What is the difference between efficient and effective?


Q: What is the difference between efficient and effective?

A: "Efficient" means having a high ratio of output to input; which means working or producing with a minimum of waste. For example, "An efficient engine saves gas." Or, "An efficient test engineer saves time".

"Effective", on the other hand, means producing or capable of producing an intended result, or having a striking effect. For example, "For rapid long-distance transportation, the jet engine is more effective than a witch's broomstick". Or, "For developing software test procedures, engineers specializing in software testing are more effective than engineers who are generalists".


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