identifying root causes<br>- Implementing corrective and preventive actions<br>- Reporting defects and quality metrics
Focus	Emphasizes process-oriented activities aimed at preventing defects before they occur.	Focuses on product-oriented activities aimed at detecting and fixing defects in the final product.
Metrics	Metrics may include defect prevention metrics, process compliance metrics, and quality improvement metrics.	Metrics typically include defect detection metrics, defect resolution metrics, and test coverage metrics.
Outcome	Improved processes, reduced defects, increased productivity, and enhanced customer satisfaction.	Identified defects are rectified, ensuring that the product meets the specified quality standards and customer requirements.