How is software quality assurance crucial in the development lifecycle?

Software quality assurance (QA) plays a pivotal role in the development lifecycle by ensuring that the product not only functions as intended but also meets the specified requirements and standards established at the beginning of the project. This involves a set of planned and systematic activities aimed at providing adequate confidence that the software will perform satisfactorily in specified conditions.

Focusing on specified requirements means that QA processes, such as testing, reviews, and audits, are conducted throughout the development stages. This thorough vetting helps to identify defects early, ensuring adherence to functionality, performance, reliability, and other quality attributes defined in the project specifications. By confirming that the software meets these requirements, organizations can deliver a product that satisfies users' needs and complies with regulatory or industry standards, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and trust in the software.

While improving development speed and reducing project costs may be side benefits, these aspects depend on the strategic application of QA processes rather than being direct outcomes of effective quality assurance. Limiting features is generally not a goal of QA; instead, the focus is on ensuring that all intended features work correctly and contribute positively to the overall quality of the product.