I call a bug a defect in the system or product. In short, a bug means that the system behaves differently than expected. First, I look for the observable failure. Then, I try to reproduce it. For example, the user sees a wrong value. Then, I note the steps that lead to that value. Next, I classify the bug by severity and priority. Additionally, I record the environment and the version. Finally, I assign the bug to the right person or team.
I distinguish between error, fault, and failure, I use error for the human mistake, I use fault for the incorrect code, requirement, or design, and I use failure for the visible wrong behavior. Moreover, I treat the terms defect and bug as synonyms in everyday use. However, I prefer defect in formal requirements engineering documents.
I connect bugs to requirements. If the cause lies in the requirements, I call the necessary change a corrective change. Consequently, I trace the bug back to the requirement. In addition, I update the requirement if it proves wrong. Therefore, I keep requirements traceability up to date. As a result, I reduce repeated defects later.
I follow a clear lifecycle for bugs. First, I detect the bug. Second, I report it with a clear description. Third, I triage it to decide importance and scope. Fourth, I assign it for fixing. Fifth, I implement the fix. Sixth, I verify the fix with tests. Seventh, I close the bug once tests pass. Meanwhile, I log all decisions and changes. This way, I support audits and future analysis.
I use root cause analysis to find the real source. For example, I ask whether a test, design, code, or requirement caused the issue. Furthermore, I ask whether the problem stems from the environment or from incorrect assumptions. Consequently, I prevent similar bugs later. In addition, I use regression tests to ensure fixes do not break other functions.
I recommend clear reports. First, I include steps to reproduce. Second, I include expected and actual results. Third, I include screenshots, logs, and version numbers. Moreover, I tag the report with severity, priority, and component. Then, I link the bug to related requirements, tasks, and tests. This practice improves communication across teams.
I also manage bug fixes with branching when needed. For example, I create a bug-fix branch for urgent changes while developers work on new features. Then, I merge the fix back to the main branch after testing. However, I keep the number of branches low. Otherwise, I increase complexity in development and testing.
In agile contexts, I integrate bug handling into the backlog. In addition, I treat critical bugs as top priority items. Meanwhile, I use short feedback loops to resolve them quickly. Also, I ensure that teams learn from bug patterns. As a result, I improve product quality and reduce future defects.
If the provided context seems thin, I note that briefly. Nevertheless, I base this entry on common requirements engineering and agile practices. Consequently, I aim to give you a practical, translation-friendly definition of bug and how I handle it in practice.