What role does 'validation' play in the software development lifecycle?

Validation in the software development lifecycle is crucial as it focuses on ensuring that the software product meets the needs and expectations of the users for whom it was designed. This process ensures that the system actually fulfills its intended purpose and provides the expected results when used in a real-world context.

By performing validation, teams can verify that the software works according to user requirements and that it is fit for use. This involves checking that the software achieves the right functionality, user experience, and performance expectations. It goes beyond simply checking whether the product has been built correctly (which is typically addressed in verification) to affirming that it is suitable for its intended use in practice.

This focus on intended use is particularly critical in Agile environments, where user feedback loops can impact both current and future development iterations. Validation helps to minimize misalignment between the software being built and the users' needs, thereby improving overall satisfaction and reducing the risk of costly rework later in the development process.

The other options touch on various aspects of the software development lifecycle, but they do not encapsulate the specific essence of validation. Documenting requirements, designing interfaces, and conducting tests mid-development are all important but do not directly address the ultimate goal of confirming that the software does what the users truly