What is Defect Management?

Software Quality Assurance Questions Medium



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What is Defect Management?

Defect management is a crucial aspect of software quality assurance that involves the identification, tracking, and resolution of defects or issues found in software products or systems. It is a systematic process that aims to ensure that defects are effectively managed throughout the software development lifecycle.

Defect management typically involves the following steps:

1. Defect identification: Defects are identified through various means such as testing, code reviews, customer feedback, or user reports. This step involves thoroughly examining the software to identify any deviations from the expected behavior or functionality.

2. Defect logging: Once a defect is identified, it is logged into a defect tracking system or tool. This includes capturing relevant information about the defect, such as its severity, priority, steps to reproduce, and any supporting documentation or screenshots.

3. Defect classification and prioritization: Defects are classified based on their impact on the software's functionality, usability, performance, or security. They are also prioritized based on their severity and business impact. This helps in allocating resources and addressing critical defects first.

4. Defect assignment and ownership: Defects are assigned to the appropriate team members or developers responsible for fixing them. Each defect should have a clear owner who is accountable for its resolution.

5. Defect resolution: The assigned team members or developers work on fixing the defects by analyzing the root cause, making necessary code changes, and performing retesting to ensure the defect is resolved. This may involve collaboration with other stakeholders, such as designers or architects, to address complex defects.

6. Defect verification and closure: Once a defect is fixed, it undergoes verification to ensure that the resolution is effective and does not introduce any new issues. The defect is then closed in the defect tracking system, indicating its successful resolution.

7. Defect analysis and reporting: Defect management also involves analyzing the collected defect data to identify trends, patterns, or recurring issues. This analysis helps in identifying areas for process improvement and making informed decisions to prevent similar defects in the future. Defect reports are generated to provide stakeholders with visibility into the defect status, trends, and overall software quality.

Overall, defect management plays a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality software by effectively managing and resolving defects throughout the software development lifecycle. It helps in improving customer satisfaction, reducing rework, and enhancing the overall reliability and performance of software products or systems.