Understanding Software Bugs: Lifecycle, Types, and Key Differences

What is a Bug?

A bug (also known as a defect) is a deviation of the actual result from the expected result. Bugs are documented in bug reports and play a crucial role in software testing and quality assurance.

Expected result – A description of how the system should function according to the documentation.
Actual result – The outcome observed by the tester during testing, reflects the system’s real behavior.

Bug Lifecycle

Bugs go through several stages before they are resolved or dismissed. Understanding the bug lifecycle helps streamline debugging and ensures better software quality.

New (New) – A newly discovered bug that has been logged into the system.
Rejected (Rejected) – The bug is declined due to poor description, duplication, or inability to reproduce.
Assigned (Assigned) – The defect is acknowledged and assigned for fixing.
Fixed (Fixed) – The defect has been resolved and awaits verification by testers.
Reopened (Re-opened) – If the issue is not properly resolved, it is reopened for further fixes.
Closed (Closed) – The bug is confirmed as resolved or is no longer relevant.

Additional statuses may include Deferred (postponed for future releases) or Verified (validated by testers before closure).

Bug vs. Error vs. Failure

Error – A mistake in code written by a developer that leads to incorrect results.
Defect (Bug) – A hidden flaw in the software caused by an error in the code. When found by a tester, it is referred to as a bug.
Failure – A defect that was not caught during testing and is discovered by an end user.

Bug vs. Feature: Understanding the Difference

The phrase “Not a bug, but a feature” humorously highlights the distinction between accidental issues and intentionally designed functionalities. While a bug is an unintended error that disrupts software performance, a feature is a deliberately added function that differentiates the product from others.

Understanding bugs and their lifecycle is essential for software testers and developers. Proper bug management ensures higher software quality, minimizes risks, and improves user satisfaction. By effectively identifying and resolving bugs, teams can create more reliable and efficient applications.

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Mykola Oleksiienko

An article author for OrderTesting, specializing in web and mobile application testing. Shares expertise in QA, testing tools, and best practices for quality assurance.

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