Quality Assurance (QA) vs. Quality Control (QC) Explainer Guide
In the software testing process, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are closely related and complement each other to ensure product quality. QA prevents defects through process improvements, while QC ensures that bugs are detected and fixed in the final product.
To better understand this, take the example of a QA team asking developers to write unit tests for their code. This type of activity is called QA, as unit test documentation is part of the testing process. The same team executes a test and reports a bug found in the login button; the activity becomes QC since the issue was identified after the module was developed.
Quality Assurance is a forward-looking process, i.e., it is aimed at ensuring there are no defects in the practices implemented for the development process. It takes place throughout the development lifecycle.
Conversely, QC aims to identify and fix issues after they are discovered. It is primarily performed after the development lifecycle and is executed by testers.
QA and QC are also similar in many ways. Both processes aim to ensure the product’s quality is up to par. Moreover, testing and documentation are necessary steps in both QA and QC. In addition, they share the same ultimate goal: to decrease total cost and enhance product efficiency.
TL;DR
- QA and QC are different terms, even though they are used interchangeably.
- They both serve the same purpose, i.e., to ensure product quality.
- QA takes place throughout the development process, while QC is performed at the later stages.
This article will describe the main similarities and differences between QA and QC.
What Is Quality Assurance (QA)
In software development, QA is a proactive process that prevents defects and ensures quality at every stage by establishing and following robust processes, from initial requirements gathering to final delivery.
QA teams create processes and standards, review development and testing plans, and catch potential problems early on when they are easier and cheaper to fix.
To learn more about quality assurance in detail, be sure to read our quality assurance testing & strategies guide.
What Are The Pros and Cons Of Quality Assurance?
While QA is unquestionably necessary in modern software development cycles, It’s important to understand its advantages and drawbacks.
| Advantages | Limitations |
| Finds defects early, when they are cheaper to fix | Doing QA well can take a lot of time, money, and effort |
| Provides structure and standards for development, increasing efficiency and code quality | QA only works if the processes are good and everyone follows them |
| Ensures the end product satisfies customer needs, improving satisfaction and retention | QA can slow things down and make it harder to be creative or adapt to changes |
What Is Quality Control (QC)
QC is the reactive process of testing software thoroughly to ensure it meets the specified requirements and quality standards before being released to end users. QC is like a final inspection, where any issues identified can be fixed before release.
QC typically involves various testing techniques. Unit testing checks each part of the software independently. Integration testing checks whether the different parts work together correctly. System testing looks at the software product as a whole to see if it meets all the requirements and does what it should.
What Are The Pros and Cons Of Quality Control?
Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of quality control.
| Advantages | Limitations |
| Finds problems before software is released to users | QC is reactive, often finding bugs later in the development cycle that are expensive to fix |
| Ensures the software has the planned features and functions | It’s time-consuming to write and maintain test cases |
| Checks that the software is good enough to release. | Like QA, it can slow things down and delay releases |
What Comes First QA Or QC?
QA precedes QC in the software development lifecycle. QA processes are implemented from the start of the project, while QC testing occurs after development is complete.
First, QA establishes the processes, standards, and guidelines that guide the development effort towards quality. Then, QC validates that the developed product meets those quality standards.
However, it’s important to note that QA and QC don’t always follow one another. There is often overlap between the two processes.
For example, QA may be involved in creating test cases that are executed by QC. Defects found during QC testing may improve the QA process for future development cycles.
How QC And QA Are Similar
QA and QC have the same primary goals:
- Make sure the software works well and does what it’s supposed to do
- Check that the software follows standards and best practices
- Continuously improve the software development process
- Keep users, developers, managers, and the business happy with the software
- Both QA and QC need skilled people who understand software development and quality
Quality assurance and quality control are both important for ensuring high-quality software, but in different ways.
QA sets the standards and processes for software quality while QC double-checks that the software meets those standards. When QC finds defects, the information is used to improve the QA process.
What Is The Difference Between QA And QC?
Despite similarities, the primary differences between QA and QC is in their approaches:
QA vs QC, key differences explored
| QA | QC |
| Prevents defects by building quality into the development process | QC identifies defects in the completed product |
| Defines processes, standards, and best practices | Logs, prioritizes, and fixes identified defects |
| Includes activities like requirements analysis, design reviews, and code inspections | Involves various testing techniques like unit testing, integration testing, and system testing |
| Spans the entire development lifecycle | Only comes in once development is complete |
| The benefits of QA are more intangible and long-term | Provides tangible and measurable evidence of quality |
| The value of QA is realized over time | Proves its value almost immediately |
To put it another way, QA examines how the software is made, while QC examines the end product.
For example, when developing an application, QA would define coding standards and code review processes for developers to follow. QA would then perform tests on the finished application to validate functionality, performance, etc.
The Role of QA and QC in Quality Management
QA and QC are like two sides of the same coin, each vital for the other’s success. They are both critical steps in a quality management strategy. Without QA, there wouldn’t be a way to verify that the processes are working. Without QC, there would be inefficiency, with more defects slipping through, forcing teams to fix critical and costly issues post-launch.
Together, QA and QC provide a proactive and reactive approach to consistently delivering high-quality products.
Best Practices For Implementing Effective QA and QC Processes
Establish Clear Quality Standards
First, establish clear quality standards defining the development process’s guidelines and best practices. Make sure all team members understand and follow these standards.
Implement Robust QA Processes
Next, integrate QA activities throughout the development lifecycle. Do regular reviews and inspections to catch issues early. Use a clear defect management process to track and fix bugs.
Take advantage of tools and automation to streamline QA.
Develop Comprehensive Test Plans
Develop comprehensive test plans that cover all aspects of the software’s functionality and align with the requirements. Prioritize testing efforts based on risk and impact. Use automated tests where possible to improve speed and coverage.
Foster a Quality-First Culture
Finally, make quality a part of the organization’s culture and values. Provide training to help everyone understand and implement quality practices.
Encourage continuous improvement by regularly reviewing results and celebrating successes. View failures as learning opportunities. For example, Google is known for its strong quality culture. They have a principle called “Test Everything”.
Conclusion
Today’s users demand software that is reliable, fast, secure, and user-friendly. To meet these high expectations, a solid quality management strategy, encompassing both quality assurance and quality control, is crucial for any organization aiming for success.
If you’re seeking a testing partner to elevate your software quality, look no further than Testlio. Our team of experts is ready to provide the insights, tools, and expertise necessary to create outstanding software products.
From test planning and execution to defect management and reporting, we can support your quality journey every step of the way. Visit Testlio to learn more about how we can help you achieve your quality goals.