This article initiated due to one of our reader “Pravallika Choudary” asked one question about “Difference between quality assurance and quality control”. As a part of software testing questions I am explaining about basic differences between QA and QC. If you want to ask a question, just write a comment below or on Facebook page SoftwareTestingClass.

 

So let’s start with the introduction of Quality Assurance and Quality Control:

Quality Assurance (QA): The function of software quality that assures that the standards, processes, and procedures are appropriate for the project and are correctly implemented. Statistical Tools & Techniques can be applied in both Quality Assurance & Quality Control. When they are applied to processes (process inputs & operational parameters), they are called Statistical Process Control (SPC) & it becomes the part of Quality Assurance.

Quality Control (QC): The function of software quality that checks that the project follows its standards, processes, and procedures, and that the project produces the required internal and external (deliverable) products. When statistical tools & techniques are applied to finished products (process outputs), they are called as Statistical Quality Control (SQC) & comes under Quality Control.

 

Difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control:

Quality Assurance	Quality Control
Quality Assurance is a part of quality management process which concentrate on  providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled	Quality Control is a part of quality management process which concentrates on fulfilling the quality requirements.
Quality Assurance is a set of activities for ensuring quality in the processes by which products are developed.	Quality Control is a set of activities for ensuring quality in products. The activities focus on identifying defects in the actual products produced.
Quality Assurance is the process of managing for quality;	Quality Control is used to verify the quality of the output
The goal of Quality Assurance is to prevent introducing defects in the software application which help to improve the development and testing processes.	The goal of Quality Control is to identify the defects in the software application after it is developed.
QA is Pro-active means it identifies weaknesses in the processes.	QC is Reactive means it identifies the defects and also corrects the defects or bugs also.
It does not involve executing the program or code.	It always involves executing the program or code.
All peoples who are involved in the developing software application as responsible for the quality assurance.	Testing team is responsible for Quality control.
Quality Assurance is process oriented	Quality Control is product oriented
Quality Assurance basically aim to prevention of defects to improve the quality.	Quality Control basically aim to detection of defects to improve the quality.
It identifies weakness in processes to improve them.	It identifies defects to be fixed.
Verification is an example of Quality Assurance.	Validation/Software Testing is an example of Quality Control.
It is a staff function.	It is a line function.
It is done before Quality Control.	It is done only after Quality Assurance activity is completed.
Quality Assurance means Planning done for doing a process.	Quality Control Means Action has taken on the process by execute them.

 

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