Originally published on Benscomputer.no-ip.org Jan 2010.
Verification, Validation and Testing has become an intrinsic part of the Software Development Life Cycle, the importance of Testing throughout an applications development has been recognised with most companies now designing their processes by using the 'V' Model.
Recognition of the importance of formal testing and planning is only a relatively recent development in comparison to the art of programming itself. Not so many years ago, software was designed on the back of a cigarette packet in the pub, and then implemented, there was litle to no documentation, and very little structured testing.
Contrary to Popular Belief, Testing is not just about seeing if the end product works, if Testers are involved as soon as the Initial Specification is written, they can begin to plan later tests and also pick up on requirements that may have been omitted from the Specification. If a requirement has been incorrectly stipulated, badly defined or omitted it is far more expensive to rectify once the Implementation stage has been passed.