What is the difference between verification and validation?

The distinction between verification and validation is fundamental in software testing and quality assurance. Verification is the process of evaluating whether the product meets the specified requirements at various stages of development. It essentially asks, "Are we building the right product?" In other words, it ensures that the development process has produced the appropriate artifacts, such as design specifications, code, and documentation, conforming to the requirements agreed upon at the start.

Validation, on the other hand, is concerned with assessing whether the product meets the needs and expectations of the user when it is complete. It poses the question, "Are we building the product right?" This process involves evaluating the final product in terms of functionality, usability, and overall performance against the requirements it was meant to meet.

In summary, the correct answer highlights that verification is about ensuring the product is built to specified standards and requirements, while validation ensures that it achieves the intended use and purpose effectively for the end-users. Understanding this difference aids in the development of high-quality software that aligns both with technical specifications and user expectations.