Bug Life Cycle in Software Testing

A bug life cycle, also known as a defect life cycle, refers to the various stages that a bug or defect goes through during the software testing process. This life cycle of a bug tracks its journey from discovery to resolution, detailing each phase to ensure that no issue goes unresolved. Each stage involves a specific state that represents the current status or progress of the bug.

TL;DR

• A bug life cycle tracks the stages a defect goes through, from discovery to resolution, ensuring all issues are properly addressed and fixed.
• Key stages include "New," "Assigned," "Open," "Fixed," "Pending Retest," "Retest," "Verified," and "Closed," with possible alternate statuses like "Deferred" or "Rejected."
• Bug triage prioritizes defects based on severity, while bug tracking tools like Jira streamline progress monitoring.
• Automation enhances efficiency in bug management by expediting verification and reducing human error during the life cycle stages.

Check also:

• Choose the Best Test Automation Tool: A Comprehensive Guide
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• Why Should You Use data-testid Attributes?

What is a Bug Life Cycle?

When a bug occurs, it is initially posted by the tester in a bug tracking tool like Jira, where details such as the issue description, steps to reproduce, environment details, and the "expected behavior" (if known to the person reporting the bug or linked to a specific requirement) are logged. The bug is then assigned to the developer, who is responsible for investigating and fixing it. During this time, the development team members work closely with testers to resolve the defect. As the defect moves through different states throughout its lifecycle, it may be marked as "not a bug" if it is determined that the issue is not an actual defect but a misunderstanding of the requirements. However, if it is a valid bug, the goal is to get it fixed.

Stages of the Bug Life Cycle

Let’s explore the different stages of the bug life cycle in testing:

1. New

When a tester discovers a defect during the testing phase, they log it into a bug tracking system like Jira. At this point, the defect is in the "New" state, awaiting review. Essential information such as environment details, the test case that failed, and steps to reproduce the defect are included in the bug report.

2. Assigned

Once the defect is posted, it gets assigned to the development team. The project manager or lead developer reviews the bug and assigns it to a team member for resolution. The status is changed from "New" to "Assigned."

3. Open

The developer starts working on the defect, changing the status to "Open." At this stage, the developer will investigate the bug and determine the necessary code changes to fix it.

4. Fixed

When the developer fixes the bug, the status is updated to "Fixed." The necessary changes are made, and the bug is ready for further testing.

5. Pending Retest

After the bug is marked "Fixed," it is sent back to the tester for testing. The tester checks whether the defect was truly fixed by executing the relevant test cases again. The bug is now in the "Pending Retest" stage.

6. Retest

In this stage, the tester re-tests the bug using manual or test automation techniques to verify if the bug is resolved. If the test case passes, the bug can move to the next stage.

7. Verified

If the bug is fixed and the test case no longer fails, the tester changes the status to "Verified." This confirms that the issue is no longer present in the software.

8. Closed

Once the bug is "Verified," it is marked as "Closed," signifying that the bug is resolved. If the bug fixes the issue without any problems, no further action is needed.

Other Possible States of a Bug

While the main stages define the general flow, there are other statuses that a bug can assume during its life cycle:

• Reopened: If the bug persists even after the developer fixes it, the tester can mark it as "Reopened," sending it back to the developer for further action.
• Deferred: In some cases, a bug may not be critical for the current release and is deferred to be fixed in the next release.
• Rejected or Not a Bug: If the development team determines that the reported issue is not a bug (e.g., it may be due to a misunderstanding of requirements), the status is marked as "Rejected" or "Not a Bug."

Bug Triage

Bug triage is the process of reviewing and prioritizing bugs. During triage, bugs are assigned a priority level based on their severity and impact on the software product. The testing team and project managers often decide whether to resolve the bug immediately or defer it for a future release.

The Role of Bug Tracking Tools

Tools like Jira, Bugzilla, and others play a vital role in the bug life cycle. These bug tracking systems help testers and developers stay updated on the status of bugs, track progress, and ensure no defects fall through the cracks. By using these tools, teams can easily check the current state or progress of any bug in the system.

The Importance of Automation in Bug Tracking

Automation plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of the bug tracking process, particularly when managing multiple defects or bugs throughout the life cycle stages. When a bug is identified and the defect is assigned to a developer, the software tester can rely on automated tools to ensure swift verification. Automation ensures that the test case is re-executed to check whether the defect was raised and whether the test case fails or passes after the fix.

Once the developer marks the bug as fixed, automated tests can immediately verify if the bug's behavior is resolved, changing the defect status to "verified". This process reduces the chances of human error and speeds up the overall management process. By continuously tracking the status of the bugs using tools like Jira, automated systems ensure that every bug goes through its proper life cycle without delays, even when defects move through different states such as "not a bug" or when the defect is not rejected. Automation allows for efficient handling of bugs identified and debugged, ultimately streamlining the testing life cycle.

Example of a Bug Life Cycle

Let’s take an example of a bug found in an e-commerce website:

1. New Defect: The tester finds that the checkout button on the website is not working.
2. Assigned to Developer: The bug is logged in Jira and assigned to a developer.
3. Developer to Fix: The developer investigates the issue, makes the necessary changes, and marks the bug as "Fixed."
4. Tester Re-Tests the Bug: The tester checks the functionality of the checkout button.
5. Bug Verified and Closed: If the button works correctly, the bug is marked as "Verified" and then "Closed."

Conclusion

The bug life cycle in software testing is an essential part of the software development process. Each stage of the cycle ensures that bugs are systematically tracked, resolved, and verified, leading to a high-quality software product. Whether the defect is fixed by the developer, deferred, or rejected, following a structured workflow helps ensure efficient software quality and smooth project management.

The entire bug life cycle is a collaborative effort between the testing team, development team, and project managers, all working to resolve and deliver a reliable and functional software product.

Happy (automated) testing!