Defect logging, a crucial aspect of Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC), involves the systematic identification, recording, and tracking of defects or issues found during the testing process.
- Identification: Defect logging begins with the identification of anomalies, inconsistencies, or deviations from expected behavior in the software under test. Testers, through various testing techniques like functional, non-functional, and regression testing, meticulously examine the software to uncover defects.
- Recording: Once a defect is identified, it needs to be documented accurately. This includes providing a clear description of the issue, steps to reproduce it, expected behavior versus actual behavior, severity level, and any other pertinent details. The defect logging process typically involves using a defect tracking tool or software, where testers can input this information systematically.
- Classification: Defects are classified based on their severity, priority, and type. Severity indicates the impact of the defect on the software’s functionality or performance, ranging from critical (system crash) to minor (cosmetic issue). Priority determines the order in which defects should be addressed, considering factors like business impact and project timeline. Types of defects may include functional, performance, usability, compatibility, or security issues.
- Assignment: Once logged, defects are assigned to the appropriate team members responsible for their resolution. This could be developers, designers, or other stakeholders depending on the nature of the defect. Assignments are often based on factors such as expertise, workload, and project priorities.
- Tracking: Throughout the defect resolution process, tracking is essential to monitor the status of each defect. Testers keep a close eye on the progress, updating the defect’s status as it moves through various stages such as open, assigned, in progress, fixed, retested, and closed. Regular communication among team members ensures transparency and facilitates timely resolution.
- Resolution: Developers address the logged defects by identifying the root cause and implementing appropriate fixes. They may communicate with testers to clarify details or gather additional information if needed. Once resolved, developers mark the defect as fixed, triggering the retesting phase.
- Verification and Closure: Testers verify the fixes implemented by retesting the affected functionality to ensure the defect has been successfully resolved. If the fix passes verification, testers close the defect, indicating its resolution. However, if the issue persists or new issues arise, the defect may be reopened for further investigation and resolution iterations.
- Documentation and Analysis: Finally, all resolved defects, along with their corresponding details and resolution actions, are documented for future reference and analysis. This documentation helps teams identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement in the development process, contributing to overall quality enhancement.
Defect logging is an iterative process that continues throughout the software development life cycle, ensuring that quality standards are met and delivering a reliable and robust software product to end-users.