What is the difference between Software Development Quality Assurance vs Software Testing?

Career: Software Development Quality Assurance

AspectSoftware Development Quality AssuranceSoftware Testing
FocusProcesses, standards, and overall quality management throughout the development lifecycleExecution of test cases to identify bugs and issues in the software
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping quality processes, audits, and ensuring compliance with standardsDesigning, executing, and reporting on test cases and scenarios
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of QA methodologies, process improvement, certifications like ISTQBTesting techniques, tools, and certifications like ISTQB
Work EnvironmentCollaborative with development teams, process-orientedHands-on testing, often in dedicated testing teams

While both roles aim to improve software quality, Software Development Quality Assurance focuses on establishing and maintaining quality processes across the development lifecycle, whereas Software Testing concentrates on executing tests to find bugs. QA ensures the overall quality standards are met, while testing verifies specific functionalities.