Verification definition
Verification is the process of determining if a product or system meets specific requirements. We use it to ensure that the object behaves as intended through a series of tests, inspections, or evaluations.
Verification requires a systematic and structured approach. For example, in software development, verification will include code reviews, static analysis, and unit testing. In manufacturing, it would involve quality checks and inspections of materials and products. Verification processes will likely have strict rules that must adhere to industry standards. In some industries, verification is simply useful. In other, though, it is critical. For example, if a new drug fails verification, the company is not allowed to sell it. But if the latest update on your app makes it crash more often, it might result in a few bad reviews on the App Store.
See also: data verification, signature verification
Verification advantages
- Verification ensures that products meet the required standards, leading to higher quality outputs.
- By catching errors early, verification can prevent expensive mistakes.
- When a product or system is verified, it increases end-users' and stakeholders' confidence.
Verification disadvantages
- The verification process can be lengthy and even delay product releases — especially if faults are found.
- Verification often requires specialized tools, expertise, and sometimes extra personnel. All of it requires extra financing.
- It is not foolproof. Even with rigorous verification, some errors might still go undetected.
