What we have learned from over three decades of software development is that, if done properly, Software QA and Software V & V activities can have a significant impact on the ability of an organization to deliver higher quality software on time.

Frequently, Software QA groups are established with an initial focus on testing. While this approach has benefits, we have also learned that the the sooner a defect is found, the cheaper and easier it is to correct. This fact has resulted in Software QA groups performing tasks typically associated with Software V & V. These tasks track the activities performed by the project team, beginning when the requirements are defined and continuing through design, coding, testing and release.

Further, I have observed that Software QA engineers have had little in the way of formal training in software QA tasks. This is primarily due to the fact that many software QA engineers have changed careers. Even within the software engineering community, however, we see an inordinate emphasis on programming skills at the undergraduate level. Very few undergraduate computer science or software engineering curricula include coursework in areas related to testing and software quality.

My book provides an overview of basic Software QA activities for those people who are in the field but have not had any training.