What Does QA Mean in Software Development

Quality assurance, or QA, is an essential process in the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Yet, defining software quality is challenging, since everyone defines software quality on their terms. Usually, the quality of a particular software is determined by how well it suits requirements and expectations.

If you want to work in IT, the chances are that you have thought about a quality assurance career. So, keep reading to discover what QA means in software development.

What is Quality Assurance in Software Development?

Simply put, quality assurance is a process that identifies, achieves, and maintains quality requirements for developing high-quality software products. A well thought quality assurance process could benefit an individual or an entity in so many ways. For instance, it has the power to enhance customer reliability and trust by releasing functional and usable products.

Moreover, it can enhance workflow and improve the reliability of the software developer. The quality assurance process goes beyond ensuring quality. It also strives to eliminate waste processes in the Software Development Lifecycle. To do this, quality assurance specialists conduct various tests to identify flaws and develop viable technical solutions.

QA usually works together with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to create an effective system. The quality assurance process was mainly used in the manufacturing industry in the past. However, things have changed, and it is now widespread in almost all industries, including IT.

Is Quality Assurance Different From Software Testing?

Although software testing and quality assurance strive to ensure that the final product meets the expected standards, they are different. For instance, quality assurance aims to ensure that the final product meets the client’s requirements. As such, quality assurance specialists are involved in developing and implementing the product to ensure the implementation teams follow the procedure.

The QA process is continuous to prevent defects and improve the product. On the other hand, software testing focuses on detecting technical flaws in the software. To do this, software testing specialists conduct numerous tests to identify existing defects and have them fixed before the launch.

Software testers only worry about detecting bugs and not fixing them.

Quality Assurance Vs. Quality Control

Both processes are interchangeable. However, both approaches are different. Quality assurance aims to identify and prevent flaws, while quality control strives to correct these flaws. QA is performed by any member of the quality assurance team. On the other hand, quality control is left to a team of specialists.

 Nevertheless, quality control is part of quality assurance, while quality assurance is a meta-process of quality control.

Why is Quality Assurance Important?

Quality assurance allows companies to develop and release products that exceed the expectation of their clients. Launching high-quality products benefit the company in various ways such as:

• Enhancing consumer trust and reliability.
• Improving workflow.
• Reducing time wastage.
• Enhancing loyalty.

How to Become a Quality Assurance Specialist?

Whether you are unemployed, a stay-at-home mom, or an immigrant, enrolling in an online Quality Assurance Training Course at Spin Career will open your doors to several opportunities. Above all, 90% of quality assurance jobs are remote offers, and QA specialists are in demand. It is also easy to learn QA from scratch.