What is the purpose of a defect tracking system in software testing?

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What is the purpose of a defect tracking system in software testing?

The purpose of a defect tracking system in software testing is to effectively manage and track the defects or issues identified during the testing process. It serves as a centralized repository where testers can log, prioritize, assign, and track the progress of each defect until it is resolved.

Some key purposes of a defect tracking system include:

1. Issue identification and documentation: It allows testers to document and describe the defects or issues found during testing, including their severity, impact, and steps to reproduce. This helps in providing clear and concise information to developers and other stakeholders.

2. Prioritization and assignment: The defect tracking system helps in prioritizing the defects based on their severity, impact, and business priorities. It allows project managers or team leads to assign the defects to the appropriate team members for resolution.

3. Progress tracking and monitoring: It enables the tracking of the defect resolution process, including the status, progress, and any updates made. This helps in monitoring the overall defect resolution progress and ensures timely resolution.

4. Collaboration and communication: The defect tracking system facilitates effective collaboration and communication between testers, developers, and other stakeholders. It allows them to add comments, attachments, or notes related to the defects, enabling better understanding and resolution.

5. Metrics and reporting: It provides valuable metrics and reports related to defects, such as defect density, defect aging, defect closure rate, etc. These metrics help in analyzing the quality of the software, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions for process improvement.

Overall, a defect tracking system plays a crucial role in ensuring that defects are properly managed, resolved, and tracked throughout the software testing lifecycle, leading to improved software quality and customer satisfaction.