3.4 - Example Defect
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Understanding Defects
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Today, we're going to discuss defects. A defect is essentially a deviation from intended functionality. Can anyone explain why identifying defects is crucial in software testing?
Isn't it important so we can fix issues before the product goes live?
Absolutely! Identifying defects ensures that we maintain quality before release. Remember, defects can impact user satisfaction and brand trust. Let's explore its classification. Can anyone suggest when we should report a defect?
We should report them whenever a feature doesnβt work as expected, right?
Exactly! We also report if there's a mismatch in expectations and actual system behavior. Next, weβll look at our defect reporting structure. Think of it as a checklist!
Key Components of a Defect Report
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Letβs dive into the components of a defect report. To begin, each defect must have a Defect ID for tracking. What else do you think is important to include?
How about a summary of the issue?
Correct! A clear summary ensures everyone understands the defect at a glance. Could someone name another component?
The steps to reproduce the defect?
Exactly! Detailed reproduction steps allow developers to witness the issue firsthand. Remember, the more detail you provide, the easier it becomes to fix it. Lastly, we should always include severity and priority. What do these terms mean?
Severity refers to how much it impacts functionality, while priority indicates how urgently we need to address it.
Absolutely right! Understanding these metrics will help prioritize fixes efficiently.
Real-World Example of a Defect
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I want to show you an example defect report. Consider the following defect: 'Error message not shown on invalid login'. What would be the components we would fill out?
The defect ID would be something like 'DE_Login_01', and the summary could be 'Missing error feedback on login screen'.
Perfect! And for steps to reproduce, weβd document entering invalid credentials and clicking login. What would the expected and actual results be?
Expected result: 'Invalid username/password' message appears. Actual result: 'No message is displayed'.
Excellent! The clarity in our defect report can significantly influence fixing this defect in a timely manner.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
We explore the concept of defects, their reporting process, and the essential components of a defect report. Special emphasis is placed on the responsibilities of Business Analysts in identifying, reporting, and clarifying defects throughout the software development lifecycle.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
In software testing, a defect (commonly known as a bug) refers to an undesired behavior or deviation from the expected system functionality as outlined in the business requirements. This section provides guidance on when and how to properly report defects, emphasizing the importance of clarity and detail in defect reporting.
Key Components of Defect Reporting
- Defect ID: A unique identifier for tracking purposes.
- Summary: A brief description of the issue.
- Description: Comprehensive steps to reproduce the defect.
- Severity: An indicator of the defect's impact on functionality, categorized as High, Medium, or Low.
- Priority: Business urgency rated as P1 (Critical), P2 (Moderate), etc.
- Environment: Where the defect occurred (e.g., Staging, Production).
- Screenshot: Visual proof if applicable.
- Status: Current state like Open, Assigned, Fixed, etc.
- Reported By: The individual who raised the defect.
Examples and Application
We provide a sample defect report illustrating these fields and explain BAβs roles in defect management, such as raising defects during User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and working with QA teams to clarify requirements and retest after fixes. Understanding the process of defect identification and reporting is critical to enhancing product quality and against revenue loss from unhandled defects. Thus, BAs work towards connecting functional expectations with organizational goals.
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Understanding a Defect
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Chapter Content
π What is a Defect?
A defect (or bug) is a deviation from the expected behavior of the system, as defined by the requirements or acceptance criteria.
Detailed Explanation
A defect, commonly referred to as a bug, occurs when the software does not operate as intended. This means that it doesn't align with the requirements or the acceptance criteria set before the software was developed. Accepting these definitions is crucial for quality assurance in software testing, as it guides testers in identifying deviations from the standard operational behavior expected of the application.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a smartphone app designed to track fitness activities. If the app states that it will log the number of calories burned during a workout, but it fails to do so, then this is a defect. Users expect the calories burned to be recorded correctly as per the app's description, and any failure to do so is a bug that needs fixing.
When to Report a Defect
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π When to Report a Defect?
β A feature doesn't work as intended
β A requirement is incorrectly implemented
β Thereβs a mismatch between UI and user story expectations
β Performance, security, or usability issues are found
Detailed Explanation
Defects should be reported whenever there is a noticeable issue in the software product. The four key areas to monitor include: first, when a feature fails to operate as designed; second, if any requirement seems to have been implemented incorrectly; third, instances where the User Interface (UI) does not align with what was established in user stories; and lastly, if any concerns arise regarding performance, security, or usability.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a car that has a feature supposed to alert you when you exceed the speed limit. If this alert doesn't trigger when it should, or if it gives false information, that's a feature not working as intended. Similarly, if the navigation system's interface is confusing, leading to missed routes or incorrect directions, these issues represent the mismatches and usability problems a user would rightly report as defects.
Defect Report Template
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π Defect Report Template (Fields)
Field Description
Defec Unique identifier
t ID
Sum Short title of the issue
mary
Descr Detailed steps to reproduce
iption
Sever Impact on functionality (High, Medium, Low)
ity
Priori Business urgency (P1 - Critical, P2 -
ty Moderate, etc.)
Envir Where the issue occurred (Staging, Prod,
onme etc.)
nt
Scree Visual evidence if applicable
nshot
s
Statu Open, Assigned, Fixed, Retested, Closed,
s etc.
Repor Name of the person raising the defect
ted
By
Detailed Explanation
The defect report template is a structured format for documenting issues in the software. It includes key fields such as 'Defect ID' for unique tracking, 'Summary' for a brief title, and 'Description' for detailed steps to reproduce the defect. It also assesses the severity, priority level, environment (like staging or production), and the current status of the defect. Each piece of information is vital for the developers and QA teams to understand, prioritize, and address the defect efficiently.
Examples & Analogies
Consider it akin to filling out a maintenance request for a broken appliance in your home. You would note the appliance (like a refrigerator), describe the issue (not cooling properly), indicate how critical the failure is for food preservation, mention when and where the problem was observed, and finally, provide your contact information so the repair service can follow up. This structured approach ensures the service team has all the relevant information to address the issue effectively.
Example Defect
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Chapter Content
π Example Defect
Field Sample Entry
Summary Error message not shown on invalid login
Severity Medium
Priority P2
Steps to 1. Go to Login Page
Reproduce
2. Enter wrong credentials
3. Click Login
Expected βInvalid username/passwordβ message
Result should appear
Actual No message is displayed
Result
Status Open
Detailed Explanation
In this example defect, the issue is that an error message does not appear when a user enters incorrect login credentials. With a medium severity and priority level, this defect has an immediate impact on user experience, as users depend on feedback from the system to understand why they are unable to log in. The steps to reproduce the defect provide clarity on how testers can consistently replicate the issue in order to analyze and fix it.
Examples & Analogies
This situation can be compared to a customer service process where the system fails to provide feedback when a customer enters incorrect billing information online. If a message indicating the mistake does not appear, the customer may repeatedly attempt to enter their information without realizing the issue, leading to frustration. Hence, just as a clear error message can enhance user experience in a web service, identifying and addressing such defects in software is critical.
BAβs Role in Defect Management
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Chapter Content
BAβs Role:
β Raise defects found during UAT or requirement validation
β Clarify misunderstood requirements during defect triage
β Retest or support test case updates after fix is applied
Detailed Explanation
Business Analysts (BAs) play a vital role in defect management by identifying issues during User Acceptance Testing (UAT) or when validating the requirements. They are also responsible for clarifying any misunderstandings that occur during the defect triage process, helping to ensure that developers accurately address defects. After fixes have been applied, BAs support retesting to confirm that defects have been resolved effectively and that the software aligns with the requirements.
Examples & Analogies
Think of the BA's role as that of a quality control manager in a manufacturing plant. As products roll off the assembly line, the manager identifies any defects, tells the production team what went wrong, and ensures that fixes are implemented before the products reach customers. Similarly, BAs ensure the software meets quality standards and user expectations through vigilant defect management.
Key Concepts
-
Defect: A problem in a software application that deviates from expected functionality.
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Defect Report Components: Essential fields like Defect ID, Summary, Severity, and Priority for complete defect documentation.
-
Business Analyst's Role: In helping identify, document, and clarify defects during software testing.
Examples & Applications
We provide a sample defect report illustrating these fields and explain BAβs roles in defect management, such as raising defects during User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and working with QA teams to clarify requirements and retest after fixes. Understanding the process of defect identification and reporting is critical to enhancing product quality and against revenue loss from unhandled defects. Thus, BAs work towards connecting functional expectations with organizational goals.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Defects are a mess, they cause us stress, fix them quick, to avoid the next distress.
Stories
Once, a team faced a system crash during an upgrade; without clear defect reports, the issue remained unsolved--until they honed their reporting skills and turned chaos into clarity.
Memory Tools
Remember UID-SPIE for defect reports: Unique ID, Summary, Steps, Priority, Impact, Evidence.
Acronyms
DEPT for Defect Reporting
Defect ID
Errors in expectation
Priority
Timeliness.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Defect
A deviation from the expected behavior of the system, indicating an issue that needs resolution.
- Severity
The impact of a defect on system functionality categorized as High, Medium, or Low.
- Priority
The urgency assigned to fixing a defect categorized as Critical, Moderate, etc.
- Defect Report
A detailed document outlining the nature of the defect, reproduction steps, and other critical information.
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