What is the Difference Between Walkthrough and Inspection?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a walkthrough and an inspection lies in their purpose, process, and the level of formality. Here are the key differences:
- Purpose:
- Walkthrough: A walkthrough is an informal evaluation process conducted to ensure that the product meets the desired requirements and identifies any defects or issues. It is initiated by the author and typically involves peers questioning and commenting on the artifact to identify as many defects as possible.
- Inspection: An inspection is a formal, rigorous, in-depth review designed to identify problems as close to their point of origin as possible. It aims to improve the reliability, availability, and maintainability of the product.
- Process:
- Walkthrough: A walkthrough is an informal meeting where the author describes and explains the work product to peers or supervisors. It involves no prior preparation by the audience and usually involves minimal documentation.
- Inspection: An inspection is a disciplined practice that involves careful planning and preparation. Inspections are initiated by the project team and involve a group of relevant persons from different departments. They follow a structured process that includes overview, preparation, inspection, rework, and follow-up.
- Formality:
- Walkthrough: A walkthrough is an informal process that can be compared to an "over-the-shoulder review" or an open conversation between team members. It is initiated by the author and is less formal than an inspection.
- Inspection: An inspection is a formal process that is carefully considered by an organization that concerns about the quality of the product. It is initiated by the project team and follows a strict procedure.
While both walkthroughs and inspections aim to identify defects and issues in a product, their approaches and levels of formality differ. Walkthroughs are more informal and less structured, while inspections follow a strict process and involve a higher level of planning and preparation.
Comparative Table: Walkthrough vs Inspection
Here is a table comparing the differences between a walkthrough and an inspection:
| Feature | Walkthrough | Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Informal group/individual review to gain feedback and validate the proposed solution | Formal, rigorous, in-depth group review designed to identify problems as close to their point of origin as possible |
| Structure | Informal, no specific rules or criteria | Defined roles, rules, and criteria |
| Participants | Usually team members of the same project | A group of relevant persons from different departments |
| Checklist | No checklist used | Checklist used to find faults |
| Process | Overview, little or no preparation, examination (actual walkthrough meeting), rework and follow up | Overview, preparation, inspection, rework and follow up |
In summary, a walkthrough is an informal review process where the author of a work product describes and explains the product to peers or supervisors to gain feedback and validate the proposed solution. In contrast, an inspection is a formal, rigorous process with defined roles, rules, and criteria, aimed at identifying problems as close to their point of origin as possible.
- Audit vs Inspection
- Auditing vs Investigation
- Inquiry vs Investigation
- Review vs Audit
- Procedure vs Work Instruction
- Investigation vs Interrogation
- Reflection vs Introspection
- Look vs See
- Interview vs Interrogation
- Observation vs Interpretation
- Audit vs Evaluation
- Introspection vs Retrospection
- Hiking vs Walking
- Approach vs Methodology
- Assessment vs Evaluation
- Assessment vs Evaluation
- Analysis vs Evaluation
- Investigator vs Detective
- Questionnaire vs Survey