How to Log a Defect/Bug in Software Testing

 

How to Log a Defect/Bug in Software Testing

Effective defect or bug reporting is a crucial aspect of software testing. A well-documented bug report not only helps developers understand the issue quickly but also accelerates the process of resolving it. In this post, we’ll explore the best practices for logging a defect or bug with a very detailed description to ensure that nothing is left unclear or ambiguous.

Understanding the Basics of a Bug Report

A bug or defect in software testing is an error, flaw, or issue in a software application that causes it to produce an incorrect or unexpected result, or to behave in unintended ways. Before diving into the details, let's recap the fundamental components of a bug report:

  1. Title: A concise summary of the defect.
  2. Description: A detailed explanation of the defect.
  3. Steps to Reproduce: A step-by-step guide to recreate the issue.
  4. Expected Result: What should happen if there were no bug.
  5. Actual Result: What actually happens due to the bug.
  6. Environment Details: Information about the system and environment where the bug was found.
  7. Severity and Priority: The impact and urgency of the bug.
  8. Attachments: Screenshots, logs, or any other files that help illustrate the defect.

Crafting a Detailed Bug Report

Let's break down each component with tips and best practices:

1. Title

The title should be brief yet descriptive. It should give a clear indication of the issue at a glance.

Example:

  • Poor: "Error on login"
  • Better: "Login page throws '500 Internal Server Error' when submitting valid credentials"

2. Description

The description should provide a thorough explanation of the defect. It should include:

  • Overview: A brief summary of the issue.
  • Impact: How the defect affects the user or system.
  • Frequency: How often the defect occurs (e.g., always, sometimes, rarely).

Example: "The login page throws a '500 Internal Server Error' when a user submits valid credentials. This prevents users from accessing their accounts and impacts all user roles. The issue occurs consistently across all tested environments."

3. Steps to Reproduce

Clear and precise steps to reproduce the defect are crucial. Number each step and include every action required to encounter the bug.

Example:

  1. Navigate to the login page.
  2. Enter valid username and password.
  3. Click on the 'Login' button.

4. Expected Result

Describe what should happen if the bug were not present.

Example: "Upon clicking the 'Login' button, the user should be redirected to their dashboard."

5. Actual Result

Describe what actually happens due to the defect.

Example: "After clicking the 'Login' button, a '500 Internal Server Error' is displayed, and the user remains on the login page."

6. Environment Details

Include all relevant details about the environment in which the bug was found. This may include:

  • Browser and version
  • Operating system and version
  • Device type
  • Application version
  • Network conditions

Example:

  • Browser: Google Chrome Version 91.0.4472.124
  • OS: Windows 10 Pro Version 21H1
  • Device: Desktop
  • Application Version: 2.1.45
  • Network: Stable high-speed internet connection

7. Severity and Priority

Determine the impact of the defect (severity) and the urgency to fix it (priority).

Example:

  • Severity: High
  • Priority: Critical

8. Attachments

Include any supporting files that help illustrate the defect. Screenshots, video recordings, and logs can be incredibly useful.

Example:

  • Screenshot of the error message
  • Log files from the server
  • Video demonstrating the steps to reproduce the issue

Example of a Detailed Bug Report

Title: Login page throws '500 Internal Server Error' when submitting valid credentials

Description: "The login page throws a '500 Internal Server Error' when a user submits valid credentials. This prevents users from accessing their accounts and impacts all user roles. The issue occurs consistently across all tested environments."

Steps to Reproduce:

  1. Navigate to the login page.
  2. Enter valid username and password.
  3. Click on the 'Login' button.

Expected Result: "Upon clicking the 'Login' button, the user should be redirected to their dashboard."

Actual Result: "After clicking the 'Login' button, a '500 Internal Server Error' is displayed, and the user remains on the login page."

Environment Details:

  • Browser: Google Chrome Version 91.0.4472.124
  • OS: Windows 10 Pro Version 21H1
  • Device: Desktop
  • Application Version: 2.1.45
  • Network: Stable high-speed internet connection

Severity: High Priority: Critical

Attachments:

Conclusion

Logging a defect or bug with a detailed description is essential for effective communication between testers and developers. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your bug reports are clear, concise, and actionable, ultimately leading to faster resolutions and a more stable software product.




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