What are the key differences between QA and acceptance testing?

What are the key differences between QA and acceptance testing?

QA, or Quality Assurance, focuses on the overall process of ensuring quality in software development, while acceptance testing is a specific phase where the software is tested to ensure it meets business requirements.

Can you explain what QA involves?

Sure! QA involves various activities like process definition, audits, and testing to ensure that the software development process is followed correctly and that the final product is of high quality.

And what about acceptance testing?

Acceptance testing is typically the final phase of testing, where the software is evaluated against the acceptance criteria set by the client or stakeholders to ensure it meets their needs.

Are there different types of acceptance testing?

Yes, there are several types, including User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Operational Acceptance Testing (OAT), and Contract Acceptance Testing, each serving different purposes.

How do QA and acceptance testing work together?

QA ensures that the software is developed correctly, while acceptance testing verifies that it meets the user's needs, making them complementary processes in software development.