Quick Definition:
Quality Assurance (QA) is a proactive process that focuses on preventing defects by ensuring the project follows the right standards. Quality Control (QC) is a reactive process that focuses on identifying defects in the final deliverables.
Key Differences
| Feature | Quality Assurance (QA) | Quality Control (QC) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Process-oriented | Product-oriented |
| Approach | Proactive (Prevention) | Reactive (Detection) |
| Timing | During development | After development |
Why You Need Both
QA ensures that you are building the product correctly, while QC ensures that the final product meets the requirements. Both are essential for delivering a high-quality project.