What does validation in software development determine?

Validation in software development is a crucial process that focuses on ensuring that the software meets the user needs and requirements. This involves confirming that the final product is built correctly according to the specified requirements and that it fulfills the intended purpose for its users. Validation seeks to answer the question, “Are we building the right product?”

This process typically encompasses various activities such as user acceptance testing, review sessions, and feedback loops with stakeholders to ascertain that the implemented features actually align with user expectations and fulfill their functional requirements. Thus, validation goes beyond mere implementation; it asserts that the output is appropriate and effective for the end-users.

In contrast, the other aspects mentioned, such as performance speed, completeness of documentation, and identification of security vulnerabilities, while still important in the software development lifecycle, are not the primary focus of the validation process. Performance speed relates more to the operational efficiency of the software rather than its alignment with user needs. Similarly, completeness of documentation is more about the thoroughness of supporting materials rather than the product's functionality. Security vulnerabilities pertain to potential weaknesses in the software and are typically addressed through testing practices like verification or security assessments rather than validation itself.