State the difference between verification and validation

Verification and validation are two important concepts in the field of software engineering, but they refer to different stages of the software development process.

1. Verification: This is the process of checking that a product, system, or component meets specified requirements. It is a process-oriented approach. In other words, verification is about ensuring that you are building the product right. It involves reviews, walkthroughs, inspections, and other methods of assessment. The main goal of verification is to ensure that the product is being developed correctly and in accordance with the specified requirements.

2. Validation: This is the process of evaluating a system or component during or at the end of the development process to determine whether it satisfies the specified requirements. It is a product-oriented approach. In other words, validation is about ensuring that you are building the right product. It involves actual testing and takes place after verifications are completed. The main goal of validation is to ensure that the product actually meets the user's needs and that the specifications were correct in the first place.

In summary, verification is about checking that the product has been built according to the requirements and design specifications, while validation is about ensuring that the product actually meets the user's needs.