What is the comprehensive process concerned with all lifecycle activities to evaluate software products to ensure they satisfy specified requirements?

The comprehensive process that evaluates software products throughout their lifecycle to ensure they meet specified requirements is testing. Testing involves a series of activities designed to identify defects, ensure that the software functions as intended, and confirm that it satisfies both functional and non-functional requirements.

The testing process encompasses different stages, including unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing, each aimed at validating various aspects of the software. It ensures that the end product not only performs correctly but also aligns with user expectations and business objectives.

While quality assurance relates to processes that ensure quality throughout the development lifecycle, its focus is broader than just the evaluation of the product. Verification and validation also play critical roles but are narrower in scope compared to the broader testing process. Verification checks whether the product development aligns with requirements and specifications, while validation ensures that the product meets the needs of the user in real-world scenarios. Testing integrates these activities to comprehensively assess the software.