What is the difference between quality assurance and quality control?

Quality assurance, or QA, focuses on the process and is proactive. It involves auditing quality requirements and the results of quality control measurements to ensure appropriate quality standards and operational processes are being used. QA prevents defects by improving processes. Quality control, or QC, focuses on the product and is reactive. It involves monitoring and recording results of executing quality activities to assess performance and ensure project deliverables meet requirements. QC detects defects through inspection and testing.